Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s ‘Kumba’ to close after 33 years
The 33-year-old coaster drew 60 mph rides and seven inversions before Busch Gardens said it will be replaced by Kumba’s Revenge.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officials announced that the park's oldest roller coaster, "Kumba," will retire after 33 years of operation, with regular guests having until Aug. 2 to experience the ride one final time.
- The park will replace the coaster with a "next generation" version called "Kumba's Revenge," part of a more than $100 million investment in park enhancements led by Jon Vigue, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Since debuting in 1993, Kumba has featured a 135-foot drop and speeds of 60 miles per hour during its three-minute ride, earning rankings among the world's most iconic roller coasters by enthusiasts.
- Busch Gardens Annual Pass members will receive exclusive ride time on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ahead of the public closure, with passes starting at $13 a month.
- Once Kumba closes, the 1996-built coaster Montu will become the park's oldest attraction. Officials have not released specific details or timeline for "Kumba's Revenge," though the project represents the latest in a series of significant park-wide improvements.
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Bay News 9Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s ‘Kumba’ to close after 33 years
The park’s iconic roller coaster will take its last launch on Aug. 2.
Busch Gardens Tampa bids farewell to Kumba as new coaster plans emerge
With news of Kumba closing being confirmed, we dive into the history of this legendary ride and look at what Busch Gardens has planned next. The post Busch Gardens Tampa bids farewell to Kumba as new coaster plans emerge appeared first on Attractions Magazine.
Major Disney World Competitor Announces Closure in August 2026
One of Central Florida‘s most iconic roller coasters is heading into retirement, and the theme park that built it around a world record is already planning its replacement. Kumba’s Final Day Is Set Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced on July 14 that Kumba, the steel coaster that has been roaring through the park since 1993, will permanently close on August 2, 2026. The announcement came via the park’s official Insta…
After 33 Years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces Permanent Closure
A roller coaster that once held a world record is taking its final bow at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Central Florida theme park is already teasing what comes next. Kumba's Last Day Is August 2 Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay On July 14, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially confirmed that Kumba, the beloved steel coaster that has been a cornerstone of the Central Florida theme park since 1993, will permanently close on August 2, 2026. Guests have…
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