Kumba readies its final roar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The lack of detail about Kumba's Revenge lowers my expectations for that project substantially. New track, trains, and station sign? I mean, that could be nice, but I wouldn't really call that a new attraction.

The rumors have been swirling for quite some time on the demise of Kumba, so this doesn't really come as much of a surprise. However, there were some hints that the coaster might not even make it to the end of the month, so while nearly 3 weeks is not a ton of time, it's more than some expected.

As far as the announcement of Kumba's Revenge, I highly doubt this would be a simple retrack like what Universal did with Hulk. BGT has one of the best and diverse roller coaster collections on the planet, and I would expect that whatever replaces Kumba will be world class.

I cannot tell you how much I loved this coaster when it first opened. It felt like something soooo...different than anything I had ridden before. It's sad that its time has come, but I am cautiously optimistic that it's replacement will be world class. $100 million isn't a ton of money, but it sure seems like a ton for United especially in light of the story directly above and their inability to pay their taxes...again.

Also, any other coaster planning an August 2nd closure? ArieForce One, Kumba...anyone else??

TBH I'm amazed they made the ride last as long as it did. To multiple generations of visitors it is nothing more than the rough/headache inducing ride in the back of the park. It was expensive to keep operating with all the refurbishments it needed due to age and it was dead most of the time. That whole section of the park was usually dead because the rapids ride is closed a lot and Kumba is so unpopular.

I think "Kumba's Revenge" is a nice tribute, although there is no way its going to be a direct clone like what they did with Hulk. Something like that wouldn't drive attendance to justify the expense. I think the long-awaited giga is likely in this scenario.

i'm really sad about this news but kind of expected it. i was at opening weekend in 1993 and Kumba has always had a special place in my coaster life. here's to BG giving us a great replacement like UO did when they removed Dueling Dragons. really wish i could make it down for a final ride but, alas

“Also, any other coaster planning an August 2nd closure? ArieForce One, Kumba...anyone else??”

Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift - Too soon??

@Russell Meyer, LOL!! but at the rate they're going, they will probably have all the track installed by then. i'm sure they're trying to get it done before HHN

@mrbruasmco I think he meant the one in Hollywood. What a confusing naming scheme.

I kind of knew this would happen eventually. But this is really weird. First of all, what a slap in the face to everybody to close it less than a month from the announcement. Even Fun Spot Atlanta did it better.

Second of all, what on earth is "Kumbas Revenge"? Why are they announcing this before the rumored Mack water coaster? How is this even an announcement?

Is it just some retrack, or maybe a floorless clone? Is it the giga? Is it the wing coaster or something? I'm very frustrated.

Man, I remember riding this coaster when it was brand new and smooth as butter. Hats off to this one. My memories are only fond.

I'm sad that this is closing a month before I was planning to visit, but fortunately I've gotten several opportunities to ride it on past trips. Given the ride's age, spotty operation, and lack of popularity over the past several years, I figured it was likely only a matter of time until its retirement. I just hope the park has a headliner-worthy successor in the plans for the next couple years, because this is the third coaster they've closed in the past four years and it's starting to become difficult to justify the drive down to Tampa for the park.

Also, a correction...Kumba (4/21/93) is actually the fifth oldest B&M after CGA's Patriot (3/9/91), Carowind's Vortex (3/14/92), SFGAm's Batman The Ride (5/9/92), and CGA's Flight Deck (3/19/93).

Why are coasters always so vengeful when they're replaced or reworked? Kumba: Just Happy to be Given Another Chance has a nicer ring to it.

I would love a giga

@NCPete:
I rather like “Kumba: Try the Meatloaf, It’s Really Good!” lol

I haven't been to BGT for over 12 months, and after my last few visits, have no intention of traveling down I4 for one last ride.

It's such a changed park, from 2-3yrs ago, that I just don't get that same 'must-go' feeling anymore. I can't remember the last time I went when everything was working, and working for a good part of the day. No water rides, uncharge to now ride Gwazi, expensive and poor food, coffee shop a poor reflection of what it used to be, cashless .... the list goes on.

I hope, against hope, this new ride/area brings the buzz back to BGT.

It's a soulless, pitiful excuse for what a theme park should be, and a fading shadow of its former self. United Parks has a lot to answer for.

@Makorider My 14 y/o doesn't even want to go to BGT anymore due to the poor guest experience, constant ride removals and downtime, extreme effort it takes to find food at times, etc. The park is a shell of what it once was.

With Kumba on its last legs, I would expect downtime and a not great final ride experience.

I haven’t been to BGT in at least 20 years but I’m sad to hear it’s such a shell of its former glory.

This is devastating news. Although I haven't ridden it since I went to BGT to review Iron Gwazi, I thought that it was running well at the time. Even then people were complaining that it was rough but I never found it rough. Loved that coaster and always rode it multiple times during a visit to the park. It's also noteworthy for being one of only a handful of coasters that feature a loop over the lift hill.