Famed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay roller coaster is retiring after 33 years

Famed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay roller coaster is retiring after 33 years Kumba debuted in 1993 as Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, featuring the world’s tallest vertical loop - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments After more than three decades of thrills, one of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s most recognizable attractions is nearing its final ride. The theme park announced Tuesday that its legendary Kumba roller coaster will take its final ride after 33 years on August 2. “Debuting in 1993, Kumba set a new standard for thrill rides! It was Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster when it opened, and it featured the world’s tallest vertical loop,” the park’s announcement read. “From its seven 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.” The nearly three-minute ride became known for its other intense elements, including a 135-foot drop and speeds reaching 60 mph. Before its closure, guests will have a final opportunity to experience Kumba, with Busch Gardens annual pass members receiving an exclusive chance to ride during a special event on August 1. While the original Kumba will disappear, Busch Gardens said the attraction’s legacy will continue with a new ride called Kumba’s Revenge. “As part of our evolution and commitment to delivering innovative attractions, we are happy to announce Kumba’s Revenge! This new attraction is a part of our $100 million investment that will elevate Busch Gardens as Florida’s thrill leader and enhance our guest experience. Details about the new coaster, including its design and opening timeline, have not yet been released. "Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world's most iconic roller coasters," Jon Vigue, the president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, said in a statement. "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." Long-time Kumba fans mourned the news of the loss of the coaster on social media. “Very sad to see such a classic, and iconic coaster go, but coasters unfortunately don’t last forever. Kumba will be missed by many, but I’m confident that Busch Gardens will give us a coaster that makes up for the loss of Kumba!!” one person wrote on Instagram. “Literally one of the most iconic rides just going away now,” another said. However, some fans were disappointed by the announcement, saying the park gave them just over two weeks to plan a visit and take one final ride. “Two weeks notice is disgusting,” one angry person wrote. “It was closed during our last visit. We never got the chance to do it or even see it. We certainly don't thank Busch Gardens for that...,” another said. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments