January at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is doing what it does best—rewarding Pass Members early and often. From free guest tickets and Busch Bucks to Mardi Gras samples and a very useful Pass Member Landing, this month is stacked with reasons to swing by the park even if you “were just going to pop in for a bit.”
Here’s the full breakdown of what Pass Members can enjoy in January 2026.
Pass Member Landing Is Open (and Worth Using)
Before we even get to the rewards, this deserves its own callout.
The Pass Member Landing is open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering Pass Members a dedicated space to relax, recharge, redeem rewards, and connect with fellow passholders.
📍 Location: Near Spring Taproom, behind the Coke Canopy
If you haven’t made this part of your routine yet, January is a great time to start—especially when you’re redeeming multiple perks in one visit.
🎟️ Bonus FREE Guest Ticket
January 1–31, 2026
All Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Pass Members receive one free guest ticket this month. Redeem it at any self-service kiosk and bring a friend along for the day.
Valid only on the day it’s redeemed, so plan accordingly—but free is free, and that’s hard to argue with.
💵 $10 Busch Bucks
January 2–31, 2026
Every Pass Member tier receives $10 in Busch Bucks to spend around the park. Redeem at a kiosk and use it the same day.
One Busch Buck per transaction, and you’ll need your active pass—but it’s an easy way to offset food, drinks, or merch during a casual visit.
🎄 Last Chance: FREE Christmas Town Sample
January 2–4, 2026
Missed grabbing a sample during Christmas Town? This is your final shot. Pass Members get one free food or beverage sample as a last holiday encore.
Print your voucher at a kiosk or Guest Relations. Redeem same day only.
🎭 Exclusive Pass Member Mardi Gras Sampler Punch Card
January 24 – March 2, 2026
Mardi Gras season kicks off with a Pass Member advantage. When you purchase a Mardi Gras sampler lanyard, Pass Members receive an exclusive punch card with 6 samples instead of 5.
Purchase through the Pass Member Portal or at the Mardi Gras Welcome Center, then pick up your punch card onsite.
More samples, same price. Correct math.
🎺 FREE Mardi Gras Sample
January 24 – March 1, 2026
All Pass Members receive one free Mardi Gras food or beverage sample, including options like food, beer, wine, or a cocktail.
Print your voucher at a kiosk or Guest Relations, then redeem at a Mardi Gras food & beverage cabin. Same-day redemption required.
📅 FREE 2026 Busch Gardens Calendar
January 5–31, 2026
Pick up a free 2026 Busch Gardens calendar featuring park imagery and key dates. Available at Xcursions® during store operating hours.
One per Pass Member, while supplies last—these usually go faster than you expect.
⭐ Platinum Exclusive: Additional 20% Off Build-A-Bear Merch
January 1–31, 2026
Platinum Pass Members receive an extra 20% off Build-A-Bear merchandise with a $50 minimum purchase, exclusively at the Build-A-Bear gift shop.
Voucher required. Print at any in-park kiosk or Guest Relations. Valid the day of redemption only.
🍔 Platinum Exclusive: Double Food & Drink Discount
January 1–31, 2026
Platinum Pass Members can double their normal food and beverage discount on one purchase this month.
As always, this is a one-time use, so save it for a moment when it really counts—festival booths included where applicable.
🌴 Save 50% at Discovery Cove
January 1 – March 8, 2026
Just like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pass Members also get access to 50% off Discovery Cove, Orlando’s all-inclusive day resort experience.
I’ve done Discovery Cove multiple times, and what really stands out is how different the pace feels compared to a theme park day. It’s not about rushing from place to place—it’s about slowing the day way down. If your trip is packed with coasters, shows, and park hopping, Discovery Cove makes a fantastic “intentional break” day. For locals, it’s an easy way to feel like you left town without actually leaving Central Florida.
Availability is limited, and this offer runs through early March, so waiting too long can mean missing out.
A Quick Reminder for Pass Members
While these rewards are what Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced so far, it’s always smart to keep checking the official Busch Gardens website and your Pass Member emails throughout the month. United Parks frequently adds last-minute bonus rewards, surprise offers, or limited-time perks that don’t always show up on the initial calendar.
Translation: check your inbox. It occasionally pays for snacks.
Final Thoughts
January is a strong start to 2026 for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pass Members. Between the free guest ticket, Busch Bucks, Mardi Gras perks, and the Pass Member Landing being open daily, this month rewards both quick pop-in visits and full-day park plans.
So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.
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