Busch Gardens announces 'final ride' for iconic roller coaster

When it made its debut in 1993, it was the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Florida, daring riders to take on the world’s tallest vertical loop. 

But that was 33 years ago. On Tuesday, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that Kumba, the park’s iconic, steel roller coaster, will take its final ride on Sunday, Aug. 2. Then, the award-winning coaster will make way for a “next generation” update to the ride: Kumba’s Revenge. 

The new roller coaster is part of a more than $100 million investment to enhance and transform the park experience, Busch Gardens President Jon Vigue says in a release, that ranges from new attractions and immersive experiences to park-wide improvements. 

“Our more than $100 million investment represents our commitment to the future of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and to creating extraordinary experiences that keep guests coming back,” Vigue says in the release. "Kumba has inspired generations of thrill seekers and earned its place as one of the world's most iconic roller coasters. 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."

Annual passholders have the opportunity to experience Kumba one last time during an exclusive ride time on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., the park says. Annual passes to Busch Gardens start at $13 per month and include unlimited admission, access to seasonal events, free parking, exclusive discounts and pass member-only experiences. 

During its nearly three-minute ride, black panther-themed Kumba plunges guests 135 feet and reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour, racing through seven different inversions. Since its introduction to the Congo section of the theme park, roller coaster enthusiasts have consistently ranked Kumba among the world’s greatest roller coasters, the park says, making it one of Busch Gardens’ most iconic attractions. 

Opened in 1959, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a 335-acre, African safari-themed amusement park located near the University of South Florida at 10165 N. McKinley Drive in Tampa. The park combines record-breaking thrill rides with an AZA accredited zoo made up of more than 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species. 

“The legend of Kumba isn't ending—it's evolving,” Vigue says in the release. “Stay tuned as we prepare to unleash Kumba's Revenge.”