Opening-day attraction Stanley Falls Flume closing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Say goodbye to Stanley Falls Flume, as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s classic log ride will close on Sept. 8, 2025. Ride one last time before it’s gone.
For over five decades, the Stanley Falls Flume has been a tradition at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. From families seeking a refreshing cooldown to thrill-seekers who love the anticipation of that final splash, this ride has created countless memories since opening with the park in 1973. Now, after more than 50 years of service, the park has announced that Stanley Falls Flume will close permanently on Sept. 8, 2025. The final day to ride Stanley Falls Flume is Sept. 7.
This news brings both nostalgia and excitement: nostalgia for the millions of riders who have enjoyed this water ride through the decades, and excitement for the future, as Busch Gardens prepares to make way for a brand-new attraction.
Stanley Falls Flume: A piece of Busch Gardens history
When Busch Gardens Tampa Bay first opened to the public in 1973, Stanley Falls Flume quickly became one of the park’s signature attractions. Long before roller coasters like SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, and Iron Gwazi redefined thrills at the park, the log flume stood as a must-do experience for visitors of all ages.
Its mix of scenic floating, gentle twists, and the exhilarating drop at the end made it the perfect ride for families looking to cool off under the Florida sun. For many, it was their very first “thrill ride” at Busch Gardens, one that felt daring, yet still approachable. Generations of visitors boarded the log boats, laughed through the splashes, and held their breath as they crested the final hill before plunging into a wave of cool water.
The final splash: September 7, 2025
On Aug. 29, 2025, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially announced that Stanley Falls Flume will close on Sept. 8, 2025. That means fans still have just a few days to experience one last ride down memory lane.
Guests should expect longer queues for Stanley Falls Flume as closing day approaches. Fans of all ages will want one last chance to splash down.
What’s next for Busch Gardens?
While the park hasn’t revealed exactly what will replace Stanley Falls Flume, the announcement teases an “exciting new future attraction.”
Why fans loved Stanley Falls Flume
Part of the ride’s charm came from its simplicity. Guests floated through winding waterways that offered peaceful moments shaded by lush greenery before the suspenseful climb toward the big finale. The anticipation of that final drop, followed by the inevitable soaking splash, often brought smiles, shrieks, and laughter.
It also carried a special place in the park’s identity. While coasters stole the spotlight in later decades, Stanley Falls Flume remained a consistent favorite, a symbol of Busch Gardens’ family-friendly offerings. Many longtime pass members can remember riding it as kids and then introducing it to their own children and grandchildren. It wasn’t just a ride, but also a rite of passage.
Celebrating a Busch Gardens legend
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a classic, especially one that has stood the test of time for over half a century.
As Stanley Falls Flume’s closing approaches, Busch Gardens invites guests to relive the fun, take one more plunge, and celebrate a true icon of the park’s history. So, grab your poncho (or embrace the splash), hold on tight, and enjoy your last splash at Stanley Falls Flume.
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