Just in time for spring break, Adventure Island announced two new attractions coming to the Tampa water park next year.
Tampa Bay’s theme parks continue to have a major comeback after the pandemic upended the industry in 2020. Just as sister park Busch Gardens is set to finally open the historic Iron Gwazi coaster in 2022, neighboring Adventure Island is planning new ride debuts of its own.
First is the new Rapids Racer, which pits two-person rafts against one another in a race through nearly 600 feet of slide. The high-speed slide also features several openings to check out your opponent and two “dueling saucers” to spin through.
The other new attraction is an update to the popular Wahoo Run raft ride. Instead of just the sights and sounds of the rushing water, Wahoo Remix riders will get synchronized lights and sounds for the “ultimate party vibes.” The ride’s enclosed tunnels will also get a facelift to glow instead of plunging riders through the dark.
Both rides are planned to open in March.
Situated between those rides is the park’s just-opened Hang Ten Tiki Bar, the park’s full-service bar with specialty cocktails, local beer and a regional and international rum selection.
“The all-new Rapids Racer and new enhancements to another fan-favorite attraction with Wahoo Remix will elevate the Adventure Island guest experience in an unprecedented way in 2022,” said Neal Thurman, president of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, in a release. “With recently announced year-round operations, it’s going to be a momentous year for water park fans, as our guests can now splash in the sun and take on thrills from January to December.”
New attractions aren’t the only things Adventure Island has to celebrate this year and next. The water park announced this summer that it will remain open year-round after upgrading pools and rides with heaters. In the past, Adventure Island would close for much of the fall and winter months and reopen in time for spring break crowds. But this being Florida, it wouldn’t be surprising to see people flock to the water park even in December or January.
Adventure Island continues to offer deals on Fun Cards, with a $74.99 pass letting you get into the park for the rest of 2021 and all of 2022. Busch Gardens also has a $119.99 Fun Card with the same perks and a two-park Fun Card that includes the theme park and the water park for $169.98.
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