Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa has been one of the most anticipated attractions of 2014. Fortunately, the wait is over, and guests can now ride Falcon’s Fury on a daily basis. We were able to go out to Bunch Gardens and experience the attraction for ourselves, as well as talk to Director of Design and Engineering at Busch Gardens Tampa, Jeff Hornick.
Falcon’s Fury may have had a bit of a delay in the opening, but the ride is most certainly worth the wait. The all new drop tower is a first of it’s kind thrill machine, stretching towards the sky at a height taller than any other free standing drop tower in North America. At 335 feet, Falcon’s Fury is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
The tower is a first of it’s kind, as it is the only drop tower in the world that takes riders and rotates them 90 degrees so that they facing straight down before the drop. It’s definitely a tension building tool that works to make Falcon’s Fury one of the most intimidating theme park experiences in the world. The tension alone is worth the ride. The ride itself is incredibly smooth, and offers a very scenic, and surprisingly peaceful ride…that is until you get to the top.
Parks have had their share of drop towers over the years, some with different gimmicks and themeing. Falcon’s Fury takes all of those ideas and takes them a new level with the pure tension that it builds. The ride vehicle rides up the tower, and gives a very smooth ride all the way up. The views are spectacular, but you really aren’t thinking about any of that. As they say, what goes up, must come down. Just when you get used to the idea of going up, you’re lulled into a false sense of security, and the car tilts, showing you what awaits. There is a random sequencer that can hold you for up to five seconds before dropping. Once the break releases, you’re left to free fall for a few seconds before swinging back into position.
What’s the sensation like? You ever have a dream where you’re falling, and you wake up at the last second before you hit the ground? That’s exactly the feeling on Falcon’s Fury.
Video-We drop in with Omar for a ride on Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa
For those not brave enough to ride, there’s a photo opportunity to make it look like you’ve ridden.
The planning for Falcon’s Fury started right after Cheetah Hunt opened I’m 2011. The park wanted to showcase an animal, like most of the attractions in the park, and Falcons were the perfect fit. The birds of prey are known to climb to amazing heights before launching straight down into a dive, pulling up at the last moment.
Slideshow-Check out even more pictures from Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa
Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa is now officially open, and will take on a whole new dimension during Howl O Scream, where riders will be able to dive in the dark.
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For more information about Busch Gardens Tampa, including tickets, visit the official website by clicking here!
