A park icon takes its final laps on August 2. Or does it?
After years of intense speculation, the inevitable has reared its ugly mane at last. Busch Gardens Tampa will retire Kumba in a couple weekends after 33 years of operations.
Upon opening in 1993, the coaster clawed its way to the top of Florida’s thrilling food chain as the tallest, longest, and fastest in the state. It represented one of the largest coasters designed by the then-novice Bolliger and Mabillard, quickly cementing itself as a park icon for years to come.
Unfortunately, time prevails over even the mightiest of beasts, and Kumba is no exception. Most recently it was closed for ten months in order to make structural repairs, with many hoping that its return last September would put to rest whatever issues had arisen. The surrounding area has come under rough times as well; the neighboring Congo Falls’ in particular has suffered from sinkholes and deteriorating infrastructure. Clearly all is not well around Kumba.
Courtesy of In The Loop
The silver lining of today however was the announcement of Kumba’s Revenge, a major new attraction to be delivered as apart of an ongoing $100 million investment. It remains to be seen whether this will be a renewed version of the coaster, or a brand new experience altogether. Only time will tell.
In the meantime, you all have fleetingly short notice to go grab your final laps in the next couple of weeks, as the final day will be Sunday, August 2. We thank Kumba and Busch Gardens for the memories they have left behind, and the intrigue that lies ahead.
Have you ridden Kumba before and what would you want to see in its place? Let us know in the comments below.