Fantasy is set to soar this summer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the debut of Phoenix Rising! Opening on July 21, we had the privilege of experiencing an early preview of this exciting new attraction today.
Crafted by Bolliger & Mabillard, the engineers behind attractions like SheiKra and Kumba, Phoenix Rising is a family-friendly suspended rollercoaster. Riders will ascend aboard the legendary Phoenix, gliding through the Pantopia section of the park. This coaster reaches speeds of up to 44 miles per hour and soars along 1,831 feet of twisting track, peaking at 80 feet above ground.
The experience begins the moment you enter the queue, where you’ll be introduced to the personalities of the four phoenixes, each setting the tone for the adventure ahead. During your ride on Phoenix Rising, you will essentially take flight with one of these fantastical creatures. Here’s a glimpse into each phoenix:
Aqua: Protector of the ocean realm
Ignis: Protector of the desert realm
Glacius: Protector of the mountain tops and glaciers
Terra: Protector of the rainforests
What truly sets this ride apart is its unique onboard audio system. Each train, seating 20 passengers across 10 rows, features original audio tracks tailored to each phoenix. This audio perfectly synchronizes with every twist and turn, making every moment on Phoenix Rising truly unforgettable. An added touch we appreciated was the under-glow lighting on each ride vehicle, which matched the colors of the phoenix we were riding with.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of riding twice—first with Aqua and then with Glacius. Though the soundtracks for each ride slightly differed, common elements like the flapping of wings on the lift hill and various phoenix cries throughout the journey added a magical touch.
Our experience on this new coaster was nothing short of fantastic. It strikes a perfect balance between thrilling and family-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to the park’s more intense rides, like the nearby suspended coaster, Montu.
Experience the magic of Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay once it opens on July 21, and ignite your savings by securing discounted tickets through Orlando Informer here!
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