originally posted on 3/24/2022
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Pantheon: PAN-thee-ahn. Noun. A former Roman temple that is currently a Catholic church located in Rome, Italy. Not the “Pantheon” you were looking for information on? Coaster enthusiasts and visitors at Busch Gardens Williamsburg are seeking, Pantheon, the brand new roller coaster!
Harnessing the strength and speed of the five greatest Roman gods, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has launched the highly anticipated Pantheon. The gods take riders through thrill after thrill on North America’s fastest multi launch coaster.
Minerva, Goddess of War, starts off the adventure, propelling the train forward (really fast forward!). Then, as riders are looking up at a massive hill, preparing to be shot up over it, Mercury, God of Trickery, sends them backward! Airtime hills throw passengers up and out of their seats for a few moments, and then, up, up the spire they go to meet Neptune, God of the Seas, where they “sea” the track switch and down they go. Back through Mercury’s tricks, riders are launched, yet again, to the heavens, where Jupiter, God of the Skies, is waiting. Held weightless, they glide over the top of the hill, before Pluto, God of the Underworld, pulls them back down to earth.
This coaster is god-tier.
Photo: Randy Davidson. View full-sized image.
Built by Intamin, the blitz coaster boasts a height of 178 feet, a top speed of 73 mph, 2 inversions and a 95-degree drop. It is Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s ninth coaster.
Back in Festa Italia is the Pantheon plaza. A large area containing lockers and photo key kiosks stands before the ride’s queue. In the queue of Pantheon is found a special guest – cows! Yes, weaving around in line, riders can wave at (maybe moo at) Busch Gardens’ Highland cows!
"The opening of Pantheon has been much anticipated, and we are thrilled to add such an innovative attraction to our thrill ride portfolio," says park President Kevin Lembke. "With multiple launches, a beyond vertical drop, speed changes and other unique ride components, this coaster creates an unforgettable ride experience."
Photo: Sandi Grandi. View full-sized image.
Photo: Randy Davidson. View full-sized image.
Just don’t be too tall! Pantheon riders must be at least 52 inches tall, an average height requirement for extreme attractions, but there is also a height limit of 76 inches. Pantheon is a high-thrill coaster that is sure to be an overall crowd pleaser when it opens to the public on March 25th.
— Madi Partington
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
Photo: Randy Davidson. View full-sized image.
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