{"id":340045,"date":"2026-07-14T20:50:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T20:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/340045\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T20:50:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T20:50:12","slug":"kumba-busch-gardens-tampa-bays-oldest-roller-coaster-will-close-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/340045\/","title":{"rendered":"Kumba, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay\u2019s oldest roller coaster, will close this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Kumba Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

After 33 years, Busch Gardens\u2019 oldest operating roller coaster, Kumba, will close to make way for Kumba\u2019s Revenge, says the theme park.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cKumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world\u2019s most iconic roller coasters. As we celebrate its incredible legacy, we\u2019re also looking ahead,\u201d said Jon Vigue, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, in a statement. \u201cKumba\u2019s Revenge will honor everything guests loved about the original while delivering an entirely new level of thrills.\u201d<\/p>\n

No details or timelines were released regarding the new ride, though rumors surrounding the closure of Kumba have been circulating for years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is currently in the midst of a $100 million investment to transform the park, and there\u2019s been plenty of speculation that the northwest corner of the map<\/a> would eventually see the removal of Kumba, as well as Congo River Rapids, to make way for a larger expansion in the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Kumba opened April 21, 1993, standing at 143 feet tall with a top speed of 60 miles per hour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the time, it was the world\u2019s tallest vertical loop, as well as the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Florida. Kumba was also the first of its kind to include now-common features like interlocking corkscrews and a dive loop.<\/p>\n

Kumba became Busch Gardens\u2019 oldest operating coaster after Scorpion closed in 2024.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe legend of Kumba isn\u2019t ending\u2014it\u2019s evolving,\u201d continued Vigue. \u201cStay tuned as we prepare to unleash Kumba\u2019s Revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annual Pass Members will have the opportunity for an exclusive final ride of Kumba on August 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The official last day in operation will be August 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Kumba Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Florida State Fairgrounds is \u201cgonna need a bigger boat.\u201d\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Kumba,\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tThe ride will make way for Kumba\u2019s Revenge, says the park. \t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Thundercat\u2019s\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

This article appears in July 09 \u2013 15, 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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