Days after announcing the opening date for the new family coaster, Phoenix Rising, Busch Gardens has been been forced to move the date back a week.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay first revealed back in October 2023 that a new family roller coster was coming to the theme park in 2024.
At the time of the announcement, Busch Gardens revealed that Annual Pass Members would be the first to ride Phoenix Rising, a B&M inverted family coaster.
Originally set to open in Spring, delays have pushed the opening back, with Busch Gardens announcing via social media on Saturday, July 6 that the ride would open to the public on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with Pass Members only having the opportunity to experience the new ride first on one day, Saturday, July 13.
Annual Pass Members reacted with anger at the announcement, complaining to the theme park on social media that it was unfair, that after advertising Pass Members would be the first to ride, the park was only giving Pass Members one day to get to the park for the previews.
In the past for new attractions, previews have lasted several days, giving adequate time for Pass Members to get to the park to enjoy the new attractions before the general public.
Now, following the backlash from Pass Members, Busch Gardens have pushed back the opening of Phoenix Rising to the public by a week, allowing time for Pass Members to ride.
Again, via social media, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced, "You asked, and we heard you! Phoenix Rising is just DAYS AWAY from opening, and we’ve added even MORE exclusive ride time for our Pass Members!"
Here is the new opening timeline for Phoenix Rising
7/13: Platinum Pass Member Preview from 10am-5pm and Passport to Thrills Party from 6pm-9pm
7/14: Platinum and Gold Pass Member Preview from 10am – 9pm
7/15: Platinum, Gold, and Silver Pass Member Preview from 2pm-9pm
7/16: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pass Member Preview from 2pm- 9pm
7/17: All levels Pass Member Preview from 10am- 9pm
7/18: Grand Opening for all families to experience
Not a Pass membert? Visit the link here now to gain exclusive rewards and benefits— just in time for Phoenix Rising!
Once open, Phoenix Rising will take thrill seeking families on a hair raising journey swinging them side to side as it does so, reaching speeds of up to 44 mph throughout it's 1,831 ft of inverted steel track.
The new ride will be the first ride at the park to feature onboard audio and will sport a minimum height requirement of only 42 inches to ride.
This exhilarating new attraction located in the Pantopia area of the park will have riders soaring over the Serengeti Plain, and will be the largest family-friendly addition to the Tampa Bay theme park.
The coaster has been built in the location of Sand Serpent, which was permanently closed and demolished to make way for Phoenix Rising.
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