This is the time of year when I start getting homesick for my favorite theme parks. I miss the fun and excitement of the musical shows, thrill rides, attractions and general care-free attitude of a day in the park. I also miss the sun and warm, but that’s another story.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a couple of new rides opening this summer that I can’t wait to try … a Screamin’ Swing ride called Finnegan’s Flyer and Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster at sister park Water Country USA.
From the press release …
“We’re committed to providing new and unique experiences for our guests year after year, and these two new attractions are unlike any we’ve ever had at the parks,” said Kevin Lembke, president of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. “We know our guests love big thrills, and these two attractions will deliver just that.”
Finnegan’s Flyer
Riders soar high and swing out over Celtic cliffs at the entrance to Ireland. Two pendulum-like arms – with a total of 32 riders – swing higher and higher with each swing. It reaches a height of more than 80 feet with a maximum speed of 45 mph. Riders will be able to take in beautiful views of the park as these dueling arms swing back and forth. It appears that it will be swinging out over the river that flows beneath the bridge leading into Ireland.
By the Numbers:
- Two swinging pendulum arms hold 32 riders total
- Reaches heights of more than 80 feet
- Maximum speed of 45 mph
Cutback Water Coaster
Cutback Water Coaster features the latest in turbine technology and takes water propulsion coasters to a whole new level with heart-stopping turns, lightning-fast drops and thrilling speeds.
It’s the only RocketBLAST coaster on the East Coast, and it’s Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster. This unique water propulsion ride merges two technologies – a water jet propulsion system and an exhilarating saucer feature. The RocketBLAST system allows Cutback to drive bigger boats at higher speeds and move riders up longer and steeper inclines. It also has the unique ability to propel you UPHILL.
Riders board a four-person raft where they go speeding along an 856-foot slide where they’ll soar through tunnels and slide onto a series of saucer-shaped features. The steep angles of these saucers give a drop-and-dive sensation as riders soar near the edges.
By the Numbers
- 856 feet long
- Reaches speeds of 35 feet per second
- 76-foot total drop
- Four riders per raft
I noticed construction starting for Finnegan’s Flyer in the Ireland area of Busch Gardens the last time I was there. That would have been during Christmas Town, so I’m sure there’s been a lot more progress since then. Come on summertime!
For more information or to purchase annual passes, please visit Buschgardens.com
[…] Finnegan’s Flyer (opening in May) – This “Screamin” Swing ride at Busch Gardens features two pendulum-like arms that fly higher and higher with each swing. A maximum height of more than 80 feet will be reached at speeds of 45 mph. […]