TAMPA, Fla. \u2013 Thirty-three years after it first roared to life, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is retiring its oldest roller coaster.<\/p>\n
The theme park announced that guests have until Aug. 2 to ride Kumba before it permanently closes, making way for its successor, Kumba\u2019s Revenge. <\/p>\n
According to a news release, the retirement marks a significant chapter in the park\u2019s ongoing transformation, part of a more than $100 million investment to reimagine the guest experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cKumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world\u2019s most iconic roller coasters,\u201d said Jon Vigue, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. \u201cAs we celebrate its incredible legacy, we\u2019re also looking ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Annual Pass Members will get one last exclusive ride window Aug. 1, from 8 to 11 a.m., before the coaster closes to the general public.<\/p>\n
When Kumba debuted in 1993, it set records as Florida\u2019s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, boasting the world\u2019s tallest vertical loop. Over nearly three minutes, riders plunged 135 feet, hit speeds of 60 mph and blazed through seven inversions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legend of Kumba isn\u2019t ending \u2014 it\u2019s evolving,\u201d Vigue said. \u201cStay tuned as we prepare to unleash Kumba\u2019s Revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
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