The Wait Is Over: Congo River Rapids Reopens at Busch Gardens
The wait is over! Congo River Rapids has officially reopened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Find out what guests can expect from its return.
Congo River Rapids is back at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
After what felt like an eternity, the wait is finally over. The popular water attraction has officially returned to operation, giving guests another chance to grab a raft, brave the rapids and discover exactly which member of their party is going to get absolutely drenched.
Busch Gardens announced its return on social media, welcoming Congo River Rapids back just as Florida’s summer heat continues to make getting soaked at a theme park feel less like a ride and more like a survival strategy. Yes, we are calling this a big deal. After an extended closure, the Congo River is flowing again.
Congo River Rapids Is Back
For months, guests visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have had to look at Congo River Rapids without actually being able to ride it. That is a particularly cruel experience in Florida. Guests could stand nearby but not go on the water attraction. With the nearby Kumba recently closing, that section of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay sounded silent. Since Congo River Rapids had been down for many months, hot guests looking to coll off lacked a water ride.
Guests could even imagine the sound of their family members screaming as the raft spins around a particularly aggressive section of the river. Still, they couldn’t actually get on. That’s no longer the case.
A Welcome Return During the Florida Heat
There may be no better time for a water ride to return than late summer in Florida. The calendar may eventually tell us that summer is coming to an end, but somebody clearly forgot to tell the weather.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay acknowledged as much in its announcement, noting that while summer may be coming to an end, the heat is still around. That makes Congo River Rapids a particularly welcome addition for guests spending the day at the park.
Of course, there’s always a catch. You might get wet. Actually, let’s be more honest. You might get very wet. There is a difference between “I got a little splash on my shirt” and “I should probably stop pretending these socks are ever going to be dry again.”
Congo River Rapids has traditionally been the kind of attraction where you don’t necessarily know what you’re getting into until the raft starts moving. Still, that’s part of the fun.
One of Busch Gardens’ Classic Attractions Returns
Congo River Rapids is one of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longtime attractions, having opened in 1982. The Intamin river rapids attraction takes guests on a winding journey through the Congo-themed area of the park, combining rushing water, spinning rafts and plenty of opportunities to become the wettest person in your group.
Sure, it isn’t a roller coaster. No, it doesn’t launch you hundreds of feet into the air. Also, it doesn’t require you to spend several minutes upside down. Instead, it does something much simpler. It puts you in a giant circular raft with other people and lets gravity, water and physics figure out the rest.
Honestly, that might be even more terrifying. Especially when someone in your raft says, “I think we’re going to get wet.” You are!
Congo River Rapids: The Timing Is Especially Welcome
Congo River Rapids returns during a period of significant change at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park has been saying goodbye to several longtime attractions while also preparing for what’s next.
Kumba, one of Busch Gardens’ most iconic roller coasters, recently completed its final season, with the park announcing that Kumba’s Revenge will eventually take its place as part of a major investment in the park. Meanwhile, the former Stanley Falls Flume site represents another major change to the park’s lineup. That makes the return of Congo River Rapids even more welcome for fans who enjoy the classic Busch Gardens attractions.
While new attractions are exciting, there is something comforting about seeing a familiar ride return. Especially when that familiar ride happens to involve getting soaked.
Yes, You Can Finally Make a Splash Again
The official announcement is particularly good news for anyone who has been keeping an eye on the attraction during its extended closure. There is no more need to wonder whether Congo River Rapids is coming back. Also, there is no more staring at the entrance wondering if today might finally be the day. There is no more walking past it while muttering, “They’d better reopen this thing soon.” It’s back.
Just Remember: Someone Has to Get Wet
As with any water ride, there’s always a certain amount of strategy involved. You can try sitting in the “safe” spot. You can attempt to protect your phone. Sure, you can wear the appropriate shoes. You can even convince yourself that you won’t get very wet this time. Congo River Rapids does not care about your plans. That’s part of what makes river rapids rides so much fun. Every trip can be different, and the person who gets soaked one time might somehow escape almost completely dry the next.
Of course, if you’re visiting Busch Gardens on a hot Florida day, getting soaked isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s basically free air conditioning. Okay, it serves as very wet, spinning, raft-based air conditioning. Are you ready to make a splash?
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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