Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will shut down its Kumba roller coaster on Aug. 2 after 33 years. A successor called Kumba’s Revenge will take its place. Park officials made the announcement Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Aug. 2 marks the final run. Annual Pass members get exclusive rides from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.<\/p>\n
“Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world’s most iconic roller coasters,” said Jon Vigue, president of the Tampa Bay park, according to WTSP<\/a>. “As we celebrate its incredible legacy, we’re also looking ahead. Kumba’s Revenge will honor everything guests loved about the original while delivering an entirely new level of thrills.”<\/p>\n The coaster opened in 1993. It was Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest at the time, boasting the world’s tallest vertical loop.<\/p>\n Riders plunge 135 feet during the three-minute trip. Speeds hit 60 mph. The track stretches 3,978 feet and flips guests through seven inversions, tying for the most in Florida with Montu, Kraken, and Hulk.<\/p>\n This Bolliger & Mabillard sit-down coaster ranks as the third-oldest B&M still running. Only Patriot at California’s Great America and Vortex at Carowinds came before it.<\/p>\n What will Kumba’s Revenge be? Park officials didn’t say. It could be a retrack, a rebuild, or something built from scratch. The replacement is part of a $100 million investment to transform the park.<\/p>\n “Our more than $100 million investment represents our commitment to the future of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and to creating extraordinary experiences that keep guests coming back,” Vigue said in a statement.<\/p>\n New attractions are coming. So are immersive experiences and park-wide improvements. Officials want the venue to become Florida’s thrill leader.<\/p>\n “The legend of Kumba isn’t ending \u2014 it’s evolving,” Vigue added. “Stay tuned as we prepare to unleash Kumba’s Revenge.”<\/p>\n