Tampa news: Busch Gardens’ top seven roller coasters
Busch Gardens, African-themed and family-oriented, has served as one of Florida’s leading theme parks since opening in 1959.
No park in Florida can challenge Busch Gardens’ ten roller coasters, making it Florida’s hotspot for thrill seekers.
But that's not all, the plethora of exotic animals and live entertainment provides a peaceful atmosphere and fun for all ages.
Here, Florida News Blitz writer Joseph Hannen provides a ranking of the top seven roller coasters to enjoy while visiting.
Tigris
Standing at 150 feet tall, Tigris was Florida’s tallest launch coaster when it opened in 2019.
Tigris launches riders forwards and backwards before a fierce catapult to the top, where an inverted heartline roll awaits.
The combination of launches, twists, and high speeds provides an enjoyable experience, although it's not the smoothest ride.
Tigris is an ideal attraction for anyone looking to build up the courage to tackle the major roller coasters.
Cobra’s Curse
Florida’s first family-spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse, is a unique attraction that consistently brings joy to riders.
What Cobra’s Curse lacks in intensity is made up for through excellent theming.
The immersive snake exhibit builds adrenaline in the queue before riders come face-to-face with a stunning serpent at the attraction’s summit.
The fact that no two rides are the same boosts its unique value, and I highly recommend catching a ride with your group.
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Cheetah Hunt
The ultimate multi-launch family coaster is next, as Cheetah Hunt does an incredible job of mimicking the movement of a cheetah in the wild.
Three launches, speeds up to 60 mph, and a heartline roll are just a few of Cheetah Hunt’s best moments.
Cheetah Hunt ends with intense twists and turns through a shallow embankment, a realistic imitation of a cheetah’s movement.
Be wary of wait times, as I have found Cheetah Hunt to hold the highest times throughout the day.
Sheikra
The giant of Stanleyville, and a very daunting roller coaster, is in fourth place; Sheikra is a dive coaster that guarantees both fright and thrills.
The name comes from a hawk known as “Shikra”, which is famous for its vertical dive to catch its prey.
Sheikra, like Cheetah Hunt, mimics this perfectly, as riders face a 90-degree, 200-foot drop at speeds of 70mph.
Before the drop, riders are held at the top and dangled over the edge, which never fails to excite or cause fear, depending on your feelings towards heights.
North America’s first dive coaster is a must-ride for any thrill seeker; the front row is especially exhilarating.
Kumba
Easily the most controversial pick of this ranking, but I personally love everything Kumba has to offer.
Opening in 1993, Kumba has stood the test of time whilst gaining an increasingly impressive reputation.
Florida’s tallest and fastest roller coaster on debut, Kumba includes a 135-foot drop, seven inversions, and a ride time of 174 seconds.
What stands out to me is the vicious roars as you go; it really evokes the vintage feeling.
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Montu
Soar above an Egyptian village on Montu, a classic, and flawless, inverted roller coaster.
Since opening in 1996, Montu has stolen the hearts of thrillseekers, earning third place in Amusement Today’s Top 50 Steel Coasters over 25 years ago.
Known for its intensity and unique style, Montu features seven inversions, including a distinctive batwing and Immelman loop.
Additional features include two vertical loops, a 128-foot drop, a zero-g roll, and a corkscrew.
Montu is undoubtedly a favourite amongst visitors, so be sure to catch a ride on this incredible roller coaster; you can find queues of under five minutes during off-peak seasons.
Iron Gwazi
Since its long-awaited return in 2022, Iron Gwazi comfortably finds itself at the number one spot.
Not only is it the best Busch Gardens has to offer, but I would rank it as Florida’s greatest roller coaster.
Iron Gwazi provides everything you look for in a roller coaster: 91-degree drop, monstrous speed, four inversions, thrilling intensity throughout, and moments of airtime.
With a 206-foot peak height and speeds up to 76mph, Iron Gwazi trumps SeaWorld’s Mako as Florida’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.
Following its comeback, Iron Gwazi received Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Top Steel Coasters of 2022.
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