{"id":340367,"date":"2026-07-15T01:13:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T01:13:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/340367\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T01:13:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T01:13:32","slug":"busch-gardens-tampa-bay-issues-closure-notice-effective-august-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/340367\/","title":{"rendered":"Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Issues Closure Notice, Effective August 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\"Guests\t\t<\/p>\n

Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr<\/p>\n

After 33 years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced the permanent closure of one of its most iconic Central Florida<\/a> attractions. Theme park guests have until August 2, 2026, to say their final goodbyes to a ride that once boasted the world\u2019s tallest vertical loop. Luckily for fans, the United Parks & Resorts-owned vacation destination<\/a> has already announced what will replace the three-decade-old roller coaster.<\/p>\n

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Permanent Closure
\n\"KumbaCredit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

On July 14, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially announced that the Kumba roller coaster would \u201ctake its final roar\u201d next month. According to a post on the Central Florida theme park<\/a>\u2018s official Instagram<\/a> page, fans have until August 2 to ride the record-breaking 33-year-old attraction.<\/p>\n

Alongside the closure notice, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also announced that it planned to replace Kumba with a new roller coaster that would carry on its legacy: Kumba\u2019s Revenge. The new ride comes as part of a $100 million investment that United Parks & Resorts hopes will help make the park the thrill leader in Central Florida<\/a>. Read the entire announcement below:<\/p>\n

After 33 years, it\u2019s time for Kumba to take its final roar on August 2nd\u2026<\/p>\n

Debuting in 1993, Kumba set a new standard for thrill rides! It was Florida\u2019s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster when it opened, and it featured the world\u2019s tallest vertical loop. From its 7 exhilarating inversions to its iconic roar sound, Kumba has left its mark on Busch Gardens and will be remembered as an icon of the park.<\/p>\n

While Kumba may be retiring this summer, Busch Gardens is dedicated to thrilling the next generation of coaster enthusiasts by continuing the Kumba story. As part of our evolution and commitment to delivering innovative attractions, we are happy to announce Kumba\u2019s Revenge! This new attraction is a part of our $100 million investment that will elevate Busch Gardens as Florida\u2019s thrill leader and enhance our guest experience.<\/p>\n

Kumba\u2019s Revenge is an extension of an already legendary coaster, and it will allow its spirit to live on as we enter a new era of thrills. The legend of Kumba will continue\u2026Stay tuned for this brand-new adventure! \ud83c\udfa2<\/p>\n

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has not said when Kumba\u2019s Revenge will open, nor has it shared any additional information about the roller coaster. Kumba will permanently close on August 2, 2026.<\/p>\n

Are you planning one more trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay before Kumba closes? Inside the Magic would love to hear from you in the comments!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Get daily updates from Inside the Magic<\/p>\n

\n You\u2019re subscribed!
\n Thanks for signing up.\n <\/p>\n

\n There was a problem with your signup. Please try again.\n <\/p>\n

\n I’d like to receive emails from Inside the Magic.\n <\/p>\n

\t