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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sets August 2 as Final Ride for Kumba Roller Coaster
The park announced the closure after 33 years of operation. It will replace the ride with a new attraction funded by a $100 million investment.
Jul 15, 4:50 PM·1m read1 source
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced Tuesday that its Kumba roller coaster will close after its final ride on August 2. The ride opened in 1993 and operated for 33 years. The Independent reported that Kumba was Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster when it debuted.
It featured the world’s tallest vertical loop at the time along with seven inversions, a 135-foot drop, and top speeds of 60 mph. The nearly three-minute ride became known for its intense elements and iconic roar. Annual pass members will receive an exclusive ride opportunity on August 1.
The park said the coaster’s legacy will continue through a new attraction named Kumba’s Revenge. “Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world's most iconic roller coasters,” Jon Vigue, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, said in a statement. “As we celebrate its incredible legacy, we're also looking ahead.
The Independent reported that details on the design and opening timeline of the new ride have not been released. The announcement forms part of a $100 million investment to elevate the park as Florida’s thrill leader.
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