Busch Gardens Tampa to Open Cobra's Curse Friday June 17th + New Photos

© Busch Gardens Tampa

The wait will soon be over, as visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa will be able to experience the theme park's all-new "family thrill coaster," Cobra's Curse, this Friday, June 17th.  The above photo is of the entrance to the new ride, with the elevator-style lift seen in the background.  No doubt that the park has made the ride fit in well with its Egypt-themed surroundings.

© Busch Gardens Tampa

As part of the ride's opening date announcement, the park has also released some beautiful new photos of the queue for Cobra's Curse.  The waiting area for the coaster will be much more than uncovered switchbacks, instead visitors will find "an immersive themed experience and a state-of-the-art snake exhibit featuring four exotic snake species including some of the world’s most feared and often misunderstood vipers."

© Busch Gardens Tampa

Along with the actual snake exhibit, the area is beautifully themed and contains all sorts of homage to a wide variety of slithery snakes.  This appears to be a decorative water fountain located inside the main section of the queue.

© Busch Gardens Tampa

Pulling back a bit, we see a wider look at the area.  Not only is there plenty to look at to keep riders distracted while they wait, the entire queue is indoors and air-conditioned.  That's especially nice in the Tampa sun!

© Busch Gardens Tampa

After riders make it through the queue they board the ride's cars in the station, seen above.  The station is mostly covered but still has some open air sections to allow light in.  The ride uses a conveyor belt loading system that will help keep a guaranteed capacity for the ride.

© Busch Gardens Tampa

Here's one last photo that Busch Gardens Tampa released of their new ride.  Cobra's Curse has turned out to be a very easy-on-the-eye ride, that's for sure!  Read more at the official Cobra's Curse website.