Busch Gardens celebrates 60 years; My full circle Ambassador experience

(Pictured is Gianna Taravella holding her reusable cup from the 1990s in front of the old Gwazi ride, now being reconstructed as Iron Gwazi)

My family made frequent visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay before I was ever born, and on into my early childhood. Because we had annual passes, my brothers and basically I grew up in the park. Around the end of elementary and beginning of middle school, we did not visit as often, but it still created a lot of my early family memories. When I was in eighth grade, I had a small friend group that restarted this Busch Gardens excitement in my life, visiting every single weekend during our last year of middle school. Needless to say, the park has a special place in my life, having made memories with very important friends and family members.

But it is not only my life this Tampa has impacted positively… it is millions of people who have experienced the park over its 60 years. This year, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay celebrates its 60th anniversary providing lasting memories for families around the globe.

I can easily say that this park is something that Tampa takes pride in. As I grew older, I visited for special events such as Howl-O-Scream or Christmastown, yet still appreciated the park for all of the joy it brought me. In my Junior year of college at a local university, I decided to look for another job, and after looking into the company, I got a job and became an Ambassador at the Ticket Windows department at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. After working there, I moved around departments going from Ticket Windows (Operations) to Howl-O-Scream performer (Entertainment) to Sales Administrator (Merchandise) and back to an Atmosphere performer (Entertainment) where I currently work. (Pictured is Gianna Taravella holding her reusable cup from the 1990s in front of the old Gwazi ride, now being reconstructed as Iron Gwazi)

I am definitely leaving my footprint at this park, having worked in about half of the overall departments in my time here. We open two hours before actual park open, and close two hours after park close. These hours of operation still depend on the department as well… for example, the Security department is on the grounds 24/7, while the Human Resources office has a very regular 9A.M.-5P.M. Monday through Friday work week. I have had an absolute blast being able to work in a place that I have only ever experienced as a guest, I now experience how the great big “machine” works. A theme park truly is a well-oiled machine, and it takes thousands of people per day to make everything run smoothly.

For their 60th anniversary, Busch Gardens debuted their all-new pin collecting program and merchandise. When this happened, I was working in the largest gift shop in the park, Emporium. Busch Gardens also had exciting things around the park to honor their many years. Not only is there a variety of merchandise, but there is a 60th anniversary scavenger hunt, and several special pass-member only opportunities throughout the year.

My favorite part of working in Merchandise and Entertainment during the 60th anniversary was the guest interaction and many teaching opportunities! I felt I could teach guests about the beautiful history Busch Gardens has; where it came from, and where it is today. This park has a special place in my life, and in many other guests’ lives. Millions leave Busch Gardens Tampa having made extremely valuable memories with their family and friends, and I hope to have had a part with even just a small piece of their memories.