September 2, 2014
Falcon's Fury Opens & Free Holy Land
Congrats to Busch Gardens Tampa. After months of hard work and testing, Falcon's Fury is now officially open to the public.
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For those who haven't been following, the first-of-its-kind drop tower is alsto the tallest in North America. It lifts you up 335 feet into the air. Your seats then tilt forward, holding you at the tippy top for a random amount of time as you face the ground below. Lucky riders then plummet at 65 miles per hour until they stop.
Here's a Point of view video posted by Busch Gardens recently.
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Falcon's Fury was expected to open in May, but delays cropped up when tests reportedly revealed issues that caused the manufacturer, a subsidiary of legendary ride-maker Intamin, to replace much of the cables used in the rise and fall.
It started guest testing a few weeks ago, and, apparently passed. The park encouraged test riders to tweet out pictures of their "Falcon Face."
Falcon's Fury should be open daily as the heart of the park's new Pantopia land (replacing Timbuktu with a more fanciful feel).
For those seeking something a little less thrilling, The Holy Land Experience is opening for free tomorrow.
You can see the details in the picture the park posted to its Facebook page.
The park, which is owned by Christian cable company Trinity Broadcasting Network, is required by state law to offer one free day a year to qualify for property tax exemptions.
That day happened in January. No word on why September 3rd is free at the park near the Mall at Milennia (I-4 & Conroy Rd) but September 5th & 6th Disney and Universal are holding their dueling nights of faith-filled music: Night of Joy & Rock the Universe.
The park also recently added an exhibit called "Golgotha: The Skull" which recreates the place where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified.
If you do brave the crowds tomorrow at Holy Land Experience, adults will save $50, $35 for children 6 to 12 years-old, and $20 for ages 3-5, but be warned -- it is first-come, first-serve and the park is not that large.
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