Busch Gardens Announces New Rollercoaster Opening In 2024

If you're a thrill seeker you'll be very excited to hear that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced a new rollercoaster opening in 2024.

I absolutely love Busch Gardens. I have to be honest that I go less for the rides and more for the animals. I also enjoy the special events like the Food & Wine Festival, Mardi Gras, Bier Fest and the fun holiday events like Howl-O-Scream, which is going on now. I think the reason I love the park so much is that there is something for everyone.

But if you're an adrenaline junkie, Busch Gardens definitely has some amazing coasters.  From the heart-pounding intensity of SheiKra, with its stomach-churning 90-degree drop, to the unique spinning coaster, Cobra's Curse. Of course Iron Gwazi is fan favorite offering a 206 foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and top speeds of 76 miles per hour.

According to a press release, coming in Spring of 2024, Busch Gardens has announced its newest roller coaster Phoenix Rising. This will be the park's 10th coaster and will be a new addition to the Pantopia area of the park. You'll be soaring high above the Serengeti Plain on this suspended coaster in cars that swing side to side. “Phoenix Rising” will also be the first coaster to feature on-board audio, with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack.

Like Busch Gardens has done in the past with new coasters, annual pass holders will get to experience the ride before it opens to the public. An exact opening date has yet to be announced.

For park tickets and more info click here

Fall is officially here and the stores are full of Halloween costumes, candy and décor. It's a fun time of year. Do you like to dress up, like a good scare? Perhaps you just like to get out and enjoy some good old fashioned pumpkin carving. It is all possible in the coming weeks. To help you navigate, we've put together a list of the best Halloween events in Southwest Florida. Whether you live in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte or anywhere in between, there is something in close proximity.

Many activities, parties and celebrations were canceled last year due to such widespread damage from Hurricane Ian. Party goers are ready to make up for lost time and it appears there are lots of places and events to accommodate. Halloween is not just for the little kids. There are lots of things for the big kids to do too. Here you will find everything from hayrides to concerts. In addition, trivia nights, boat cruises, wine tastings, and everything in between.

Some events have costume contests. Stay tuned for a separate rundown specifically for costume events. In the meantime, take not. Events are both inside and outside. Some could be affected by the weather. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check social media sites for updates if you have any doubts. Dress up. Get out. Halloween in Southwest Florida is going to be a lot of fun this year. Check out these events.

This is a classic Halloween activity. The campy, interactive movie is playing several places during the month of October. One is at Arts Bonita. Here, the move is outdoors. The screening is Monday October 30th at 7pm. $15 includes prop bag

Also attend a screening at Lee County Alliance For The Arts on October 14th at dusk, gates open at 6pm. This movie is also outside on the lawn. Bring your own chairs and blankets but no coolers. $25 included prop bag.

Farmer Mike's annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze is back for its 7th season. There is a more kid friendly Amazing Honeybee Corn Maze as well. Festivities include zombie paintball, bounce houses, pumpkin patch and all kinds of fun. Events are every Friday through November 5th. However, the haunted corn maze is Friday and Saturday nights from October 6th to 28th. Prices vary. Farmer Mike’s is in Bonita Springs. More info here.

Halloween Notte – Port Charlotte Pumpkin Festival Scare Park opens October 13th at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. There are crazy, scary haunted houses but also some less scary events and fun for kids of all ages. Halloween Notte is only held on the weekends through October 31st. Prices vary. More info here.

Halloween has returned to Gator Mikes. This year it is Frightmare on 78: Back from the dead. Muster your courage to take the haunted hike through Gator Mike's wooded area. You never know what you will encounter along the way. Be prepared to scream. The event takes place every weekend through October 28. Tickets start at $20. Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park is on Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Click here for more.

At the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium this is a decades long tradition. Take a 30 minute walk on an elevated boardwalk,  through the wooded, sometimes swampy areas of the nature center. You never know what is lurking in the darkness. The event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through Halloween. More info here. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

A fun event for kids at the Naples Zoo. Dress up and walk the Trick-or-treat trail. Games, contests, prizes and lots more. the fun is October 13-16 from 9am-1pm each day. Free admission for kids in costume. More info here. 

Put on by the City of Bonita Springs, this outdoor movie screening features “Casper.” Bring your chairs and blankets. Besides the movie there will be pumpkin decorating trick-or-treating, photo, food, entertainment and more. The park will be filled with spooky lights and fog too. the event is in and around Riverside Park on Saturday, October 21st from  5:30-9 p.m. More info here.

This adult part is a l Hallowine Wine Walk through Mercato in Naples. Your screams will be of delight, not fear, sampling food and wine. There is a costume contest and lots more. It's Wednesday, October 25, from 6-9p.m. Enjoy a commemorative wine glass too. Advance tickets $65, 4 for $220. $80 at the door. More info here.

This fun Halloween event is at Wonder Garden's in Bonita Springs. Events run Thursdays and Saturdays from 5-8 pm. In addition, there are family events October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26 and 28 that include games, activities, photos, animal enrichment and more. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs. More here.

Nothing is cuter than dogs in Halloween costumes. This animal-friendly Halloween event benefits Love is Fur Ever Dog Rescue. Bring donations of  dry food, dog treats, toys, pee pads and similar accessories. The fun is in the courtyard at Gulf Coast Town Center in Estero. Friday October 13th from 6-8 p.m.  More info here.

Springtime Farms is in North Fort Myers and their Fall Festival runs through October 29th. Here you will enjoy a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a petting zoo, and more. There is also a Haunted Maze, Haunted Trail, and Bird Aviary.

Love a good horror movie? Check this out. Friday the 13th, Millennial Brewing a big party is scheduled featuring Horror Movie Trivia. The event begins at 6. Millennial Brewing is downtown Fort Myers. More info here.

This night of music is presented by Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. It's not just about music. The lobby will be filled with entertainers and all kinds of magic before the show. October 29th, 1:00. More info here.

The Spooky Fun Halloween Science Show takes place on a boat with Pure Florida. Set sale October 21st at 10am. While on board enjoy slimy, spooky experiments and demos while enjoying the great outdoors. Boat departs from Tin City Docks. Kids $23, Adults $46. More info here.