Busch Entertainment Corporation
About
Long known for creating one-of-a-kind adventures and thrills based on interactive experiences with the natural world, the Busch Entertainment parks collectively became known as “Worlds of Discovery” in 2007.
Park Locations
BEC is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States with 10 parks:
- SeaWorld
- Orlando, Fla.
- San Diego, Calif.
- San Antonio, Texas
- Discovery Cove
- Orlando, Fla.
- Sesame Place
- Langhorne, Pa.
- Aquatica
- Orlando, Fla.
- Busch Gardens Africa
- Tampa, Fla.
- Busch Gardens Europe
- Williamsburg, Va.
- Water Country USA
- Williamsburg, Va.
- Adventure Island
- Tampa, Fla.
In February 2008 the company announced an agreement with Nakheel PISC to create Worlds of Discovery – SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove on The Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai. The first phase is expected to open in 2012.
Web site
Employees
More than 23,000 nationwide
Attendance
More than 22 million guests in 2007
Wildlife Conservation
Supports conservation initiatives around the world focusing on:
- Species research
- Habitat protection
- Rescue and rehabilitation
- Conservation education
Conservation Fund: The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated more than $3 million to 300 projects in more than 60 countries since its inception and 100 percent of the donations to the fund benefit individuals and groups active in conservation or education.
Animal Rescue
Since 1970, the parks have rescued more than 14,000 animals, including several endangered and threatened species – averaging one animal rescue every day for the past 34 years.
Military Support
Through the “Here’s to the Heroes” program, the parks provided free admission to more than 750,000 military in 2007. Since it began in 2005, the program has provided free admission to more than 4 million military personnel and their families. This program, for members of the U.S. military and coalition armed forces, has been extended through 2008.
Recent Awards
National Amusement Park Historical Association “World’s Most Beautiful Park” – Busch Gardens Europe (2008 – 18th consecutive year)
National Amusement Park Historical Association “Nation’s Most Beautiful Park” – Busch Gardens Williamsburg (2008)
Amusement Today “Golden Ticket Award” – Busch Gardens Europe (2007)
Amusement Today “Best Park Landscaping” – Busch Gardens Europe (2007 – 10th consecutive year)
Theme Park Insider Awards’ “World’s Best Theme Park” – Busch Gardens Europe (2006)