Kumba Closing August 2nd at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; Revenge is Coming
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has officially announced that Kumba will permanently close on August 2, 2026. Along with the closure news, the park announced that Kumba’s Revenge is a new coaster on the horizon as part of a $100 million investment.
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.
Kumba’s Revenge 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. The legend of Kumba will continue...Stay tuned for this brand-new adventure! 🎢
The park has updated the Kumba web page with a short dedication.
The Final Roar
Ride this high-speed thrill coaster one last time
After thrilling guests for 33 years, the Kumba® roller coaster will close at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Visitors are invited to enjoy one final roar on the iconic attraction before it closes on Sunday, August 2.
Kumba holds a special place in the hearts of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fans. Debuting in 1993, Kumba was the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Florida and featured the world's tallest vertical loop. During the almost three-minute ride, guests experience a 135-foot drop, top speed of 60 miles per hour and seven inversions. Kumba quickly became a fan-favorite ride, and enthusiasts have consistently voted Kumba as one of the world's best roller coasters.
The Bolliger & Mabillard steel roller coaster opened on April 21, 1993, with the world’s tallest vertical loop (until Dragon Khan at PortAventura Park opened in 1995). It was also the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Florida until it lost all of those titles by the end of the 1990s.
Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s website for park tickets and the latest information.
