After more than 30 years of operation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Kuumba, the roller coaster, is coming to an end. The attraction’s final day is Aug. 2, the park announced Tuesday.
It will be replaced by a “next generation” version of the coaster called Kumbaz Revenge. Details and schedule for the new ride have not been announced.
“Kumba has inspired generations of thrill-seekers and earned its place as one of the most iconic roller coasters in the world,” Busch Gardens Tampa Bay President John Vig said in a news release. “As we celebrate its incredible heritage, we’re also looking ahead. ‘Kumba’s Revenge’ takes thrills to a whole new level while honoring everything our guests loved about the original.”
Kumba, located in the theme park’s Congo district, debuted in 1993. The ride, a product of Bolliger & Mabillard, was billed as the state’s fastest (60 mph), tallest (135 feet) and longest (3,978 feet) roller coaster. Features 7 inversions.
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This isn’t the first time Busch Gardens has swapped and enhanced coaster names. Gwazi, a wooden coaster that operated at the park from 1999 to 2015, was eventually replaced in 2022 by a completely different new ride called Iron Gwazi. Its latest addition was the family-friendly Phoenix Rising, which opened in 2024. Once Kuumba closes, its oldest coaster will be Montu, which opened in 1996.
Mr Vig said the Kumbh changes were part of a $100 million investment in enhancements covering new attractions and improvements throughout the park. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is owned by Orlando-based United Parks & Resorts, which also operates SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Water Park.
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