Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to close Kumba coaster Aug 2

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will permanently close its iconic Kumba roller coaster on August 2, 2026, ending a 33-year run at the Florida theme park. The park announced the closure on July 14, simultaneously revealing that a new attraction, Kumba's Revenge, will be built to carry on the coaster's legacy.

Kumba debuted in 1993 as Florida's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, featuring the world's tallest vertical loop at the time. The steel coaster, designed by Bolliger and Mabillard, includes seven inversions and was noted for pioneering elements like interlocking corkscrews and a dive loop. It has been a cornerstone of the park's thrill lineup for over three decades.

The new attraction is part of a broader $100 million investment by parent company United Parks Resorts aimed at enhancing the park and establishing it as a premier thrill destination in Central Florida. Park officials described Kumba's Revenge as an extension of the original coaster, stating it will allow the spirit of Kumba to live on as the park enters a new era. Specific details about the new ride, including its design and opening date, have not yet been released.

The closure announcement follows a period...