Busch Gardens To Open New Ride, New Land Next Spring

TAMPA (CBSMiami/AP) — When Busch Gardens Tampa opens it's newest attraction next spring it will be located in a new land.

Officials say the park's Timbuktu area will become Pantopia. The jewel-themed area will have a renovated theater, new bakery, snack spots and Falcon's Fury, the tallest free standing drop tower in North America.

At the ride's highest point there is an element of surprise. Like its bird of prey namesake, riders will pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later they'll plunge 60 mph at 3.5 Gs straight down.

Busch Gardens president Jim Dean says Pantopia will celebrate the spirit of animals, welcome adventurers from the four corners of the earth, explore ancient lore and display fantastic architecture.

Dean said in addition to Falcon's Fury, family favorites like the Scorpion, Phoenix, Bush Flyers, Desert Runners and the Kiddie Train will return.

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