An iconic theme park attraction has bid farewell after providing thrills to visitors for thirty years. Kumba, a once groundbreaking roller coaster in Florida, ceased operation on August 2 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Initially introduced as an additional feature to the then-new Busch Brewery spot in 1993, Kumba boasted the world’s tallest vertical loop at 114 feet during its debut. It held the titles of the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Florida at that time, although these records have since been surpassed.
Featuring a 135-foot drop, a dive loop, a zero-g roll, a cobra roll, and a pair of interlocking corkscrews, Kumba gained recognition among thrill seekers and put the theme park in direct competition with Disney and Universal.
While initially well-received by fans, the ride lost some of its appeal over the years as newer, more advanced roller coasters were erected. Busch Gardens had announced earlier in the year that Kumba would be shutting down after celebrating its 33rd anniversary.
In a social media tribute, Busch Gardens reminisced about Kumba’s impact, stating, “Debuting in 1993, Kumba set a new standard for thrill rides! It was Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster when it opened, and it featured the world’s tallest vertical loop.”
The park also revealed plans for a successor coaster named Kumba’s Revenge as part of a $100 million investment aimed at enhancing the guest experience and solidifying Busch Gardens as the premier thrill destination in Florida. Further details about the new attraction are yet to be disclosed.
