The mythical idea of a phoenix inspired the latest Busch Gardens roller coaster, Phoenix Rising. However, this coaster has faced some setbacks in terms of opening day. Originally, it was supposed to open in the Spring of 2024. As happens with many theme park attractions, that date got pushed back.
After a few delays, Busch Gardens will open Phoenix Rising for all guests to enjoy on Sunday, July 21, 2024. In addition, Busch Gardens passholders will enjoy preview dates for riding Phoenix Rising from July 17-20, with a short early morning preview on the morning of July 21 before the grand opening.
MainStreetFoodie received an invitation to experience the Phoenix Rising media event on Tuesday, July 16. We appreciate and thank Busch Gardens for this amazing opportunity. Personally, I qualify as a coaster boy. On many occasions, I have been known to ride thrilling coasters like Iron Gwazi several times on a theme park day.
We normally spend our time eating theme park food. On the day of the media event, we did experience some food and beverages. We will write more about those experiences in future days. Now, we want to tell you about Phoenix Rising.
Coaster Specs for Phoenix Rising
This suspended roller coaster in the vibrant Pantopia area of the theme park contains surprises and speeds up to 44 miles per hour. Still, with a height requirement of just 42 inches, the coaster promises to be a great adventure for families to embark on together. It reaches a maximum height of 80 feet with a track length of 1831 feet.
Phoenix Rising
Phoenix Rising is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s 10th roller coaster and the largest family-friendly addition to the Pantopia area of the park. This suspended roller coaster allows ride vehicles to swing side to side as the train races along the track above the Serengeti Plain, providing the intended feel and theme of riding on a mythical phoenix.
Also, Phoenix Rising provides new ride features for this theme park. It will be Busch Gardens’ first coaster to feature onboard audio, enhancing the ride experience with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack.
“Phoenix Rising will be an extraordinary journey for our seasoned coaster enthusiasts and younger thrill-seekers alike,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, “Joining a comprehensive coaster collection, this new attraction reinforces our commitment to provide guests with new, immersive and one-of-a-kind experiences.”
In addition, Clark has said, “Summer is always an exciting time at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Stewart Clark, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “We’re thrilled to welcome families and friends to our park to create unforgettable memories and enjoy the many attractions and activities we have to offer.”
Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)
Phoenix Rising continues the partnership between United Parks, like SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, and Bolliger & Mabillard. Due to safety standards, younger coaster fans unable to ride the Montu, the far more thrilling suspended (or inverted) coaster at Busch Gardens, should enjoy Phoenix Rising. On the day we visited, many young children rode it and wanted to ride it over and over.
What Did We Think of Phoenix Rising?
During media day, we had several rides on Phoenix Rising. We were surprised by the number of thrills this roller coaster offered. Sure, in terms of thrills, it cannot compete with the bigger, faster coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Still, as advertised, we think this coaster will entertain the entire family—if they are over 42 inches tall, of course.
The suspended aspect of this roller coaster enhances the ride experience. We appreciated the views that this coaster allowed riders to appreciate, especially when the ride vehicle swings out when changing direction.
Based on our ride experience on Phoenix Rising, we can easily recommend this attraction as an upgrade to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. People of all ages can experience this together. Though many of us desire the tallest, fastest, most thrilling attraction, theme parks need to be more than that. Phoenix Rising accomplishes that.
Weaknesses of an Outdoor Coaster
While we loved the views on this outdoor coaster, Phoenix Rising arrives at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with one major issue. If bad weather rolls in, then the ride stops operating. This issue influenced the media event. An extended weather delay causes all participants to wait indoors for the weather to pass. If you plan to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, please factor that into your theme park day.
In terms of being a “family coaster, this might be more thrilling than many coasters of that style. However, even “coaster boys” will find enough thrills to make this worth their time. For example, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) in attendance found this coaster worth their time.
Phoenix Rising opens to all on July 21. This roller coaster should enhance most guests’ day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For more information about tickets and passes to Busch Gardens, please consult the theme park’s website. Busch Gardens is currently running a sale on tickets and passes. For more theme park and travel content, please check out VacationeersPodcast.com
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