Built in 1964, the Crown Colony is a four-story building offering both a full-service restaurant and quick-serve café. If the stories are true, the building also harbors a few ghosts.
In 2008, officials at Busch Gardens invited Haunted South and select members of the media to explore the park’s Crown Colony House. According to a rep from Theme Park Review, one of the outlets invited to the investigation, strange events at the Crown Colony include unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices, an elevator that constantly malfunctions, and full-body apparitions. A woman clad in a white night gown once appeared to a long-time employee, while a strange mist occasionally forms in the dining room. Some staff members believe the misty figure is Wendy, the spirit of a child known to lurk around the restaurant. Tales of elderly bartenders and disappearing pianists also surround the property.
(Submitted by Christy G.)
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Geographic Information
- Address:
- Busch Gardens
Egypt Section
Tampa, FL
United States
Get Directions » - GPS:
- 28.034454167984496, -82.41924449801445
- County:
- Hillsborough County, Florida
- Nearest Towns:
- Temple Terrace, FL (1.8 mi.)
University, FL (2.6 mi.)
Citrus Park, FL (3.6 mi.)
Lake Magdalene, FL (4.2 mi.)
East Lake-Orient Park, FL (4.3 mi.)
Carrollwood, FL (4.6 mi.)
Egypt Lake-Leto, FL (5.4 mi.)
Tampa, FL (6.5 mi.)
Carrollwood Village, FL (6.6 mi.)
Thonotosassa, FL (7.4 mi.)
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Disclaimer: The stories posted here are user-submitted and are, in the nature of "ghost stories," largely unverifiable. HauntedPlaces.org makes no claims that any of the statements posted here are factually accurate. The vast majority of information provided on this web site is anecdotal, and as such, should be viewed in the same light as local folklore and urban legends.
No encounter at the Crown Colony, but had one at the Moroccan Theater not far from Crown Colony. Some friends and I were waiting on other friends for the ice skating show. All of a sudden, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Thinking it was the friends we were waiting for had come in another door, I turned around to greet them, but no one was there.
I worked night shift at BG, all the employees at night have seen Wendy, she likes to play tricks on staff
The Crown Colony was originally the Old Swiss House that could be visited without entering the Park. As a Child my parents loved this Restaurant and I went there often..One floor was a buffet style with a wonderful view of the animals. Above this was a more formal sit down restaurant. Considering the length of time this building has been in existence and all the changes its not unusual something may exist there..I am very disappointed personally as to how it is currently ..so its not a far stretch that a lost soul may feel the same and refuse to forget its fond memories..