Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa BayA famous Florida theme park has, once again, shocked fans, immediately reversing a divisive decision and averting a permanent shutdown that would’ve started next week.
Florida is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the United States, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, lately, the latter has put its fans through a roller coaster of emotions (pun intended).
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Like its state companions, Busch Gardens was heavily affected by Tropical Storm Debby, which forced the theme park to suddenly shut its gates on August 3, extending this closure through August 5.
Sadly, this sudden closure was closely followed by the heartbreaking announcement that Scorpion, one of the park’s most popular roller coasters, would shut down permanently on September 2, 2024. The news immediately sent fans spiraling with disappointment and shock, ruining thousands of vacations to the iconic Florida theme park.
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Fortunately, as an early Christmas miracle, Busch Gardens officials have shocked their fans again by reversing this divisive decision and extending the ride’s operations for another week!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) revealed thrilling news, confirming that Scorpion will remain operational through next week, extending the ride’s closing date to Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Good news, thrill-seekers! There’s even more time to enjoy the twists and turns of Scorpion, because we’ve extended the closing date to Sunday, 9/8! Don’t miss your chance to ride this legendary coaster and feel the sting one last time
Good news, thrill-seekers! There's even more time to enjoy the twists and turns of Scorpion, because we've extended the closing date to Sunday, 9/8! 🙌 Don't miss your chance to ride this legendary coaster and feel the sting one last time 🦂🎢 pic.twitter.com/KIEHKRCoqY
— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) August 30, 2024
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Don’t get us wrong. Scorpion is still scheduled to shut down permanently to pave the way for future thrills. Nonetheless, fans will have one more week to say their goodbyes and enjoy a thrilling ride on the legendary coaster.
Scorpion previously made headlines after a mother posted a video on TikTok, commenting that her daughter nearly flew off the roller coaster mid-ride.
“Looking back, this is definitely a learning experience,” said TikToker @kalieden86, who explained that her daughter lost consciousness and bumped her nose on the safety restraint. The mother added that she was terrified by the idea that “if [she] wasn’t holding on to her, she was gonna fall out and die.”
You can see this video below or click here to watch it.
Rollercoaster ride from he11 #rollercoaster #whoops #ohno
@kalieden86 Rollercoaster ride from he11 #rollercoaster #whoops #ohno
Sadly, a permanent closure is still on track to happen on Labor Day.
Related: Cedar Point Operations Heavily Affected, Permanent Closure Imminent
Earlier this month, Cedar Point (one of Six Flags’ most popular amusement parks) revealed plans to permanently shut down Snake River Falls after 31 years of operations at the Ohio amusement park.
Cedar Point’s Director of Communications, Tony Clark, confirmed the news, teasing that the permanent closure of Snake River Falls would make way for an undisclosed future expansion at the beloved Sandusky amusement park.
It's the final tidal wave for Snake River Falls.
Learn more: https://t.co/TIbzOyBoNj pic.twitter.com/WvGqP64z3H
— Tony Clark (@TonyClarkCP) August 2, 2024
Will you visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a last ride on the park’s iconic Scorpion roller coaster? Don’t forget to share your opinion with Inside the Magic and our readers in the comments below!