Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced that Kumba, the 33-year-old roller coaster in the park’s Congo section, will operate for the last time on August 2nd. The coaster originally opened in 1993 as a collaboration with Bolliger & Mabillard, built to compete with Disney and Universal’s thrill offerings. At the time of its debut, Kumba held the title of Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, featuring the world’s tallest vertical loop at 114 feet. Over the years, newer coasters reduced Kumba’s popularity and wait times. The park confirmed a sequel named Kumba’s Revenge is in development as part of a $100 million investment plan to strengthen Busch Gardens as Florida’s thrill leader. Details have not been released on whether the new attraction will be a retrack, rebuild, or entirely new construction. Kumba’s final day of operation is set for August 2nd.
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