In recent summers, a growing number of unsanctioned social media–driven gatherings have drawn increased attention at major theme parks across the country. Often planned by teenagers and shared widely online, these events can lead to overcrowding, strained security, and in some cases, early closures. Now, with peak season underway, concerns are surfacing around one Florida park in particular.
This time, it’s Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Echoes of Aquatica
Tensions began rising earlier this month when Aquatica Orlando, owned by United Parks & Resorts, closed early on June 12 due to a large youth gathering that was reportedly planned in advance. Some guests expressed disappointment on social media, stating they arrived only to find the gates already shut. The incident followed a similar disruption in 2024 that led to a full lockdown and required police intervention.
Busch Gardens, also under the United Parks & Resorts umbrella, experienced its own unrest last year during a teen-planned meetup that was canceled in advance but still drew large crowds. Videos from the park showed an altercation involving multiple guests and security staff. Some witnesses claimed a weapon had been seen, though that detail remains unverified.
The park saw a dip in attendance in 2024. While 2025 has brought signs of recovery, the return of social media chatter around these gatherings could present new challenges.
June 28 Event at Busch Gardens Raises Concerns
Posts circulating on X, formerly known as Twitter, indicate that a large meetup is being planned for Saturday, June 28, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The event, reportedly running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., has prompted concern from some longtime guests and theme park followers, with multiple users tagging the park and law enforcement.
“If anyone was planning on going to BGT on Saturday, June 28, please be aware that a bunch of ghetto, degenerate thugs are planning on invading the park to cause violence and chaos that could injure your family,” one X user posted. Another wrote, “Please do something to prevent this from escalating before it happens. If anything happens that day, you can’t claim you haven’t been warned.”
If anyone was planning on going to BGT on Saturday June 28, please be aware that a bunch of ghetto, degenerate thugs are planning on invading the park to cause violence and chaos that could injure your family.
Despite advertising it online heavily last year, park management did… pic.twitter.com/vqYYA1gxNt
— Roller Coaster 𝕏cyclopedia (@RCXcyclopedia) June 19, 2025
While the language in some posts has been criticized for being inflammatory, guests’ overall concern is consistent: They want proactive measures in place before the weekend.
What’s the Chaperone Policy at Busch Gardens?
Several parks have implemented chaperone policies to help prevent similar issues. Six Flags, for example, requires guests aged 15 or younger to be accompanied by someone 21 or older after 5:00 p.m. Knott’s Berry Farm enforces a similar rule, with earlier start times on weekends and holidays. These policies are typically activated during high-traffic periods.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay does not have a standing chaperone policy. Its website notes the rule may be activated on select dates. The last known activation occurred on May 31, 2025. As of now, no policy enforcement has been announced for June 28.
When in effect, the policy requires all guests 15 or younger to be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older, who must remain inside the park and be reachable by phone. One adult may supervise no more than ten minors. Unaccompanied minors found in violation of the policy may be asked to leave without a refund.
What’s Next for the Park?
The rise of social media–driven gatherings poses new challenges for theme parks, particularly during busy travel seasons. While not all teen meetups lead to disruption, the unpredictability of viral events has led to renewed scrutiny of crowd control and safety procedures.
Whether Busch Gardens activates its chaperone policy or takes additional steps before June 28 remains to be seen. For now, both fans and critics of the park are watching closely.
What do you think of the current teen takeover theme park trend?
