Rise Up! Phoenix Rising is Set to Soar into Busch Gardens This Summer
Busch Gardens is putting the finishing touches on its next coaster, which is set to debut this June! Phoenix Rising is an all-new family-friendly coaster 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 will not feature any direct inversions – just twists, turns, AND onboard audio!
The ride is still being built, but we were able to get a sneak peek at its progress and learn all about the exciting developments the team at Busch Gardens has been working on to make this incredible ride come to life!
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The inspiration for Phoenix Rising
The inspiration for Phoenix Rising stems from the park’s previous swinging ship ride, The Phoenix. The ride will be 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 entrance of the ride will showcase artifacts and items that will give the illusion and hints of phoenixes that travelers have gathered over the years. Four large banners will 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
What makes Phoenix Rising unique?
The ride will soar 44 miles per hour over Pantopia and the Serengeti Plain and will have several different elements that will make it stand out, from the family-friendly aspect to the innovative technology not yet seen in any other coaster at the park.
“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 Steward Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
But the height isn’t the only thing that’s special to Phoenix Rising. 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. Four 8-foot by 8-foot windows will showcase your phoenix as you watch it materialize as you board.
The seats on the ride will be attached to the track from the top, allowing your feet to dangle and give you the feeling that you’re flying like a phoenix.
One of the most unique elements of Phoenix Rising is the use of onboard audio. Once you’re secured into your seat and as you take off, audio and sounds will bring your phoenix to life. You’ll hear the flapping of the phoenix wings, the call of the phoenix, and environmental effects like crashing waves and jungle noises.
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
Phoenix Rising is set to open this summer in late June. Annual pass holders will get early ride access prior to its public debut. Annual passes start as low as $15.75 a month.
In addition to the new ride, there are so many exiting things taking place at Busch Gardens this year!
- Sesame Street Kids Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays April 27-May 19
- Food and Wine Festival: Fridays-Sundays through May 19
- Cinco De Mayo: May 4-5
- Red, White, and Brews: Fridays-Sundays May 24-July 7
- Busch Gardens Summer Nights: May 24-August 4
- Giraffe Celebration Weekend: June 21-23
- 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
If you have a little one under 5, don’t forget to take advantage of the Busch Gardens Preschool Pass, where they can get free admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island for the rest of the year! But hurry – you only have until April 30, 2024 to grab one.
Visit buschgardens.com/tampa to learn more.