Thrill seekers waited a year for Busch Gardens' to build and test its new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster.
Now that it's been open for a month, they're still waiting — for as long two hours, some days — to get on and ride.
That's no surprise: New attractions almost always go to the top of theme park visitors' must-see lists. And that means lots and lots of people are lining up in the sticky Florida heat.
We checked out three of the newest mega-attractions at area parks to see just how long the lines really are and to get some tips on how to beat the wait.
Cheetah Hunt, Busch Gardens Tampa: Cheetah Hunt is meant to mimic the high-speed pursuit of a cheetah after its prey, but you might want to bring a beverage and a good book when you get in line. The wait time is averaging 45 to 60 minutes and could increase now that school is out, says park spokeswoman Jill Revelle. Weekends usually have longer waits than weekdays.
Minimize the wait by getting to the park when it opens, Revelle says, and hit Cheetah Hunt first. Lunchtime is also good, as others take a time-out. Or stay late for extended hours during "Summer Nights" and benefit from shorter lines and — with any luck — cooler temperatures.
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