TAMPA — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced Tuesday that its long-running roller coaster Kumba will run for the final time this summer, with the last public rides scheduled through Aug. 2. The park also unveiled plans to replace the attraction with a new coaster, Kumba's Revenge, as part of a broader investment in the Tampa attraction.
What changes for visitors
Guests who want one last ride on the 33-year-old coaster have until Aug. 2 to do so. The park said Annual Pass members will have exclusive ride time on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Final public operating day for Kumba: Aug. 2
- Pass-member exclusive access: Aug. 1, 8–11 a.m.
- Annual Pass starting price listed by the park: $13 per month, with stated benefits including unlimited admission and free parking
Legacy and specifications
Park officials said Kumba debuted in 1993 and became notable in its era for height, speed and inversions. Busch Gardens highlighted statistics tied to the ride: a 135-foot drop, top speeds near 60 mph and seven inversions, with a ride time of roughly three minutes. The park also touted the coaster’s historical standing among enthusiasts.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1993 |
| Drop | 135 feet |
| Top speed | 60 mph |
| Inversions | 7 |
| Final ride | Aug. 2, 2026 |
Replacement and park investment
Busch Gardens officials presented Kumba's Revenge as the next step in what they described as more than a $100 million investment to enhance park experiences. In a park-provided statement, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay President Jon Vigue said:
"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."
The park framed the new coaster as part of a series of recent additions and upgrades intended to drive excitement and boost visitor offerings across attractions, immersive experiences and park-wide improvements.
What Tampa residents should know
Local residents and frequent visitors who are Annual Pass holders will want to note the August dates for exclusive access and the end of regular rides. The park’s published pass benefits include unlimited admission, access to seasonal events, free parking, discounts and pass-member experiences — details the park says start at $13 per month. Busch Gardens’ announcement did not provide a public opening date for Kumba's Revenge or further technical specifics beyond the park’s description of the project.
City tourism and local businesses that rely on theme-park traffic may see short-term changes in visitation patterns while the park removes the longtime attraction and prepares for its replacement. Busch Gardens has positioned the move as both a farewell to a landmark ride and the beginning of a new chapter for its Tampa property.
