New 'Cheetah Hunt' Roller Coaster Coming to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, FL -- Busch Gardens has announced that, next spring, it will open the park's first launch roller coaster -- one of the few of its kind in the United States. "Cheetah Hunt" -- a roller coaster themed around the lightning-fast speed of a cheetah at full run -- will open in spring 2011.

Cheetah Hunt will feature three launch sequences bringing guests to speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in mere seconds. Cheetah Hunt will also feature the largest footprint of any attraction at Busch Gardens, Tampa. The track will be over 4,000 feet long and bring riders to heights of over 100 feet.

Cheetah Hunt Will Deliver High-Speed Thrills

Cheetah Hunt will bring many new types of thrills that guests at the park have not been able to experience. Along with high-speed thrills, the new roller coaster will make use of several elements that shoot guests through canyons and valleys, adding not just to the excitement but also the the illusion of high speed.

The new launch roller coaster is being built by Intamin, a longstanding ride and amusement company that has built many attractions throughout the world.

Along with the construction of the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster is a new cheetah exhibit that will immerse guests in an interactive and up-close look at these beautiful African cats -- the fastest land animal in the world. There will also be aesthetic modifications to the exterior of the nearby Crown Colony House Restaurant.

The building that formerly was the loading station for the park's monorail is being remodeled and retrofitted to accommodate use as the loading station for Cheetah Hunt. The Sky Ride, which is presently closed during the construction of Cheetah Hunt, will reopen in 2011 and continue to operate from its current location adjacent to the proposed Cheetah Hunt site.

Busch Gardens' Legacy for World-Class Roller Coasters & Entertainment

Busch Gardens has long been known for its roller coasters. Cheetah Hunt will have several famous roller coaster siblings at Busch Gardens, including Scorpion, Kumba, Montu, Gwazi, Shei'Kra, Air Grover, and Cheetah Chase.

Busch Gardens opened in 1959 along with an on-site Anheuser-Busch brewery. Over the last 50 years, Busch Gardens has grown to include a world-renowned collection of exotic African animals, protective habitats for many endangered species, a wide variety of shows and restaurants, and an array of rides and attractions for thrill seekers and families alike.

Busch Gardens is open daily and operates on a varying schedule depending on the time of year. Admission is $64.95 for children, $74.95 for adults, and there are several money-saving pass options available for both Florida residents and out-of-state visitors. Call (813) 987-5000 to find out more about Busch Gardens.

Resources

Busch Gardens Project 2011