A popular Florida roller coaster is preparing to close its gates for the last time.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has confirmed that Kumba, the iconic steel rollercoaster manufactured by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, will permanently close in its current form. The final day of operation for the ride is scheduled for Sunday, 2 August 2026. Park president Jon Vigue and his leadership team are framing the closure as a transition, revealing that the park is already working on a next-generation successor to carry on the attraction’s legacy.
A pioneering record-breaker
When Kumba first debuted in 1993, it established a brand-new standard for high-thrill attractions in the regional theme park sector. At the time of its opening, it held the titles of Florida’s tallest, fastest, and longest rollercoaster. It also featured what was then the tallest vertical loop in the world.
Over its nearly three-minute ride, passengers experience a 135-foot drop, reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, and traverse seven distinct inversions. This layout quickly established the coaster as a firm favourite among international theme park enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the history of the ride, a spokesperson for the theme park remarked: “After 33 years, it’s time for Kumba to take its final roar on August 2nd 2026… 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. From its 7 exhilarating inversions to its iconic roar sound, Kumba has left its mark on Busch Gardens and will be remembered as an icon of the park.”
Paving the way for enhanced thrills
However, the end of Kumba does not mark the end of its name. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay plans to introduce a replacement attraction titled Kumba’s Revenge. This project is part of a broader, long-term capital investment strategy by the park’s parent company. According to the park, the new experience will build upon the foundation of the original ride to keep the historic name active.
The theme park explained the rationale behind the change in an official statement: “While Kumba may be retiring this summer, Busch Gardens is dedicated to thrilling the next generation of coaster enthusiasts by continuing the Kumba story. As part of our evolution and commitment to delivering innovative attractions, we are happy to announce Kumba’s Revenge! This new attraction is a part of our $100 million investment that will elevate Busch Gardens as Florida’s thrill leader and enhance our guest experience.”
With the final public rides approaching, the park is preparing for high guest attendance as fans travel to experience the B&M model one last time. Representatives have confirmed that details regarding the opening timeline and exact physical specifications for Kumba’s Revenge will be shared in future announcements, stating that the project “is an extension of an already legendary coaster, and it will allow its spirit to live on as we enter a new era of thrills.”
