Two years ago we survived the “Cursed” Halloween. Last year during a dig under the old “Gwazi” we unearthed Scarlett and she had her revenge in October. This summer it looks like Busch Gardens will have a new curse fall upon the park over in Egypt. It will be will of an unearthed snake god and results in the new spinning coaster called “Cobra’s Curse”.

Today Busch Gardens announced new details that will be sure to excite the roller coaster enthusiast as well as the theme park visitor looking for something different and unique. This spin coaster, which is being constructed by Mack Rides, is being dubbed a family coaster which will have a unique ride experience each time you ride it. Jeff Hornick, who designs rides for Sea World Entertainment, says this coaster will “bring a higher intensity level.” The spin will be decided by the weight distribution of the 4 people in each car. A hefty linebacker and a cheerleader on opposite corners in one car will be a much more intense ride than two people of similar weight.

Brian Morrow, Vice President of Theme Park Design for Busch Gardens, says this ride follows the theme of Busch Gardens in that “rides and animals are tied together.” This is accomplished by an indoor, air conditioned que that features live exotic snakes. The que also features 45 minutes of background storytelling as well as an appearance of the snake god itself right before you enter the ride (ignoring all warnings, of course). Cobra’s Curse also features a moving walkway to load and unload the passengers which will accommodate 1,000 riders an hour. There is also a switch track to break off a train to allow slow loading passengers also.

The ride itself will be in three parts. The first third of the ride will be locked facing forward as you head to the elevator lift. This lift is a one of a kind lift which will set a new standard for roller coasters other parks will envy. At the top of the lift you literally come “face to fang” with the unearthed 80 foot high cobra head. After passing through the jaws and escaping that deadly bite the ride really begins. The second third of the ride the car will turn the cars backwards and you are now facing back in a locked position.

Upon reach the final third of the ride , where the track passes by the neighboring Montu rollercoaster, the cars now unlocks. This is where the thrills begin. Depending upon the weight distribution, the 2 cars of each train are now spinning freely and independently of each other. This is where no Go Pro videos will never be the same. Say hi, and hi again, and again. Watch the people behind you screaming, crying, or laughing …… as they watch you. The ride last approximately 3 1/2 minutes and has over 2,100 feet of track to it.

The height restriction of Cobra’s Curse is 48″ to ride alone or 42″ to ride with an adult. This truly makes for a “family” coaster with 4 people in each car and 8 people in each train. Who says you cannot have your family reunion on this coaster. Or get married and bring the best man and woman, parents, and flower girl all in the same train as the happy couple. The ride is capable of running 8 trains at a time with a maximum speed of 40mph. The coaster also is in a serpentine shape to enhance the spinning as well as wrapping around the walkways and and trenches in the ground. There is also a perfect “selfie” spot for the people not riding.

The snakes that will be featured in the que are the Jameson Mamba, Angolan Python, and the Rhinoceros and Gaboon Viper. The habitats are said to be like no other ever seen in a zoo or attraction and will be well worth waiting in line to just see that. It is also not only about the serpents themselves, but also educating the public on conservation and how important snakes are to our ecosystem.

Cobra’s Curse is expected to be open to the public this summer and the best way to enjoy it is with an annual pass, for one ride will never be enough. For further information you can visit Busch Garden’s website, Cobra’s Curse’s website, their facebook, or twitter.

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak @TampaAmazeMe

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on twitter for live tweets or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. All pictures/video posted are the property of David “Thrills” and the concept art, logo, and snake pictures are the property of Sea World Parks Entertainment