History of Cobra's Curse
Concept and Announcement
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially announced Cobra's Curse on May 28, 2015 (Wikipedia). The announcement took place at a media event on the construction site just outside the former Tut’s Tomb building. The area had been cleared of nearly all its old props and set pieces. Guests viewed concept art, while actors dressed as archeologists guided media through the building and out to the announcement site (BGT History).
Construction and Development
On February 17, 2016, media outlets toured the coaster’s progress and saw its trains and further details about the ride’s theme (Wikipedia). The headpiece of the snake statue, King Venymyss, was installed on February 29, 2016 (Wikipedia). The final piece of track was installed on March 19, 2016, and the milestone was announced three days later (Wikipedia).
Opening and Initial Reception
Cobra's Curse officially opened to the public on June 17, 2016 (BGT History). Before opening, park employees had opportunities to ride during the weekend of June 11 and 12, and a pass member exclusive ride time was scheduled for July (BGT History). Critics gave the coaster mostly positive reviews, praising its spinning mechanism and immersive theming (Wikipedia).
Theming and Storyline
The attraction is themed around an Egyptian archaeological excavation and tells a fictional story about the ancient Egyptian ruler Snake King Venymyss and his curse upon his lost kingdom (Florida Review).
An 80-foot snake statue depicting King Venymyss stands in front of the elevator lift hill (Wikipedia). Outside the attraction, the Snake King’s large stone body wraps away from the lift tower and around the front of the gift shop and queue building (BGT History).
Ride Experience
The ride has three on-ride experiences: a forward-facing section, a backward-facing section and a free-spin section (BGT History). Its track is 2,100 feet (640 meters) long, it reaches a height of 70 feet (21 meters), and its maximum speed is 40 mph (64 km/h) (Wikipedia). The trains can lock and rotate in three stages, creating varied ride experiences (Wikipedia).
Queue and Pre-Ride Experience
The queue is predominantly indoors and air-conditioned (BGT History). The pre-ride experience includes a face-to-face encounter with the four-foot-long fangs of the 80-foot-high rearing cobra representing Snake King Venymyss (Florida Review). The queue and storyline have been described as the most detailed of any of the park’s attractions (BGT History).
Ticket Prices and Visiting Hours
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers single-day tickets, annual passes and special group discounts (Busch Gardens). The park typically operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours may vary by season and for special events. The official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website has current visiting hours.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Riders must be 48 inches tall to ride alone. Riders who are 42 inches tall may ride with a responsible person aged 14 or older (Busch Gardens). The ride is accessible to guests using manual and electrical wheelchairs. Guests seeking information about ride restrictions, service animal access or physical requirements should see the Park Ambassador at the attraction entrance (Busch Gardens).
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Tips
Arrive early to avoid long lines, and consider using the Quick Queue pass for reduced wait times.
Nearby Places
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has dining options, retail shops and other attractions, including Falcon's Fury and the Serengeti Safari. Nearby places to visit include the Tampa Museum of Art and historic Ybor City.
FAQ
How much are tickets to Cobra's Curse?
Ticket options include single-day tickets and annual passes, and discounts are available. Check the official website for current pricing and available discounts.
What are the visiting hours for Cobra's Curse?
The park typically operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours may vary. Consult the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website for up-to-date information.
Is Cobra's Curse accessible to all guests?
The ride is accessible to guests using manual and electrical wheelchairs. Consult the Park Ambassador at the attraction entrance for more information on accessibility.
What is the storyline of Cobra's Curse?
The ride is themed around an Egyptian archaeological excavation and the fictional story of the Snake King Venymyss and his curse upon his lost kingdom.
Are there any height restrictions for Cobra's Curse?
Riders must be 48 inches tall to ride alone. Riders who are 42 inches tall may ride with a responsible person aged 14 or older.
