I personally felt honored to finally take a spin on this legendary coaster that jump-started the legacy of Bolliger and Mabillard. To the casual coaster fan, Kumba doesnt look like much. Its got a fairly basic, generic layout...there are no stand-out elements or unique maneuvers. To those more seasoned coaster enthusiasts, however, Kumba is a cherished piece of history that is responsible for the critical development of one of the most successful roller coaster designing companies in the world. When this beast opened in 1993, Kumbas layout was innovative and unique. It was flashy, over-the-top, and completely revolutionary. It put B&M on the map, and since then B&M has not skipped a beat.
Now onto the ride experience itself. After so many years of operation, Kumba still delivers an impressive ride experience. The forces produced during the zero-g-roll in particular were startlingly good. The well hidden underground helix at the end of the ride was also a highlight of the ride. Of course, it runs with age, so its a little rough around the edges, but Kumba still crashes through that legendary course spryly and energetically. It is a very well-paced ride overall, and the elements flow together brilliantly. The MCBR also doesnt punch in very much at all, too, so the coaster plows along powerfully until the final brakes clamp down.
All in all, Kumba is still a solid attraction despite bigger, badder, and more unique B&Ms have been built since its construction. I was impressed that B&Ms first smash-hit still packs such a punch, and I came away thoroughly satisfied.
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