Python (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Python
Previously known as The Python
Python's double-corkscrew element (chain lift and first drop in background)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
LocationBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
Park sectionCongo
Coordinates28°02′20″N 82°25′30″W / 28.0390°N 82.4251°W / 28.0390; -82.4251
StatusRemoved
Opening dateJuly 1, 1976 (1976-07-01)
Closing dateOctober 31, 2006 (2006-10-31)
CostUS$2 million
($10.7 million in 2023 dollars[1])
Replaced byJungala
General statistics
TypeSteel
ManufacturerArrow Development
DesignerRon Toomer
ModelCorkscrew
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height72 ft (22 m)
Length1,200 ft (370 m)
Speed40 mph (64 km/h)
Inversions2
Duration1:08
Height restriction42 in (107 cm)
Python at RCDB

Python was a steel roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park in Tampa, Florida. Built by Arrow Development and opened on July 1, 1976, it was the first roller coaster at Busch Gardens since the park opened in 1959. The roller coaster was located in the Congo section of the park near Stanley Falls Flume and later the Congo River Rapids. After 30 years of operation, Python closed on October 31, 2006, and was eventually replaced by Jungala, a now-defunct family section of the park.

Python was one of several Corkscrew models built by Arrow Development, imaged after the likes of Corkscrew at Knott's Berry Farm. The roller coaster reached a maximum height of 72 feet (22 m), with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour (64 km/h), and reached a length of 1,200 feet (370 m). Upon opening, the roller coaster was received well by critics and guests.

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.