Thursday, March 28, 2024

Five Roman gods converge on Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s 2020 launch coaster

Busch Gardens® Williamsburg has announced the first details about Pantheon®, a record-breaking multi-launch coaster set to open in 2020.  Featuring a total of four launches, this coaster located in the park’s Festa Italia village will reach a top speed of 72.5 mph, making it the fastest multi-launch coaster in North America.

The new Pantheon combines the might of five Roman gods in one record breaking display of strength, speed and power, including forward and backward launches, two inversions and a 95-degree drop.  The gods reinforce the theming of the new coaster and illustrate some of the thrilling elements for brave riders. 

Crews work at the site of Pantheon® at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg. ©2019 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

“Pantheon is going to be non-stop action for riders.  We’ve designed it so that the experience is changing all the time and will keep riders wondering what’s next,” said Larry Giles, Senior Director, Design & Engineering. “Multiple launches, speed changes, a sharp drop and backwards acceleration are just a few of Pantheon’s one-of-a kind traits,” added Giles. 

This is the fourth consecutive year of new attractions and follows the park’s popular ride from 2019, Finnegan’s Flyer™, the only “Screamin’ Swing” in Virginia.

 “Busch Gardens has a history of opening new attractions to thrill guests with exceptional experiences,” said Robert Ulrich, president of American Coaster Enthusiasts.

PANTHEON RIDE STATS

TYPE OF RIDE:                         

Multi-launch coaster (Fastest in North America)

SPECIAL FEATURES:

95° drop

Two inversions

Four launches

Launch 1 speed: 36 mph

Launch 2 speed: 50 mph

Launch 2 speed (backward): 61 mph

Launch 3 speed: 67 mph

TRACK LENGTH:                         

3,328 feet

MAXIMUM SPEED:                    

72.5 mph

MAXIMUM HEIGHT:                            

180 feet

RIDE DURATION:                                

Two minutes

SEATS/TRAIN:                                     

Two trains, 20 riders per train

LOCATION:                                           

Busch Gardens’ Festa Italia

RIDE MANUFACTURER:              

Intamin Worldwide

RIDE OPEN DATE:                    

Spring, 2020

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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