Cheetah Hunt
{{Short description|Amusement ride in Tampa, Florida}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox roller coaster
| name = Cheetah Hunt
| logo = Cheetah Hunt logo.png
| logodimensions = 200px
| logo_alt = A script text "Cheetah Hunt" in yellow gradient, with blue outlining the bottom of each letter, creating depth. The word "Cheetah" features the yellow gradient fading into a darker hue of red, with the word "Hunt" in the reverse order. Beneath the main logo has italic text reading "A New Breed of Speed" in blue.
| image = Cheetah Hunt overview.jpg
| imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = An overview of part of Cheetah Hunt
| previousnames =
| location = Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
| section = Edge of Africa
| coordinates = {{Coord|28|2|3|N|82|25|12|W|display=inline,title}}
| type = Steel
| type2 = Launched
| type3 =
| status = Operating
| opened = {{Start date|2011|5|27}}
| year = 2011
| manufacturer = Intamin
| designer = PGAV Destinations
| model = Blitz Coaster
| track =
| lift = LSM launch
| height_ft = 102
| drop_ft = 130
| length_ft = 4429
| speed_mph = 60
| inversions = 1
| duration =
| angle =
| capacity =
| cost =
| acceleration =
| acceleration_from =
| acceleration_mph =
| acceleration_km/h =
| acceleration_in =
| gforce = 4
| trains = 5
| carspertrain = 4
| rowspercar = 2
| ridersperrow = 2
| virtual_queue_name = Quick Queue
| virtual_queue_image = Quick Queue availability logo (Busch Gardens).svg
| virtual_queue_status = available
| single_rider =
| custom_label_1 = Launches
| custom_value_1 = {{Plainlist|
- 1. {{Convert|30|mph|abbr=on}} in 1.8 seconds
- 2. {{Convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 2.4 seconds
- 3. {{Convert|40|mph|abbr=on}} in 2.1 seconds
}}
| custom_label_2 = Replaced
| custom_value_2 =
| custom_label_3 =
| custom_value_3 =
| custom_label_4 = Website
| custom_value_4 = {{Official URL}}
| accessible =
| transfer_accessible =
| video = Cheetah Hunt Busch Gardens Tampa Intamin Blitz Coaster POV.webm
| rcdb_number=9456 |image_alt=A vertical photograph of Cheetah Hunt's layout from the Sky Ride gondola. Pictured is the yellow colored supported windcatcher tower with green track where a Cheetah Hunt train ascends. The photograph features the descending track into a trench and over the Sky Ride, as well as the last bunny hill of the layout.
}}
Cheetah Hunt is a steel launched roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. The roller coaster was manufactured by Intamin and designed in collaboration with Mark Rose. Cheetah Hunt opened to the public on May 27, 2011, alongside a cheetah exhibit called Cheetah Run. Cheetah Hunt features three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches and a single inversion. The roller coaster reaches a height of {{Convert|102|ft|m|adj=}}, with a maximum speed of {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}} and a total track length of {{Convert|4429|feet|m|adj=}}.
Cheetah Hunt is located in the Edge of Africa section of the park and navigates through the Serengeti Plain section. The Cheetah Run exhibit replaced the Budweiser Clydesdales stable area with an {{Convert|11,000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} space and a {{Convert|220|ft|m|adj=on}} sprint track. The roller coaster utilizes the former monorail station and Rhino Rally water section for its track. Upon opening, Cheetah Hunt received positive acclaim from the public, and ranked as the 2nd Best New Ride of 2011 by the Golden Ticket Awards.
