After Threats of Another Violent ‘Takeover,' Florida Theme Park Delays the Opening of Its Newest Coaster

This was the week Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was set to change the news about the theme park. In late June, the park made news for a violent brawl that online organizers called a “takeover” of Busch Gardens Tampa.

Front entrance to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida — Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

After that incident, the organizers of the first event planned similar “takeovers’ on the Fourth of July weekend, but Busch Gardens made several security changes that kept guests safe.

Some guests reported seeing someone with a weapon in the park as part of the takeover. Since then, Busch Gardens has worked with Tampa Police and their security staff to change how people enter the park, and they removed a fence that was used to sneak banned items into the theme park.

To help change the narrative surrounding Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the park was set to open its newest roller coaster, Phoenix Rising. However, they have had to delay the opening.

The countdown is officially on – but our Phoenix isn’t quite ready to fly. We are working to make every aspect of this ride an amazing experience for you, our most loyal guests! Click the link to check out the updated schedule, & get ready to soar 🐦‍🔥 https://t.co/HuYcHYGluD pic.twitter.com/nIbwrN6Obe

— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) July 11, 2024

Busch Gardens tweeted, “Our Phoenix isn’t quite ready to fly. We are working to make every aspect of this ride an amazing experience for you, our most loyal guests!”

The park’s newest attraction will open to Platinum Pass Holders for a special event on July 17. Before opening to the public, the latest roller coaster will have five days of Passholder previews.

Guests were rightfully concerned that this could be the first of many delays, with one writing on X:

Are y’all gonna delay it again next week? i’m not sure if you could botch marketing this thing ANY harder.

Phoenix Rising will open to pass holders next week, but guests must wait and see.

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising is Busch Gardens Tampa’s latest family-friendly roller coaster.

The park’s website describes Phoenix Rising as:

There’s nothing more exhilarating than a ride on the wings of the phoenix. Experience a fiery blaze of immersive, family-friendly excitement as you soar above the Serengeti Plain and drop into fun-filled twists and turns on the new Phoenix Rising.

Inspired by legend, this suspended roller coaster in vibrant Pantopia is packed with surprises and speeds up to 44 miles per hour. But with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect adventure for families to embark on together! Let your imagination and your adrenaline soar as you feel the rush of the wind and the thrill of the flight.

To participate in the preview events, pass holders must register before arriving at the park. Busch Gardens has not announced when the roller coaster will open to the public.

What do you think of the delay in Phoenix Rising’s opening?