New family coaster Phoenix Rising opens at Busch Gardens Tampa

From the ashes of SandSerpent , the Phoenix has officially risen in Tampa.

Phoenix Rising , the newest family coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa, opens to all pass members today, July 17. The ride will open to the general public Sunday, July 21.

Billed as the "tallest, and longest" suspended family coaster, the new ride is the park's 10th rollercoaster, and is the first Busch Gardens coaster to have on-board audio and lighting.

“We are excited to unveil Phoenix Rising to our pass members and guests,” said Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in a statement. "Our pass members are in for a special treat as they get to be among the first to ride this incredible coaster. With a height requirement of just 42 inches, it's an adventure the whole family can enjoy together."

Located in the park’s Pantopia area, guests reach speeds of 44 miles per hour along the coaster's 1,831 feet of winding track.

I got to test out the ride during a media preview this week, and will say it's certainly a smooth, and fun coaster. While never getting fully inverted, the ride is entertaining enough for adults, while also not too intense for younger riders.

Compared to the park's other family coasters, Phoenix Rising is certainly more thrilling than Air Grover, but probably less scary for kids than say Cobra's Curse or Scorpion.

In other words, the barf factor is low.
Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter