Famed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Roller Coaster Is Retiring After 33 Years

After much than 3 decades of thrills, 1 of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s astir recognizable attractions is nearing its last ride.

The theme park announced Tuesday that its legendary Kumba roller coaster will return its last thrust aft 33 years connected August 2.

“Debuting successful 1993, Kumba group a caller modular for thrill rides! It was Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster erstwhile it opened, and it featured nan world’s tallest vertical loop,” nan park’s announcement read. “From its 7 exhilarating inversions to its iconic roar sound, Kumba has near its people connected Busch Gardens and will beryllium remembered arsenic an icon of nan park.”

The astir three-minute thrust became known for its different aggravated elements, including a 135-foot driblet and speeds reaching 60 mph.

Before its closure, guests will person a last opportunity to acquisition Kumba, pinch Busch Gardens yearly walk members receiving an exclusive chance to thrust during a typical arena connected August 1.

While nan original Kumba will disappear, Busch Gardens said nan attraction’s bequest will proceed pinch a caller thrust called Kumba’s Revenge.

“As portion of our improvement and committedness to delivering innovative attractions, we are happy to denote Kumba’s Revenge! This caller attraction is simply a portion of our $100 cardinal finance that will elevate Busch Gardens arsenic Florida’s thrill leader and heighten our impermanent experience.

Details astir nan caller coaster, including its creation and opening timeline, person not yet been released.

"Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its spot arsenic 1 of nan world's astir iconic roller coasters," Jon Vigue, nan president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, said successful a statement. "As we observe its unthinkable legacy, we're besides looking ahead. Kumba's Revenge will grant everything guests loved astir nan original while delivering an wholly caller level of thrills."

Long-time Kumba fans mourned nan news of nan nonaccomplishment of nan coaster connected societal media.

“Very sad to spot specified a classic, and iconic coaster go, but coasters unluckily don’t past forever. Kumba will beryllium missed by many, but I’m assured that Busch Gardens will springiness america a coaster that makes up for nan nonaccomplishment of Kumba!!” 1 personification wrote connected Instagram.

“Literally 1 of nan astir iconic rides conscionable going distant now,” different said.

However, immoderate fans were disappointed by nan announcement, saying nan parkland gave them conscionable complete 2 weeks to scheme a sojourn and return 1 last ride.

“Two weeks announcement is disgusting,” 1 angry personification wrote.

“It was closed during our past visit. We ne'er sewage nan chance to do it aliases moreover spot it. We surely don't convey Busch Gardens for that...,” different said.