We have a special treat today, some great Sunset and Nighttime pictures from Busch Gardens Tampa courtesy of Steve. 

Not a whole lot of words in this one, but hope you enjoy the pics!! Let's get right to it! 

For those of us who live near parks that are open year-round, January has long been considered one of the best times to visit parks, if they're open (unlike most SoCal parks this week due to the rain). 

As you'll see, Busch Gardens Tampa is one of those parks that's completely amazing to visit on a weekday. And also a good day to check out what's going on with their new Coaster. 

Written by Renée Girard 

It’s pretty much a perfect coaster day. Got on these three in less than 30 min. ​

Free beer is back! ​

Cheetah Hunt gets real close if you take a trip on the Sky Ride. ​

Sheikra is down for maintenance and Gwazi is still standing. ​

Tigris construction. ​

Last weekend we headed down to San Diego to check out Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld.

​We hadn't been to SeaWorld since Ocean Explorer opened last year and were very excited to check out not only Christmas Celebration but all of the other new stuff at the park. 

​The trip down had a dual meeting, as I was meeting my half sister for the first time ever. Not going to get into too many details here, but will say that we totally hit it off, and I rode a coaster with my sister (something I never thought I'd say). So yay!!! =) ​

​Welcome to SeaWorld!! 

Manta is easily one of the best coasters in CA. So deceiving to look at. So fun to ride. 

Flaming-O's!! 

We'll get back to you a bit later Clyde and Seamore

Unfortunately the times didn't work out for us to see this. Wish they'd just had continuous shows throughout the day. 

Let's check out how the Dolphins celebrate Christmas!! 

Hey there Electric Eel!! 

This was my view for most of the show. 

Pro Tip: If you're going to lean forward and hold your phone up and block everybody behind you, at least hold your phone the right way. 

I did manage to maneuver around her to get some good pics. 

They're Flipping!! 

One of our favorite exhibits 

Since they were playing Christmas music and had lights up, we had some fun with this one!! 

Let's go check out Rudolph's Christmastown!!! 

Some really cool displays 

We showed up just in time to see the lighting of the Christmas tree 

Plethora of Penguin Pictures coming in 3, 2, 1 

Ok, maybe not a plethora, but I was in my happy place. It was nesting season. 

(click pics to see larger versions) 

Hey howdy hey, it's an Electric Eel!! 

We didn't ride this trip, we had to get good seats for Clyde and Seamore, but we know how fun it is. We'll get the credit next trip. 

(click pics to see larger versions) ​

This show filled up super fast

Let's check out Santa's Christmas Village!! 

Hey, that rhymes!! 

So many Christmas Trees around the park 

Told ya 

The Sea Lion and Otter show is always a favorite 

We got video of most of the show 

And some pics. The Animal Trainers always look like they're having so much fun. 

(click pics to see larger versions) ​

Thanks SeaWorld for a great afternoon and evening of fun. This is definitely a great family Christmas event that's not to be missed!!

We can't wait to head back to the park next year for Tidal Twister!!