Iconic coaster to take final ride as fans say goodbye after decades of thrills

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One of Florida’s most iconic roller coasters is preparing for its final ride after more than three decades, sparking a wave of nostalgia among theme-park enthusiasts.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently shared that Kumba will permanently close on Aug. 2 after 33 years in operation, marking the end of one of the park’s best known attractions.

When it debuted in 1993, Kumba was Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. It also featured the world’s tallest vertical loop and quickly became a favorite among thrill seekers, according to the Busch Gardens announcement on its website.

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The nearly three-minute ride takes guests through a 135-foot drop, reaches speeds of 60 mph and features seven inversions.

While Kumba is retiring, Busch Gardens said on Instagram that it will replace the popular attraction with Kumba’s Revenge — part of a $100 million investment aimed at expanding the park’s lineup of thrill rides.

Kumba roller coaster twists through a corkscrew at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.

Fox News Digital reached out to Busch Gardens for comment.

The announcement sparked an emotional response from coaster enthusiasts, many of whom shared memories of riding Kumba over the years.

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“So sad to hear of this,” one Reddit user wrote. “Such a classic, legend and masterpiece.”

Another person called the coaster “an old friend,” adding, “I’ve been lucky enough to have gotten hundreds of rides on it over the decades.”

Kumba roller coaster at Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa, Florida.

Others reflected on childhood memories tied to the attraction.

“Kumba was pretty much a rite of passage for many Floridian children,” one longtime fan wrote, recalling riding the coaster for the first time during an elementary school field trip.

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Many fans also expressed hope that its successor would live up to the original.

“I just hope that your replacement is worthy of the legendary name,” one user wrote.

Kumba rollercoaster curves against a clear blue sky.

Guests have until Aug. 2 to experience what Busch Gardens is calling Kumba’s “Final Roar” before the coaster permanently closes.

Fox News Digital previously reported that several theme parks and attractions across the country have announced closures, prompting emotional reactions from longtime fans.

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In Washington state, Wild Waves Theme Park is preparing to close permanently after the 2026 season, ending nearly 50 years of operation.

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Visitors have flooded the park’s social media pages, sharing childhood memories and urging a buyer to step in before the gates close for good.

Andrea Margolis of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

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