Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

FIRST LOOK: The ALL-NEW Phoenix Rising Coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

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The eagerly anticipated Phoenix Rising coaster has finally taken flight at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! The ride opens to the public, beginning with passholders, on July 17, but we were able to get an exclusive first look at this awesome new family-friendly coaster!

Phoenix Rising is unlike anything the park has done before. This “in-between” coaster gives guests the same thrills as the other coasters in the park but without the intensity of some of its larger rides. Unlike some of the bigger coasters at the park, this one does not feature any direct inversions – just twists, turns, AND onboard audio! And the best part – the height requirement is only 42” tall making it perfect for guests who can’t ride some of the bigger coasters yet!

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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The inspiration for Phoenix Rising stems from the park’s previous swinging ship ride, The Phoenix. The ride is located in the Pantopia area of the park, which is based on world travel. As phoenixes show up in different areas of mythology from around the world, it’s the perfect spot for the new coaster to call home.

The Phoenix Rising Experience

You’re first greeted by four large hanging banners that introduce the four different types of phoenixes you’ll encounter on the ride which are inspired by different landscapes from different worlds:

  • Fire Phoenix – Desert realm
  • Ice Phoenix – Glaciers and mountaintops
  • Jungle Phoenix – Rainforest
  • Sea Phoenix- Ocean
Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Artifacts representing mythical phoenixes greet you as you enter the ride.

The entrance of the ride showcases brightly colored artifacts and items that give the illusion and hints of the mythical phoenixes that travelers have gathered over the years.

The entrance of the ride showcases brightly colored artifacts and items that give the illusion and hints of the mythical phoenixes that travelers have gathered over the years.
Large banners explain the different phoenix realms

What’s cool is that each time you ride, you’ll have a different experience. Through a randomized sequence, you’ll encounter one of the four phoenixes as you get on the ride. Once you’re seated and just before you take flight, four 8-foot by 8-foot windows showcase your phoenix as you watch it materialize.

Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Watch your phoenix materialize on the screens before you take flight.

The ride soars 44 miles per hour over Pantopia and the Serengeti Plain. The track is above your head and your feet dangle, just like one of the park’s larger coasters, Montu. Like Montu, it really gives you the feeling of flying and soaring through the air but without the intensity of going upside down. During the ride, you’ll twist and turn and glide through the air just like a bird in flight.

One of the coolest elements of the ride is the addition of sound. Throughout the ride, you’ll hear the calls of the phoenix along with its wings flapping and environmental sounds like wind and water.

What makes Phoenix Rising unique?

“The best part about the entire attraction is the height requirement. We talk all the time about creating a park that’s great for the entire family, and we knew that in our portfolio of some of the best coasters in the entire world, we were still lacking that sort of entry-level, that first time to ride, that ‘big kid’ coaster. With Phoenix rising and that height being only 42 inches to ride, it’s going to be an amazing family attraction and the best first ‘big kid’ coaster ride,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The use of sound and technology is also unique to the ride. The sounds of the mythical phoenix mixed with the sounds of its wings flapping and the surrounding environment definitely added to the adrenaline rush of being on the ride.

Facts about Phoenix Rising:

  • Maximum height: 80 feet
  • Track length: 1,831 feet
  • Maximum speed: 44 mph
  • Number of trains: 1
  • Number of vehicles: 10 per train
  • Number of passengers: 2 per vehicle

How you can experience Phoenix Rising

The ride will open to the general public on Sunday, July 21 at 10 am. Starting this week, Pass Members and Fun Card holders can take advantage of early previews.

  • Wednesday, July 17: Platinum Member Preview from 10 am – 5 pm
  • Thursday, July 18: Platinum and Gold Member Preview from 10 am – 9 pm
  • Friday, July 19: All Pass Members from 10 am – 9 pm
  • Saturday, July 20: All Pass Members and Fun Card holders from 10 am – 9 pm
  • Sunday, July 21: All Pass Members and Fun Card holders from 8 am – 10 am
  • Sunday, July 21: General public starting at 10 am

In addition to the new ride, there are so many exiting things taking place at Busch Gardens the rest of the year!

  • Busch Gardens Summer Nights: May 24-August 11
  • Bourbon & BBQ: Fridays-Sundays July 19-September 2
  • Howl O Scream: September 7-November 3 (separate ticketed event)
  • Spooktacular: Saturdays and Sundays September 7-November 3
  • Guy Harvey Weekend: November 2024
  • Christmas Town: November 15-January 5, 2025

Visit buschgardens.com/tampa to learn more.

All images courtesy of Brie Gorecki. Point of view image provided by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.