Busch Gardens Will Be Home To The World’s Fastest Multi-Launch Coaster

Opening next spring, the over-the-top roller coaster will feature over 3,000 feet of track and four launch points.

By Michele Kettner • Posted October 7, 2021 at 9:15 a.m.

Photo courtesy Busch Gardens

While fall means closed amusement parks around the region, it starts the countdown for thrill-seekers as they await new rides come spring. This year, Williamsburg’s Busch Gardens is not holding back. The amusement park announced its new roller coaster, Pantheon, will be breaking records come next spring.

Launching in March 2022, the Pantheon will become the fastest multi-launch roller coaster across the globe. Based on the stories of five Roman gods (Jupiter, Mercury, Minerva, Neptune, and Pluto), the coaster will combine the strength of the five for one larger than life ride.

“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 and engineering. “Multiple launches, speed changes, a sharp drop and backwards acceleration are just a few of Pantheon’s one-of-a kind traits.”

Located in the park’s Festa Italia Village, the coaster stands at 180 feet tall, reaching a top speed of 73 mph. The record-breaking ride also features a 95-degree drop, four launches (one which sends riders speeding backwards), five air-time hills, and two inversions.

If that sounds like your type of thrill, you can start trying to make your way to the front of the line. The amusement park is offering the first rides on the roller coaster to its Passport to Thrills members. Before the park opens in the spring, members and annual pass holders will have a chance to attend the Passport to Thrills Pantheon VIP Party. To qualify, members will need to visit the park at least three times before December 31, 2021 and annual pass holders need to visit twice by October 31, 2021.

Those that complete the feat will receive an invite to the springtime celebration. To welcome the park’s eighth coaster, visitors will enjoy ride time, special entertainment, Pantheon-themed treats, a commemorative giveaway, and more.

Feature image courtesy Busch Gardens

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Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.