Thousands were treated to Busch Gardens Tampa's new roller coaster Cheetah Hunt this past weekend. The new roller coaster is a lengthy 4,400 feet long and it boasts not one, but three separate launches. Cheetah Hunt speeds along the park's African-themed back drop along the ground, above it, and also below it in a watery canyon. Like some of Busch Gardens Tampa's other attractions, the ride incorporates its namesake in cheetah viewing area called Cheetah Run. It's designed to give guests a close encounter with the cheetahs as they show off their legendary speed.

Some early reviews of Cheetah Hunt describe it as a fun family roller coaster that's a step between the park's smaller coasters like Scorpion and the park's signature thrillers like Montu and SheiKra. If that's an accurate depiction, then it's likely a wise addition for Busch Gardens Tampa as they're always competing with Orlando's many family-oriented theme parks. Central Florida's only going to get more competitive later this year when the new Legoland Florida opens. Cheetah Hunt was my most anticipated roller coaster opening in 2011 and these videos make me even more eager to get down to Florida. Learn more at CheetahHunt.com.

Filed under: North America, Theme Parks