I visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a couple of friends this past weekend. We arrived shortly after opening and it wasn’t too crowded. We were most interested in seeing what they had going on for Christmas this year.

We probably should have gone to the train first, because the line stayed very long the rest of the day. I’m kind of bummed we missed out on that. So now you know if you plan on going.

We did the bit where you can meet Rudolph. It’s different than when you met him pre-COVID. We were given a paper return time and went back when it was our time. You still end up waiting in a short line while other groups go through. It’s a socially distanced photo opportunity. There are a couple of when you exit so you can link your photo to an existing PhotoKey or purchase a print. There’s no Bumble, or anyone else, this year. You’re left with a cutout selfie spot.

Coca- Cola has a very big presence, and I mean big. There’s a huge Santa that is on a pathway. Kinda wish I could fit him in my tiny yard.

We walked the paths to see the animals and found some cute holiday displays.

It starts to get very beautiful and festive when the sun goes down. There’s a really pretty white Christmas tree and poinsettias near the front.

They have lights all over the park. It’s magical!

My favorite thing was the Christmas lights and music tunnel! This is really fantastic!

I could have stayed in here all night.

They have a Christmas Town area where you can get seasonal food and drinks. This is on a fairly narrow pathway. This led to having a very large number of people in a very small space. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Here’s the part where I explain why I won’t be going back. I’ve been going to the Central Florida theme parks almost from the time they reopened. For the most part, they are doing a good job with safety rules during the pandemic.

Before I explain, I do understand that all of the parks have drastically reduced their employees. And a lot of this isn’t on them, but the guests.

I wasn’t comfortable at Busch Gardens. I didn’t see any extra cleaning, or much cleaning in general. There weren’t any ambassadors out asking guests to follow social distancing or mask rules. Not even when we were in queues or shops. I saw most of the ambassadors with their masks under their noses. If they aren’t following the rules, you know there are people who will use that to justify their own rule-breaking.

When it began to get dark, the park really filled up. There was no hope of social distancing. And everyone was walking through the park with their masks either under their noses, or not on at all. I’d say there was less than 50% compliance.

They have social distancing markers on the floor. I had a party give me shit for adhering to them. Because I guess getting six feet closer and being up my ass means that you’ll get your food faster? Honestly, the guests were atrocious.

I love going to the parks, but I won’t be going back to Busch Gardens until all of this is better. I was anxious and basically scared most of the time I was there. Their sister park SeaWorld is doing a much better job.

If you’re going to go to public places, you need to follow the safety rules. Even if there isn’t someone there telling you to. They are posted in the park and on the website. Don’t go there acting like a spoiled brat and break them because you have “rights.” So does everyone else. But none of us have the right to go to a park and act like assholes. And like I always say, “If you don’t want to follow the rules, DON’T GO.”