Roller Coaster: Kumba

 

Location: Busch Gardens, Tampa.
Classifications: Steel, flipper, floor.
Intensity Rating: 3.5/5 Screams
Quality Rating: 2.5/5 Stars





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"Kumba," which means "roar" in Kongo, is a coaster that I had heard plenty of things about, all of which were good. Needless to say, I had high expectations for Kumba. Just looking at it, I could see that it was built with high expectations in mind, especially when the train goes through the interlocking corkscrews and the cobra roll under the bridge. On the day I went, there was quite literally no line, so I eagerly ran over to Kumba and climbed on board.

I should have been warned by the empty line. To say that I was disappointed with Kumba is like saying that I'm upset that there's garlic in my Ceaser salad. The signs are all there; you just have to pay attention.

Anyway, I found Kumba to be quite boring. The initial drop was all right, but after that, it was standard coaster fare. Not even going through the corkscrews and cobra rolls made much of a difference. I felt little; I didn't understand the appeal. The only thing I liked about it was that it was a smooth ride; Kumba didn't bang my head around like I thought it would.

The word of warning is this: If you see an empty line for a ride, and you have never been on that ride before, don't go on it. If you do, you might end up finding out that the ride, like Kumba, is all roar and no substance.

My suggestion: Get back in line for Sheikra. (Review coming soon)

Roller Coaster: Manta

 

Location: SeaWorld Orlando

Classifications: Steel, flipper, splasher, glider.

Intensity Rating: 5/5 Screams

Quality Rating: 5/5 Stars

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Sea World’s newest roller coaster is the blue giant known as Manta.  However, the beauty of this ride doesn’t start when you enter the train. It starts as soon as you get in line. As you go through the line, you are treated to various views of a giant tank filled with rays. The sheer beauty of these creatures is enough to take your breath away – but don’t wait too long. The line will most likely be long enough for you to see as much of the rays as you want.

When you finally get to Manta, you’ll immediately notice that the cars are designed to look like the Manta ray itself. This is because Manta was designed to give riders a similar experience to a ray “flying” through the ocean. However, Manta takes this a step further – once strapped into your seat, you are then rotated so you are facing the ground. Quite literally, you then fly through the ride. However, because riders are so securely strapped in, it is one of the smoothest rides I have ever experienced, even through the inversions and splashdown. It’s truly a delightful experience – the first time I went on it, I started laughing because it was so much fun! Very few coasters have the ability to make me laugh, so Manta gets extra points for that.

I would not recommend it for the younger crowd – you have to be 4’6”/137 cm to ride it – but Manta is a must for any coaster enthusiast. However, be sure to leave your belongings with a non-rider - no loose articles are allowed on Manta.

The Coaster Guru Says Hello

Who am I? I am your friendly, neighborhood Coaster Guru.

I have been riding all sorts of rides, from roller coasters to river rapids, practically since the day that I was born. (Quite literally - my parents lived only a car ride away from Disney World, so I was on rides from an early age)
After my first roller coaster at the tender age of 5, my interest in roller coasters, rides, and amusement parks in general has grown exponentially. To date, I have been fortunate enough to have visited 14 amusement parks, along with more roller coasters (and other rides) than I care to count at this point.

The point of this blog is to impart some of my knowledge unto you, the humble Amusement Park Goer (APG). I can provide you with the reviews of the best rides, and the rides to avoid. I can also give you tips and tricks to finding your way around different parks, which parks are best for the kids, what parks do "that one thing" to make your day better, and any other special knowledge that you may find useful. I would also be happy to answer any specific questions you may have about visiting an amusement park.

Let the fun begin!