Moms to Know: Malissa Spencer

Step behind the magic of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with Malissa Spencer, the park’s senior manager of entertainment. From Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration to Christmas Town, Malissa helps shape the stories, music and moments that make for unforgettable seasons at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. A former professional dancer turned creative producer, Spencer finds inspiration from her own children as she pours her heart into designing experiences that delight guests of all ages.

TBPM: You’re the creative force behind many of Busch Gardens’ beloved experiences. What drew you to the world of live entertainment and storytelling?

MS: I’ve always loved being part of a creative team. After many years as a professional dancer — performing in theme parks, on tour and at corporate events — transitioning into a behind-the-scenes creative role felt like a natural next step. I discovered that I truly enjoy developing and supporting shows and events just as much, if not more, than performing live. Storytelling and creating experiences for guests, especially families, has grown into my passion.

TBPM: What project stands out as a career highlight?

MS: Definitely Kandy’s Sweetacular! The creative process was such a joy. It was like a real-life acting exercise — “yes, and!” The event artists were wonderfully collaborative and open. Together we spent months developing the storyline and details, pouring our hearts into something we’d be proud to share with our own families. The story of Kandy the Witch grew from watching my children play. I listened to their stories, their songs, and borrowed pieces from their imaginative world to bring Kandy and her friends to life. Every year, when the gates open and we see kids and adults experiencing the magic for the first time, we still tear up!

TBPM: How does the creative process work when transforming the park for a new season?

MS: The creative process is truly a team effort. Behind every event are developers, concept artists, scenic fabricators, build and install teams, music and lighting designers, choreographers, training teams, costume designers and seamstresses — it really takes a village to produce a live show. It’s not uncommon for us to plan and build events a year or two in advance. Christmas preparations are a year-round labor of love. Our warehouse is always buzzing with “elves” fluffing garland and decorating trees. Tree wrapping in the park starts as early as July, with overnight installation shifts to make sure everything sparkles on time. Fun fact: if you stretched all of Busch Gardens’ Christmas lights from end to end, they’d reach the other coast of Florida — and back!

TBPM: How does it feel to see guests — especially kids — experience something you helped create for the first time?

MS: It’s the best feeling! Seeing little ones and grown-ups dancing with performers, singing with Mrs. Claus or snapping pictures with their Sesame Street friends — nothing compares. We’re even in the creative process for Icons 2 right now (a little secret we can share!). Knowing that what we create becomes part of people’s family memories is the greatest reward.

TBPM: How does being a mom influence your work?

MS: Every part of being a mom influences my work. I’m lucky to have wildly creative children who, without even realizing it, are my greatest muses and most honest audience. I play event soundtracks in the car to see what captures their attention. Their artwork and interests inspire me daily. Kandy’s art wall was inspired by the rotating display of my kids’ art at home, and Professor Pufflemintz’s Kooky Spooky Science Show grew from our kitchen-counter experiments. We loved bringing Lucy the Sleepy Dragon to life this year! My daughter, Lucy, and her dragon counterpart both love long naps, spicy ramen and hope to save the world through conservation.

This December, we premiere a Christmas experience inspired entirely by my youngest daughter making gingerbread cookies. It’s a new atmosphere show featuring breakdancing Ninja Gingas who protect Mrs. Claus’ secret cookie recipe. Kids see the world in such bright color, and my own remind me who we create for and why it matters.

TBPM: What do you hope families take away from their Busch Gardens experiences?

MS: Happy, lifelong memories. My hope is that our events become part of family photo albums and video reels — those special moments people look back on for years.

TBPM: The holidays are a busy time for you professionally. How do you balance all the magic making at work with family time at home?

MS: It’s a challenge! We spend many late nights in rehearsals and installations, but I try to make home just as fun and magical for my own family. We decorate for every holiday and love to celebrate, especially birthdays. The kitchen is the heart of our home, and we have special meals and baking traditions for every occasion.

Related:

Celebrate the holidays at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!