Busch Gardens Tampa Announces “Cobra’s Curse” for 2016

It’s no longer just a K’Nex set.

Just one day after SeaWorld Orlando announced their “Mako” hyper coaster for 2016, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Tampa park, Busch Gardens, announced plans for their own new coaster, Cobra’s Curse, also to open in 2016.

Reaching heights nearing 80 feet and speeds of more than 40 miles per hour, Cobra’s Curse is a Mack Family Coaster that will feature spinning cars, a vertical elevator lift, and backwards elements. The coaster will be located in the park’s Egypt section, in the space formerly occupied by “Tut’s Tomb,” (which will serve as an air conditioned queue for the new coaster.)

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There will be several unique themed elements to Cobra’s Curse, including an 80-foot tall cobra and a heavily themed archaeological exploration scene.

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“This isn’t your ordinary spin coaster. In true Busch Gardens style, we’re putting a twist on this attraction and taking riders on an unforgettable and exciting journey,” said Busch Gardens park president Jim Dean.

 

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“The addition of a family spin coaster complements the selection of thrill rides Busch Gardens offers, and we know it’s an attraction that guests from across the globe will enjoy,” Dean added, saying it would “further solidify Busch Gardens as Florida’s thrill leader.”

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Building more on the family element that Cobra’s Curse will bring to Busch Gardens Tampa, the height restriction will be 42 inches, 4″ lower than the park’s Sand Serpent Wild Mouse style coaster. There will be 8 trains, and ridership capacity is expected to  be 1,000 riders per hour. Construction started in January, and the coaster will open sometime in 2016.

Stay tuned to Coaster101 for more information about Cobra’s Curse.

Photos from www.behindthethrills.com and www.insidethemagic.com, as well as a quote from TampaBayTimes.com were used in this post.

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