Cobra’s Curse Open at Busch Gardens Tampa

On Friday Cobra’s Curse opened to the public at Busch Gardens Tampa. This is a new family thrill ride coaster that features an 80 foot snake statue where you come “face-to-fang.” It is a unique spin coaster that has you going forwards, backwards, and even spinning to finish the ride. The unique aspect of this coaster is that it has a 70 foot vertical lift and the spinning is based upon the weight distribution in the trains, so that not two rides are the same. I was “cursed” by the snake king on my preview ride and had to ride three times before we were able to get video footage. So is the curse real? To me it is 🙂

That is not all that is special about this ride. The queue line is air conditioned that is totally immersive and features species of poisonous snakes in a beautiful habitat made just for them. Brian Morrow, vice president of theming for Sea Worlds Parks & Entertainment, says the queue was specifically designed to keep you occupied in learning about the snake king and the story behind this reptile and the people that worshipped it. So yes, get your lights out on your cell phone and read the deciphered hieroglyphics and learn about what you are getting ready to face. The queue ends in a unique projection that features the snake king himself.

The ride itself tops out at 40 mph and has had the height restriction lowered to 48″. The great thing is, it is only 42″ with an adult. Jim Dean, president of  Busch Gardens Tampa, says that this was done to allow it to be truly a family coaster that the whole family can ride. The coaster features a wide bank during the spin phase that allows a great photo opportunity for those that want the memory captured. Seeing many photos that has been taken there so far has turned out great, because no two positions of the coaster are the same there to allow a unique picture each time. Even if you are not a coaster rider yourself, this ride allows you to experience it while not riding it by being right in the middle of the action on the walkways in and around the coaster. 

Cobra’s Crypt is right next to the ride, which has plenty of cool merchandise that is snake-themed. There is also candy which has the reptilian twist on the names that just begs you to try them. I personally am going to grab a hold of one of those wooden cobras and hope it doesn’t scare me to death one night when I am half asleep. By the way, The ThrillFreak is scared of snakes. There are also shirts aplenty, hats, and the infamous shot glass in the crypt. Passmembers can even get an exclusive pin to show of you braved the curse of the snake king.

Across the way is Serpent’s Snacks, which features the all-new Coca-Cola Freestyle that enables you to mix and match your own soda creation or just a drink a Coke by itself. The new addition to the machines though is Cobra’s Twissst! A unique flavored coke product that is now offered exclusively at Busch Gardens Tampa. Upon trying it myself I found I liked it a lot. I could not really identify the true taste, but there was something fruity in it, maybe a peach flavor. Try it for yourself and let me know. Buy a souvenir cup and drink the rest of the day for free and bring the cup back the rest of the season for discounted drinks. 

Cobra’s Curse is a pleasant addition to Busch Gardens Tampa who is known for bringing unique rides and shows to their park. You will find you never experienced a ride such as this and probably never will unless you go to Busch Gardens Tampa. in fact, take a ride with me and see for yourself how unique it is and then visit the park and experience it yourself. 

Convinced!!!!!!   I was. See you at the park this weekend. For further information you can visit Busch Garden’s website, Cobra’s Curse’s website, their facebook, or twitter.