Python (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Python
Company type	Steel roller coaster
Industry	Amusement park ride
Founded	July 1, 1976; 50 years ago
Defunct	October 31, 2006
Headquarters	Tampa, Florida, United States
Parent	Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Python was a steel roller coaster that operated at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. Constructed by Arrow Development, it debuted on July 1, 1976, marking the park’s first coaster addition since opening in 1959. Situated in the Congo area, near attractions such as Stanley Falls Flume and later the Congo River Rapids, Python entertained guests for three decades before closing on October 31, 2006. Its location was eventually replaced by Jungala, a now-closed family-themed zone.

Python was among several Corkscrew-style coasters developed by Arrow Development, drawing inspiration from rides like the Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm. The coaster featured a maximum height of , reached speeds up to , and had a track length of . Upon its debut, it received positive feedback from both critics and visitors.

History

After completing an 18-month expansion that introduced attractions including the Skyride and Moroccan Village, Busch Gardens announced plans for additional growth. In September 1975, the park disclosed the construction of Python, a $2 million thrill ride boasting a drop of and speeds up to , as part of a broader $7.6 million expansion slated for summer 1976.

By early 1976, construction progressed steadily, with vertical supports rising during April and May. Thom Stork, the park’s publicity manager, highlighted that Python would attract guests across different age groups, complementing the park’s existing lineup. The coaster officially opened on July 1, 1976, becoming Florida’s first roller coaster to feature inversions.

Speculation about Python’s closure began in September 2006 when Busch Gardens submitted demolition permits for the Congo section where the ride was located. Plans involved replacing it with an expanded family area. After some delays in obtaining permits, Busch Gardens confirmed on October 28, 2006, that Python would not operate during the 2007 season. The ride ceased operations permanently on October 31, 2006, and was dismantled alongside nearby dining facilities as part of Congo’s redevelopment.

Following its removal, Python’s trains were transferred to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to be used on their Arrow Development coaster, Loch Ness Monster. Approval for the Congo area expansion was granted in June 2007; this redevelopment resulted in Jungala, which opened on April 5, 2008.

Characteristics

Python was a standard model roller coaster manufactured by Arrow Development, replicated from the now-defunct Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm, which currently operates at Silverwood amusement park in Athol, Idaho. The Corkscrew design took six years to perfect and was created by designer Ron Toomer.

The coaster debuted amid a park expansion that introduced "The Monstrous Mamba" within the Congo section. Python stretched over , initially featuring a bright yellow and brown color scheme that was later updated to black and yellow. It ran two trains simultaneously; each train consisted of six cars arranged two across and two rows per car, accommodating 24 riders per dispatch. The black and yellow train colors reflected the theme inspired by the python snake. Riders were secured using over-the-shoulder restraints and had to meet a minimum height requirement of 42 inches.

Ride experience

Departing the station, the train immediately entered a brief 180-degree right-hand curve before climbing the lift hill. Upon reaching the summit, it banked to the right and then plunged down the initial drop, accelerating to speeds up to . The journey proceeded with a modest right-banked hill, followed by a turn leading into the distinctive double corkscrew feature. After completing another 180-degree right turn, the train engaged the final brake run and returned to the station. The entire ride cycle lasted approximately one minute.

Incidents

Several weeks post-opening, a 39-year-old individual with heart conditions passed away shortly after experiencing Python. As a result, the coaster's promotional slogan ("I challenged the Python and lived!") was discontinued.

Reception and legacy

At its debut, Python garnered favorable feedback from both visitors and reviewers. Responses varied from thrilled excitement to apprehension, with remarks such as "it's a scream" and "dyn-o-mite!" Lisa Akchin of The Tampa Tribune recounted initial trepidation that gave way to enjoyment after multiple rides, describing the sensation as "exhilarating." Michael Marzella from the St. Petersburg Times praised Python for transcending typical thrill rides, emphasizing its meticulously crafted twists and turns that simulate perceived danger—a design approach attributed to coaster engineer John C. Allen.

Following Python’s introduction at Busch Gardens Tampa, attendance increased by 12.6% in July 1976 compared to the prior year, contributing to an overall 2.5% rise in total season attendance for 1976. The success of Python encouraged Busch Gardens Tampa to invest in developing several additional roller coasters in subsequent years.

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