Cheetah Hunt

The Cheetah Hunt roller coaster is one of the most iconic attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida. Opened on May 27, 2011, Cheetah Hunt offers a unique blend of high-speed thrills, intricate track designs, and an exhilarating experience that simulates the speed and agility of a cheetah. This triple-launch roller coaster is known for its smoothness, stunning views of the park, and dynamic pacing that keeps riders on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Design and Theme

Cheetah Hunt was designed by Intamin, a leading roller coaster manufacturer, and is part of the park's "Cheetah Run" area, which emphasizes speed and elegance. The ride’s theme is inspired by the world’s fastest land animal, the cheetah. From its rapid accelerations to its sharp turns and low-to-the-ground maneuvers, Cheetah Hunt captures the essence of a cheetah’s sprint across the African plains. The queue line and boarding station are styled to reflect the lush landscapes of the African Serengeti, immersing riders in an adventure that feels both thrilling and authentic.

Ride Experience

Cheetah Hunt's ride experience is best described as a high-speed safari. At 4,429 feet long, it is the longest coaster at Busch Gardens. The journey begins with a gentle ascent out of the station, but the excitement ramps up quickly with the first of three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches that propel riders forward with breathtaking speed.

• First Launch: The first launch sends riders racing out of the station and up a 102-foot tall Windcatcher Tower, where they experience a moment of weightlessness as they twist through the figure-eight path at the top.
• Second Launch: After descending from the tower, the second launch accelerates the train to 60 mph in just a few seconds, taking riders across a series of airtime hills and ground-hugging turns that mimic a cheetah’s darting chase after prey.
• Third Launch: The final launch pushes the train into a heart-pounding zero-g roll, providing a thrilling sensation of floating in midair. This element is immediately followed by a drop into a trench that dives under the park’s walkways, giving a close-to-the-ground racing feel before zipping along water features and over bridges.

The entire experience lasts approximately 90 seconds but feels much longer due to the intensity and variety of the ride elements.

Key Features

1. Triple Launch System: Cheetah Hunt features a rare triple-launch system that uses magnets to propel the train to high speeds three separate times throughout the ride. This provides a unique rhythm and pace not commonly found in other coasters.
2. Zero-G Roll: The ride’s most iconic element is its heartline roll, where the train twists 360 degrees, providing a weightless sensation and giving riders a true feeling of agility and speed.
3. Windcatcher Tower: The Windcatcher Tower is a visually stunning element that serves as the ride’s highest point. The figure-eight pattern offers a great view of the park and an exhilarating twist as the train curves along its track.
4. Trench Runs: Cheetah Hunt’s low-to-the-ground trench runs simulate the swift and nimble movements of a cheetah on the hunt. These sections combine speed, near misses with surrounding terrain, and a close-up experience of the park’s natural beauty.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Steel, Launched Coaster
• Manufacturer: Intamin
• Height: 102 feet
• Length: 4,429 feet
• Top Speed: 60 mph
• Inversions: 1 (Zero-G Roll)
• Ride Time: Approximately 90 seconds
• Launches: 3 LSM launches
• Max G-force: 4.0 g

Queue and Theming

The Cheetah Hunt experience starts before boarding the train. The ride’s queue winds through the Cheetah Run, where live cheetahs can be seen lounging and running in an expansive exhibit. Interpretive signs educate guests on the conservation efforts Busch Gardens supports, as well as fun facts about cheetah behavior and biology. The queue area is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, adding to the immersive experience.

Fun Facts

1. Longest Coaster at Busch Gardens: With over 4,400 feet of track, Cheetah Hunt is the longest coaster at the park, offering a longer and more varied experience than any other ride.
2. Three Launches, Not One: While most launched coasters have a single acceleration point, Cheetah Hunt’s three launches create a unique stop-and-go feel that simulates the cheetah’s pursuit of prey.
3. Inverted Figure Eight: The Windcatcher Tower’s figure-eight design at 102 feet in the air provides a fantastic visual anchor for the ride and is a rare element that is not found on many coasters around the world.
4. Eco-Friendly: Cheetah Hunt is designed to be energy efficient, using linear synchronous motors for propulsion, which consume less power and reduce environmental impact compared to traditional roller coaster launch systems.

Popularity and Awards

Since its debut, Cheetah Hunt has been one of the most popular attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It consistently receives high marks for its thrilling experience and smooth ride quality. Cheetah Hunt has also been featured in various "Top 10" lists for best family coasters due to its mix of high-speed thrills and accessibility for a broader range of riders.

Cheetah Hunt is more than just a roller coaster — it’s a dynamic storytelling experience that combines exhilarating speed, beautiful theming, and the excitement of the African wilderness. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the next adrenaline rush or a family seeking a fun ride with impressive scenery, Cheetah Hunt is a must-visit attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With its innovative triple-launch system and graceful maneuvers, it truly captures the spirit of the cheetah in a way that’s unforgettable for riders of all ages.