Disclaimer: My kids and I were invited to participate in the premiere of “Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation” at Busch Gardens.  I received no compensation for my honest review.  My family and I provided our own Busch Gardens annual passes.

As Busch Gardens passholders, we visit the park quite often but I can rarely convince my kids to sit through any of the shows.  My children are all about the rides.  Therefore, I was grateful to be invited to experience the premiere of Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, escape the sun and cool off in the newly renovated air-conditioned Stanleyville Theater.

As we entered the park through a back lot, my girls already felt so VIP, even before receiving a VIP pass.  That excitement escalated as they experienced the premiere paparazzi-style with paw print lined floors and a lime green runner instead of the usual red carpet.

While enjoying Busch Gardens Tampa’s newest live stage show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation”, guests are invited to dance, sing and party along with the characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit Madagascar franchise, including Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and King Julien as they embark on a vacation adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The lively stage full of vibrant jungle colors and larger than life Madagascar characters mesmerized my toddler.  Singers, dancers in bright colorful costumes and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The fun, energetic original tunes and party animal favorites such as “I Like to Move It, Move It” encouraged my kids and me to sing, clap and dance along throughout this 20-minute musical adventure.  All three of my kids (ages 11, 7, 2) loved the music, the choreography, the costumes and the bubbles.  Of course, no show is ever complete without tiny bubbles falling on you.

After the premiere of Madagascar Live, my kids and I explored the park with our friends.  The rest of the afternoon was filled with flume rides and other fun ways to cool off in the heat.

For information about Busch Gardens Tampa and its newest show, Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, visit online for showtimes, tickets and hours of operations. Guest can also experience “The Royal Treatment with King Julien”, an exclusive dining experience now available, featuring lunch at Zambia Smokehouse, reserved show seating, and priority at the end-of-show meet and greet with the characters.