History
The roller coaster, later to be known as Cheetah Hunt, took seven years from conceptualization to completion.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=February 17, 2014|title=Busch Gardens' Mark Rose: Designing roller coasters is one hell of a ride|url=http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/17/busch-gardens-mark-rose-designing-roller-coasters-is-one-hell-of-a-ride-4304595/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219225112/http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/17/busch-gardens-mark-rose-designing-roller-coasters-is-one-hell-of-a-ride-4304595/|archive-date=February 19, 2014|access-date=November 21, 2020|website=Metro|publisher=DMG Media}}{{Cite web |last=Rutherford |first=Scott |date=July 2011 |title=Busch Tampa introduces new IntaRide LSM triple launch coaster |url=http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_july_2011_web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907210857/http://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_july_2011_web.pdf |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |website=Amusement Today |pages=1, 5, 6}} Cheetah Hunt was designed by Mark Rose, vice president of design and engineering at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Rose was inspired by a scene in the Star Wars film Return of the Jedi where the protagonists navigated the forests of Endor on speeder bikes. The attraction was also inspired by SeaWorld Orlando's roller coaster Manta with its combination of animal habitat and attraction.{{Cite web |last=Mount |first=Mackenzie |date=May 26, 2011 |title=Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster out of its cage |url=http://www2.tbo.com/news/events/2011/may/26/14/bush-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-out-of-its-cage-ar-232792/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527233111/http://www2.tbo.com/news/events/2011/may/26/14/bush-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-out-of-its-cage-ar-232792/ |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=Tampa Bay Online}}{{Cite news |last=Mount |first=Mackenzie |date=May 27, 2011 |title=Cheetah Hunt inspired by 'Star Wars' |work=The Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98643887/cheetah-hunt-inspiration-in-2011/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180529/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98643887/cheetah-hunt-inspiration-in-2011/ |url-status=live }} Rose initially thought of using a lift hill to reach the speed he wanted, but after realizing the height of the lift would be too tall, he incorporated the design to include a linear synchronous motor (LSM) system.{{cite news |last=Albright |first=Mark |date=April 3, 2011 |title=Busch Gardens engineer found his calling designing thrills |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-engineer-found-his-calling-designing-thrills/1161137 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913022924/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-engineer-found-his-calling-designing-thrills/1161137 |archive-date=September 13, 2011}}
Bolliger & Mabillard, among other manufacturers, were considered for the latter attraction, with Intamin ultimately being chosen because of the manufacturer's technology development and the park's expectations. In the early planning and construction stages, the roller coaster was initially called "Cheetaka", as a trademark was filed on April 18, 2010, for the name by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, parent company of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.{{cite web|title=Cheetaka|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85016599&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|accessdate=April 10, 2013|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office|archive-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404082200/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85016599&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live}} After the park realized that the name was too hard to pronounce and didn't describe the ride, the trademark was abandoned.{{cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=October 13, 2010|title=Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster to launch riders to 60 mph three times|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-to-launch-riders-to-60-mph-three-times/1127882|url-status=dead|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185402/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-to-launch-riders-to-60-mph-three-times/1127882|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}
Construction walls and survey stakes were observed in April 2010 within the Edge of Africa section, with the Serengeti Express closed to reposition railroad track.{{Cite web |last=Erik |date=April 21, 2010 |title=Busch Gardens Tampa begins next construction project |url=https://behindthethrills.com/2010/04/busch-gardens-tampa-begins-next-construction-project/ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |website=Behind The Thrills |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520174912/https://behindthethrills.com/2010/04/busch-gardens-tampa-begins-next-construction-project/ |url-status=live }} Trenches were beginning to be dug out in May,{{Cite web |last=Racheal |date=May 17, 2010 |title=Huge BGT update: Katonga, Kumba, Project 2011 |url=https://behindthethrills.com/2010/05/huge-bgt-update-katonga-kumba-project-2011-and-more/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=Behind The Thrills |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521171049/https://behindthethrills.com/2010/05/huge-bgt-update-katonga-kumba-project-2011-and-more/ |url-status=live }} and by June, the transportation gondola, Skyride, was closed for the rumored attraction.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=June 7, 2010|title=New Busch Ride To Put Skyride On Hiatus|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2010/06/05/new-busch-ride-to-put-skyride-on-hiatus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121075135/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2010/06/05/new-busch-ride-to-put-skyride-on-hiatus/|archive-date=November 21, 2020|access-date=November 21, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company}}{{Cite web |last=Nick |date=November 9, 2010 |title=Busch Gardens Exclusive Interview |url=http://www.coaster101.com/2010/11/09/busch-gardens-exclusive-interview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115150545/http://www.coaster101.com/2010/11/09/busch-gardens-exclusive-interview/ |archive-date=January 15, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Coaster 101}} During that month, the park launched a teaser campaign revealing details of the attraction. The campaign featured a website that showcased videos describing the attraction's main characteristics, updates from park officials, and cutscenes of the ride's point-of-view shot video from June to August.{{Cite web|last=|date=September 16, 2010|title=Video clues confirm Busch Gardens new attraction will be a coaster|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/video-clues-confirm-busch-gardens-new-attraction-will-be-a-coaster/|url-status=live|access-date=May 8, 2021|website=Attractions Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810180814/http://attractionsmagazine.com/video-clues-confirm-busch-gardens-new-attraction-will-be-a-coaster/ |archive-date=August 10, 2014 }}{{cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=October 13, 2010|title=Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster to launch riders to 60 mph three times|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-to-launch-riders-to-60-mph-three-times/1127882|url-status=dead|accessdate=October 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017133448/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-to-launch-riders-to-60-mph-three-times/1127882|archive-date=October 17, 2010}}{{Cite news |last=Mullins |first=Richard |date=October 14, 2010 |title=Busch Gardens touts new thrills, spills |page=6 |work=The Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98639888/cheetah-hunt-details-during-the/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180530/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98639888/cheetah-hunt-details-during-the/ |url-status=live }} The park released a photo on its social media account of the roller coaster's track on September 10.{{Cite web |title=Cheetah Hunt track |url=https://twitter.com/BuschGardens/status/24123257989 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512152014/https://twitter.com/BuschGardens/status/24123257989 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |via=Twitter |quote=We want to have some Friday fun with our Followers – a photo from the team working on our 2011 Attraction!}}
The construction of the foundations was completed in October 2010.{{Cite web |last=Mullins |first=Richard |date=October 13, 2010 |title=Busch Gardens unveiling 'Cheetah Hunt' ride today |url=http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/13/131626/busch-gardens-unveiling-cheetah-hunt-ride-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015192110/http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/13/131626/busch-gardens-unveiling-cheetah-hunt-ride-today/ |archive-date=October 15, 2010 |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=Tampa Bay Online |publisher=Media General}} The day prior to the announcement of the ride on October 12, a second trademark was filed under the name of "Cheetah Hunt".{{cite web |url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85150581&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |title=Cheetah Hunt |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |accessdate=April 10, 2013 |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404082200/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85150581&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |url-status=live }} Cheetah Hunt was officially announced on October 13, alongside a new "Cheetah Run" habitat.{{Cite news|date=October 13, 2010|title=Full details on Busch Gardens' new Cheetah roller coaster and habitat – video/photos|work=Attractions Magazine|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/full-details-on-busch-gardens-new-cheetah-roller-coaster-and-habitat-videophotos/|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|archive-date=August 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810181358/http://attractionsmagazine.com/full-details-on-busch-gardens-new-cheetah-roller-coaster-and-habitat-videophotos/}}{{Cite news |last=Garcia |first=Jason |date=October 14, 2010 |title=Additions at 2 other theme parks up ante |page=A4 |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98642141/cheetah-hunt-opening-with-another/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180527/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98642141/cheetah-hunt-opening-with-another/ |url-status=live }} Temporary pathways were erected during the construction of Cheetah Hunt behind the former Budweiser Clydesdales stables to reroute foot traffic. By November, vertical construction began and some supports for the ride were already in place.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=November 18, 2010|title=Insider Update: Cheetah Hunt Has Gone Vertical|url=http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/insider-update-cheetah-hunt-has-gone-vertical|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119104906/http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/insider-update-cheetah-hunt-has-gone-vertical|archive-date=January 19, 2011|accessdate=February 7, 2011|website=|publisher=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment}}{{Cite web |last=John |date=November 20, 2010 |title=Cheetah Hunt construction photos |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2010/11/20/cheetah-hunt-construction-photos/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Coaster101 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519164219/https://www.coaster101.com/2010/11/20/cheetah-hunt-construction-photos/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Racheal |date=November 22, 2010 |title=Christmas at Busch Gardens begins & Cheetah Hunt goes vertical |url=https://behindthethrills.com/2010/11/christmas-at-busch-gardens-begins-cheetah-hunt-goes-vertical/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=Behind The Thrills |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521181507/https://behindthethrills.com/2010/11/christmas-at-busch-gardens-begins-cheetah-hunt-goes-vertical/ |url-status=live }} By mid-December, the supports for the {{Convert|102|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} figure 8 element were complete with some pieces of track also installed, including the first launch section being complete.{{cite web|date=December 13, 2010|title=Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update|url=http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/cheetah-hunt-construction-update|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218025918/http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/cheetah-hunt-construction-update|archive-date=December 18, 2010|accessdate=March 23, 2021|publisher=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment}}{{Cite web |last=John |date=December 14, 2010 |title=Cheetah Hunt construction update |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2010/12/14/cheetah-hunt-construction-update/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Coaster 101 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519164217/https://www.coaster101.com/2010/12/14/cheetah-hunt-construction-update/ |url-status=live }}
The park announced on February 17 that the attraction would open in late May.{{cite web|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=February 18, 2011|title=Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster in sprint to May 27 completion|url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-in-sprint-to-may-27-completion/1152269|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221102127/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-in-sprint-to-may-27-completion/1152269|archive-date=February 21, 2011|accessdate=February 20, 2011|work=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Tampa Bay}} The roller coaster's trains arrived on February 28.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=February 28, 2011|title=Cheetah Hunt's coaster cars have arrived at Busch Gardens|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunts-coaster-cars-have-arrived-at-busch-gardens-2/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705153745/http://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunts-coaster-cars-have-arrived-at-busch-gardens-2/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2011|website=Attractions Magazine }}{{Cite web |last=John |date=February 28, 2011 |title=Cheetah Hunt trains arrive and more |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2011/02/28/cheetah-hunt-trains-arrive-and-more/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Coaster101 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519164219/https://www.coaster101.com/2011/02/28/cheetah-hunt-trains-arrive-and-more/ |url-status=live }} Track work for the roller coaster was completed on March 14.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=March 16, 2011|title=Cheetah Hunt roller coaster track is complete, theming continues|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-track-is-complete-theming-continues/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705143741/http://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-track-is-complete-theming-continues/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2020|website=Attractions Magazine }}{{Cite web |last=John |date=March 18, 2011 |title=Cheetah Hunt construction update |url=https://www.coaster101.com/2011/03/17/cheetah-hunt-construction-update-3/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Coaster101 |archive-date=December 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229212157/http://www.coaster101.com/2011/03/17/cheetah-hunt-construction-update-3/ |url-status=live }} It was observed that the park was completing "walk-through tests" on the track, a measure to ensure the trains could safely clear obstacles, in late March.{{Cite web |last=Racheal |date=March 22, 2011 |title=Busch Gardens performs pull through testing on Cheetah Hunt |url=https://behindthethrills.com/2011/03/busch-gardens-performs-pull-through-testing-on-cheetah-hunt/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=Behind The Thrills |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521181506/https://behindthethrills.com/2011/03/busch-gardens-performs-pull-through-testing-on-cheetah-hunt/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Gworek|first=Don|date=March 27, 2011|title=Cheetah Hunt Update: Vehicle walk-through testing in progress|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715221045/http://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/ |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |access-date=December 31, 2020|website=Attractions Magazine }} Testing began for the roller coaster with water dummies in late April.{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Josh |date=April 30, 2011 |title=New Busch coaster's first riders are dummies |work=The Tampa Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98643416/cheetah-hunt-test-rehearsals-in-2011/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329180528/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98643416/cheetah-hunt-test-rehearsals-in-2011/ |url-status=live }} Cheetah Hunt opened to the public on May 27.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Cheetah Hunt|location=Busch Gardens Tampa|rcdb_number=9456|accessdate=October 14, 2010}} Another roller coaster in the park, Cheetah Chase, was renamed Sand Serpent to reduce confusion between the two roller coasters.{{Cite book |last=McMorrow-Hernandez |first=Joshua |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2017 |isbn=9781467124959 |series=Images of Modern America |pages=86}}
Ride experience
The ride begins with a {{Convert|30|mph|km/h|adj=on}} linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch out of the station and around a wide left turn followed by a gradual dip before approaching the second launch. The second launch accelerates riders to their top speed of {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}} before climbing a {{Convert|102|ft|m|adj=on}} figure-eight element (also known as a Windcatcher Tower).{{cite news |last=Daly |first=Sean |date=May 20, 2011 |title=Cheetah Hunt review: Busch Gardens coaster is one cool ride |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |publisher=Times Publishing Company |url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/florida/cheetah-hunt-review-busch-gardens-coaster-is-one-cool-ride/1170762 |access-date=June 20, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411220619/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/florida/cheetah-hunt-review-busch-gardens-coaster-is-one-cool-ride/1170762 |archivedate=April 11, 2012}} Riders weave through a series of helixes before dropping {{Convert|130|ft|m}} into a trench, then proceed over a direction-changing airtime hill crossing over the Skyride, before completing the ride's only inversion, a heartline roll. Upon exiting the barrel-roll and its subsequent brake run, the ride remains low to the ground and goes through a series of short banked turns through a rock fixture simulating several "near misses". This leads the ride into its third and final launch, which accelerates riders to a speed of {{Convert|40|mph|km/h}} to navigate its way back to the station. During the journey back, there are more airtime and direction-changing hills before the final brake run.{{Cite web|date=June 17, 2015|title=Cheetah Hunt front seat on-ride HD POV @60fps Busch Gardens Tampa|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDma8WzHT2o&ab_channel=CoasterForce |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tDma8WzHT2o |archive-date=December 21, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=March 23, 2021|publisher=CoasterForce|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
Characteristics
Cheetah Hunt was originally termed within the Crown Colony Plaza area of the park,{{Cite web|date=October 19, 2010|title=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Introduces A New Breed of Speed|url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-introduces-a-new-breed-of-/241642438/|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=|publisher=WSB-TV|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144816/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/busch-gardens-tampa-bay-introduces-a-new-breed-of-/241642438/ |archive-date=May 10, 2021 }} now the Edge of Africa section.{{Cite web |last=Daniel |first=Tiffani |date=July 9, 2019 |title=5 Busch Gardens Rides That Are Actually Worth Waiting In Line For (& 5 That Aren't) |url=https://www.thetravel.com/busch-gardens-best-worst-rides/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=The Travel |language=en-US |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311005846/https://www.thetravel.com/busch-gardens-best-worst-rides/ |url-status=live }} The roller coaster is inspired by the general species of cheetah. The themed area features a mixture of concrete and driftwood cheetah statues and a large rock-shaped cheetah located within the queue area.{{Cite web|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=June 2, 2011|title=Run! Cheetah Hunt open at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-bevil-busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-20110602-column.html|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511090105/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-bevil-busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-20110602-column.html |archive-date=May 11, 2021 }}{{Cite web|date=February 23, 2011|title=Hard hat construction tour of Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetahhunthardhattour/|url-status=live|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=Attractions Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705143514/http://attractionsmagazine.com/cheetahhunthardhattour/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 }} The themed land surrounding both roller coaster and exhibit uses a mix of architectural styles inspired by three of the park's themed lands: Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. The roller coaster's queue area is themed to a collapsed temple. Cheetah Hunt covers {{Convert|13|acre|ha|abbr=}} of land within Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
= Cheetah Run =
File:Cheetah Run enclosure.jpg
To go alongside Cheetah Hunt, the park opened an animal exhibit called Cheetah Run that replaced the Budweiser Clydesdales interaction area.{{Cite web|last=Mullins|first=Richard|date=October 14, 2010|title=Busch Gardens touts new thrills, spills|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77427966/cheetah-hunt-announcement-2011/|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=The Tampa Tribune|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510182651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77427966/cheetah-hunt-announcement-2011/ |archive-date=May 10, 2021 }} The exhibit is located adjacent to the roller coaster's main launch sequence. The exhibit features glass-paneled viewing areas which allow visitors to watch cheetahs sprint across a {{Convert|220|ft|m|adj=on}} dirt track and educational touch screen panels.{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Jason |date=October 13, 2010 |title=SeaWorld unveils new reef for Discovery Cove, new coaster for Busch Gardens |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |publisher=Tribune Company |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-discovery-cove-busch-gardens-rides20101013,0,3348255.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104185235/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-discovery-cove-busch-gardens-rides20101013,0,3348255.story |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |accessdate=October 14, 2010}}{{Cite journal |last=Baldwin |first=Time |date=July 2011 |title=Busch's themed Cheetah Run complements new coaster attraction |url=https://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_july_2011_web.pdf |journal=Amusement Today |volume=15 |issue=4 |pages=6 |access-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031084759/https://amusementtoday.com/backissues/at_july_2011_web.pdf |url-status=live }} Cheetah Run encompasses an area of {{Convert|11,000|sqft|sqm|abbr=}} and houses rockwork, a waterfall, and grassland among areas of a ruined temple. The cheetahs are housed within the old stable building.{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Stephanie |date=May 26, 2011 |title=At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Cheetah Run habitat, the cats are a nose away |url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/at-busch-gardens-tampa-bays-cheetah-run-habitat-the-cats-are-a-nose-away/1171641 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811023732/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/at-busch-gardens-tampa-bays-cheetah-run-habitat-the-cats-are-a-nose-away/1171641 |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2022 |website=St. Petersburg Times}}
In February 2011, five cheetahs arrived on site in preparation for the opening of the exhibit.{{cite web|last=Roseboom|first=Matt|date=February 2, 2011|title=Cheetahs arrive at Busch Gardens in anticipation of new attraction|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006021140/http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/|archive-date=October 6, 2011|website=Attractions Magazine|publisher=|accessdate=February 7, 2011}}{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Cheetahs arrive at Busch Gardens|url=http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/blog/118/cheetahs-arrive-busch-gardens/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305103222/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/blog/118/cheetahs-arrive-busch-gardens/|archive-date=March 5, 2011|website=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|accessdate=February 7, 2011}} The cheetahs originated from the White Oak Conservation Center located near Jacksonville, Florida, and South Africa. During construction of the habitat, the cheetahs were accommodated to various sounds that would surround their enclosure. Cheetah Run opened with the roller coaster on May 27, 2011, with 14 cheetahs.
= Track =
Cheetah Hunt is an Intamin steel launched roller coaster manufactured by Intamin's United States distributor, Intaride LLC. The track is colored green with the supports colored gold to reflect the habitat of the cheetahs in the section of the park.{{Cite web|last=Thurston|first=Susan|date=June 24, 2011|title=Landmarks Of A Different Color|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2011/06/24/landmarks-of-a-different-color/|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=St. Petersburg Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511090110/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2011/06/24/landmarks-of-a-different-color/ |archive-date=May 11, 2021 }} The ride's station is located in the former monorail station that was decommissioned in the 1990s and is housed within the same building that is occupied by the Skyride.{{cite web|last=Roseboom|first=Matt|date=January 28, 2011|title=Photo Finds: Construction update for Cheetah Hunt roller coaster at Busch Gardens|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/28/photo-finds-construction-update-for-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707185406/http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/28/photo-finds-construction-update-for-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/|archive-date=July 7, 2011|accessdate=February 7, 2011|website=Attractions Magazine|publisher=}} The station features a two-train loading system.{{Cite web |date=August 2011 |title=The Cat's Meow |url=https://www.iaapa.org/industry/funworld/2011/aug/features/catsMeow/index.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402071407/https://www.iaapa.org/industry/funworld/2011/aug/features/catsMeow/index.asp |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=Funworld Magazine |publisher=International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions}} Cheetah Hunt is one of two roller coasters that feature a Windcatcher Tower element.{{Cite web |last=Marden |first=Duane |title=Element = Windcatcher Tower |url=https://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&el=18791 |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website= |publisher=Roller Coaster DataBase |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521201426/https://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&el=18791 |url-status=live }}
The track of the roller coaster extends into the Serengeti Plain section of the park, and into the defunct water canyon section of Rhino Rally. Four trenches were constructed for Cheetah Hunt to traverse under the Serengeti Plain as well as a pedestrian bridge.{{Cite web|date=February 15, 2011|title=Busch Gardens' Cheetah Hunt coaster track installation nearly complete|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-track-installation-nearly-complete/|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=Attractions Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705153741/http://attractionsmagazine.com/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-track-installation-nearly-complete/ |archive-date=July 5, 2014 }} In addition, the track traverses over the Skyride gondolas. The maintenance bay for the roller coaster is located on a lower level of the building. The steel track is {{Convert|4429|ft|m|adj=}} long.
= Trains =
Each train is colored yellow with cheetah print, with the front piece of the train designed to appear as a cheetah's head.{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=February 28, 2011|title=Cheetah Hunt coaster trains arrive at Busch Gardens Tampa|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201102/2355/|url-status=live|access-date=May 9, 2021|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606041327/http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201102/2355/ |archive-date=June 6, 2011 }} Cheetah Hunt operates with five trains, each with four cars that are arranged two across in two rows, allowing for 16 riders per train. The station allows for two trains to be loaded at the same time. Each seat has an over-the-shoulder restraint.{{Cite web|last=Marden|first=Duane|title=Cheetah Hunt seat – Busch Gardens Tampa (Tampa, Florida, United States)|url=https://rcdb.com/9456.htm#p=33741|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2021|website=|publisher=Roller Coaster DataBase|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923092339/http://www.rcdb.com:80/9456.htm |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }} Each train on Cheetah Hunt exerts a maximum of 4.0 g-forces to its riders.
Incidents
{{Main|Incidents at SeaWorld parks}}
On February 12, 2014, one of the trains, loaded with 16 passengers, stopped between the first and second launch on the roller coaster's banked crest. Park officials attempted to move the train backwards onto the launch platform but failed. The Tampa Fire Rescue Department was called thereafter to rescue the passengers with a cherry picker and a ladder during inclement weather. All passengers were rescued without injury.{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=February 13, 2014|title=Riders rescued from Cheetah Hunt roller coaster|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/16-stuck-when-busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-stops/2165310/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214111033/http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tourism/16-stuck-when-busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-stops/2165310 |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |access-date=November 23, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Billi|first=Charles|date=February 13, 2014|title=16 rescued from stuck roller coaster in Florida|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/13/busch-gardens-roller-coaster-rescue/5448709/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214070457/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/13/busch-gardens-roller-coaster-rescue/5448709/ |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |access-date=November 23, 2020|website=USA Today|publisher=Gannett|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=February 13, 2014|title=Riders rescued after being stuck on Cheetah Hunt|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/blog/morning-edition/2014/02/riders-rescued-after-more-than-an-hour.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803191307/https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/blog/morning-edition/2014/02/riders-rescued-after-more-than-an-hour.html|archive-date=August 3, 2022|access-date=November 23, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals}} The roller coaster remained closed the day after the incident for inspection by park maintenance.{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=February 13, 2014|title=Cheetah Hunt roller coaster remains closed|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-remains-closed/2165433/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803191309/https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-remains-closed/2165433/|archive-date=August 3, 2022|access-date=November 23, 2020|website=Tampa Bay Times|publisher=Times Publishing Company|language=en}}
Reception
File:Cheetah Hunt inversion.jpg
After the original name was changed upon the roller coaster's announcement, some theme park enthusiasts criticized the change, saying that "Cheetah Hunt" did not fit the roller coaster and pressing Busch Gardens to revert the name back to "Cheetaka". However, Busch Gardens responded saying that the name would not be changed.{{cite news|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=October 21, 2010|title=Busch Gardens out to channel the cheetah|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/os-xpm-2010-10-21-os-bevil-busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-c20101021-story.html|url-status=live|accessdate=March 1, 2013|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803191309/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/}}{{Cite web|last=Niles|first=Robert|date=October 13, 2010|title=Fans petition Busch Gardens Tampa to change Cheetah Hunt's name back to Cheetaka|url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201010/2147/|url-status=live|access-date=May 8, 2021|website=Theme Park Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074639/http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201010/2147/ |archive-date=March 9, 2012 }}
Cheetah Hunt was mostly well-received by the public and critics. Sean Daly from the Tampa Bay Times said that Cheetah Hunt is not that scary and compared it to SheiKra and Montu. He was also surprised that, despite "three head-snapping launches", the ride was "curiously slow" at times, though he still praised the final launch stating, "[It] sends you over a seemingly small parabola, a stomach-flipping surprise ending." Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel positively highlighted the scenic tower, winding maneuvers, and low curves that were akin to slalom skiing. Bevil complimented the ride running smoothly with comfortable over-the-shoulder harnesses, overall stating it "isn't an extreme coaster, but definitely a fun one".{{Cite web|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|date=May 26, 2011|title=Review: Busch Gardens' new Cheetah Hunt is one smooth coaster|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-busch-gardens-tampa-cheetah-hunt-review-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=Orlando Sentinel|publisher=Tribune Publishing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712114510/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-busch-gardens-tampa-cheetah-hunt-review-story.html |archive-date=July 12, 2021 }} Staff of Attractions Magazine praised the roller coaster's combination of launches, airtime, and "zig-zag motion".{{Cite web|date=May 27, 2011|title=Full review and on-ride video of Cheetah Hunt roller coaster at Busch Gardens|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/|url-status=live|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=Attractions Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715221129/http://attractionsmagazine.com/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/ |archive-date=July 15, 2014 }}
= Awards =
| class="wikitable" |
| style="text-align:center; background:white;" colspan="500"|Golden Ticket Awards: Best New Ride for 2011 |
|---|
| style="background:#white;"
! style="text-align:center;"|Ranking |
{{GTA table
| type = steel
| accessdate = December 29, 2016
| 2014 = 48
| 2015 = 37
| 2016 = 39
| 2017 = 29 (tied)
| 2018 = 35
| 2019 = 36
| 2021 = 41
}}
See also
- 2011 in amusement parks
- iSpeed, another Intamin LSM Launch Coaster located at Mirabilandia
- Maverick, another Intamin LSM Launch Coaster located at Cedar Point
- Verbolten, a Zierer family launch roller coaster at sister park Busch Gardens Williamsburg
{{Clear}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
{{BGT Coasters}}
{{BGT Attractions}}
Category:2011 establishments in Florida
Category:Articles containing video clips