Cobra'S Curse

Introduction

Cobra's Curse is a unique and exhilarating steel spinning roller coaster located in the Egypt section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. Since its official announcement on May 28, 2015, Cobra's Curse has captivated thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts with its innovative design and immersive theming (Wikipedia). The ride, manufactured by Mack Rides, stands out as one of the premier attractions in Busch Gardens, offering a combination of forward, backward, and free-spin ride experiences that ensure no two rides are the same. Its intricate theming revolves around an ancient Egyptian narrative featuring the mythical Snake King Venymyss, providing visitors with a rich storyline that enhances the overall experience (Florida Review). This guide offers an in-depth look into the history, thematic elements, ride experience, and practical visitor information, ensuring you have all the knowledge needed for an unforgettable visit to Cobra's Curse.

History of Cobra's Curse

Concept and Announcement

Cobra's Curse, a steel spinning roller coaster, is located in the Egypt section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. The ride was officially announced on May 28, 2015, by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officials (Wikipedia). The announcement took place at a media event held on the construction site just outside the former Tut’s Tomb building. During this event, invited guests were guided through the former attraction’s area, which had been cleared of nearly all old props and set pieces. Several pieces of concept art for the new attraction were displayed, and actors performing as archeologists guided the media through the building and out to the announcement site (BGT History).

Construction and Development

The construction of Cobra's Curse involved several key milestones. On February 17, 2016, media outlets were given a tour of the roller coaster's progress, during which the roller coaster's trains and further information on the ride's theme were revealed (Wikipedia). The headpiece of the roller coaster's snake statue, "King Venymyss," was installed on February 29, 2016 (Wikipedia). The final piece of track was installed on March 19, 2016, and this 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). The opening was preceded by several events, including a pass member exclusive ride time scheduled for July and opportunities for park employees to ride the coaster during the weekend of June 11 and 12 (BGT History). The roller coaster received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique spinning mechanism and immersive theming (Wikipedia).

Theming and Storyline

Cobra's Curse is themed around an Egyptian archaeological excavation and presents a fictional story about the ancient Egyptian ruler, the Snake King Venymyss, and his curse upon his lost kingdom (Florida Review). The ride features an 80-foot snake statue depicting King Venymyss, which is located in front of the elevator lift hill (Wikipedia). The storyline begins outside the attraction, where guests can see the large stone body of the Snake King wrapping away from the lift tower and around the front of the gift shop and queue building (BGT History).

Ride Experience

Cobra's Curse offers a unique ride experience with three different on-ride experiences: a section facing forward, one facing backward, and then a free-spin section (BGT History). The roller coaster has a track length of 2,100 feet (640 meters), reaches a height of 70 feet (21 meters), and has a maximum speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) (Wikipedia). The trains of the roller coaster are able to lock and rotate in three stages, providing a varied and thrilling experience for riders (Wikipedia).

Queue and Pre-Ride Experience

Cobra's Curse boasts the most detailed queue and storyline of any of the park's attractions. The queue is predominantly indoors and air-conditioned, providing a comfortable waiting experience for guests (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 snake representing Snake King Venymyss (Florida Review).

Ticket Prices and Visiting Hours

Visitors can enjoy Cobra's Curse with a variety of ticket options available at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Single-day tickets, annual passes, and special discounts for groups are offered (Busch Gardens). The park typically operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours may vary based on the season and special events. It is recommended to check the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website for the most up-to-date visiting hours.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Cobra's Curse has specific height restrictions: riders must be 48 inches tall to ride alone, and riders 42 inches tall may ride with a responsible person 14 years of age or older (Busch Gardens). The ride is accessible to guests using manual and electrical wheelchairs, and those who would like to ride should see the Park Ambassador at the attraction entrance for more information on ride restrictions, service animal access, or physical requirements (Busch Gardens).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

To enhance your visit to Cobra's Curse, consider arriving early to avoid long lines and taking advantage of the Quick Queue pass for reduced wait times. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of dining options, retail shops, and other attractions such as Falcon's Fury and the Serengeti Safari. Nearby, you can also explore the Tampa Museum of Art and the historic Ybor City for a full day of adventure and culture.

FAQ

How much are tickets to Cobra's Curse?

Ticket prices vary, with options ranging from single-day tickets to annual passes. 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. It's best to consult the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website for up-to-date information.

Is Cobra's Curse accessible to all guests?

Yes, 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?

Yes, riders must be 48 inches tall to ride alone, and riders 42 inches tall may ride with a responsible person 14 years of age or older.