Falcon's Fury
{{Short description|Ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox attraction
| name = Falcon's Fury
| logo = Falcon's Fury logo.png
| logo_width = 130px
| image = File:Falcon's Fury (August 17, 2014).jpg
| imagedimensions = 250px
| caption = Falcon's Fury logo and the ride in operation
| location = Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
| section = Pantopia
| status = Operating
| cost = US$5,000,000–6,000,000{{cite news|last1=Wynne|first1=Sharon|title=Falcon's Fury up and running at Busch Gardens; here's what it's like to ride|url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/falcons-fury-up-and-running-at-busch-gardens-heres-what-its-like-to-ride/2194749/|access-date=August 26, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826222554/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/falcons-fury-up-and-running-at-busch-gardens-heres-what-its-like-to-ride/2194749|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}
| soft_opened = {{Start date|2014|08|16}}
| opened = {{Start date|2014|09|02}}
| closed =
| previousattraction = Sandstorm
| replacement =
| coordinates = {{Coord|28|2|15.5|N|82|25|22|W|type:landmark_region:US-FL|display=inline,title}}
| type = Drop tower
| manufacturer = Intamin
| designer =
| model = Sky Jump{{cite magazine |title=Falcon's Fury – Face-down freefall opens at Busch Gardens |magazine=Park World Magazine |date=September 2014 |page=8}}
| theme = Falcon
| music =
| height_ft = 335
| drop_ft = 310
| length_ft =
| speed_mph = 60
| sitearea_sqft = 3600
| sitearea_sqm =
| gforce = 3.5
| capacity = 800
| vehicle_type =
| vehicles = 1
| riders_per_vehicle = 32
| rows =
| riders_per_row =
| participants_per_group=
| audience_capacity =
| duration = 2:00
| restriction_in = 54 – 77
| virtual_queue_name = Quick Queue
| virtual_queue_image = Quick Queue availability logo (Busch Gardens).svg
| virtual_queue_status = available
| single_rider =
| pay_per_use =
| custom_label_1 =
| custom_value_1 =
| accessible =
| transfer_accessible =
| assistive_listening =
| cc =
}}
Falcon's Fury is a free-standing Sky Jump drop tower attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay amusement park in Tampa, Florida, United States. Manufactured by Intamin subsidiary Intaride, the ride reaches a maximum height of {{Convert|335|ft|m|adj=off}}, making it North America's tallest free-standing drop tower. Riders experience about five seconds of free fall, reaching a speed of {{Convert|60|mph|km/h|sigfig=1}}. The ride's name was chosen to invoke a falcon's ability to dive steeply at high speed to capture prey.
The project was originally planned to begin in 2012 with the ride opening in 2013, but it was delayed by one year. Construction began in 2013 with a scheduled opening date of May 1, 2014; however, the opening was delayed due to mechanical and technical issues. Following a preview opening to park employees in early August and a soft opening on August 16, 2014, Falcon's Fury officially opened to the public on September 2, 2014. Public response to the ride has been positive, with reviewers praising the height of the tower and the drop experience.
History
Planning for Falcon's Fury began around the time the park completed its Cheetah Hunt ride in 2011.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Virginia|title=Media tours Busch Gardens' newest attraction|url=http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/2/5/falcon_s_fury_busch_.html|access-date=February 14, 2014|newspaper=Bay News 9|date=February 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215032129/http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/2/5/falcon_s_fury_busch_.html|archive-date=February 15, 2014 }} Ground tests in the Timbuktu area (now known as Pantopia){{cite news|last=Thurston|first=Susan|title=Busch Gardens to open Pantopia-themed area anchored by Falcon's Fury|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-to-open-pantopia-themed-area-anchored-by-falcons-fury/2164264/|access-date=February 14, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=February 5, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215034010/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-to-open-pantopia-themed-area-anchored-by-falcons-fury/2164264|archive-date=February 15, 2014 }} revealed "interesting soil conditions", with steel beams and concrete required to reinforce the site.
Rumors that Busch Gardens Tampa might replace its Sandstorm ride with a {{Convert|200|ft|m|adj=on}} drop tower surfaced in the fall of 2011 when Mäch Tower opened at its sister park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, that August.{{cite web|url=http://screamscape.com/html/busch_gardens_tampa.htm|title=Busch Gardens Tampa (Screamscape) |publisher=Screamscape |access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115175617/http://screamscape.com/html/busch_gardens_tampa.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2013}}{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=Josh|title=Busch Gardens opens towering drop ride after 3-month delay|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/busch-gardens-opens-towering-drop-ride-after-3month-delay|newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot|date=August 20, 2011|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017010127/http://hamptonroads.com/2011/08/busch-gardens-opens-towering-drop-ride-after-3month-delay|archive-date=October 17, 2011}} Construction surveying was observed in January 2012. Two months later plans were filed with the city to build a drop tower, possibly for the 2013 season.{{cite web|url=http://parkrumors.com/drop-tower-for-bgt-2013/|title=Plans Confirm Drop Tower for Busch Gardens Tampa in 2013|website=Park Rumors|date=March 5, 2012|access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815072626/http://parkrumors.com/drop-tower-for-bgt-2013/ |archive-date=August 15, 2013}} Speculation about the new attraction's name began when SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, owners of Busch Gardens Tampa,{{cite web|url=http://seaworldparks.com |title=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |publisher=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |access-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413191552/http://seaworldparks.com/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }} filed trademark applications for "Desert Dive" and "Falcon's Fury" on May 2 and July 11, 2012, respectively, and bought the DesertDive.com domain name.{{cite web|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85614136&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |title=Desert Dive |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=June 12, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85674327&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch |title=Falcon's Fury |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=June 12, 2013}}{{cite news|last=Rudie |first=Preston |title=Drop tower could be next Busch Gardens thrill ride |url=http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/319356/8/Drop-tower-could-be-next-Busch-Gardens-thrill-ride |access-date=June 11, 2013 |newspaper=WTSP |date=May 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616001604/http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/319356/8/Drop-tower-could-be-next-Busch-Gardens-thrill-ride |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }} When permits for the new ride differed from those for Mäch Tower in November 2012, rumors began that the seats would tilt forward. Because of the height of the attraction, approval from the Federal Aviation Administration was required. According to the FAA and the city of Tampa, the tower was supposed to be built in December 2012 and open to the public in 2013. For reasons not publicly disclosed, the project was delayed, with its construction pushed back to the second half of 2013.{{cite report|title=Case 2012-ASO-1842-OE |url=https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=191990102 |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |author=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |date=January 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=191990102|title=Case 2013-ASO-5240-OE|work=Federal Aviation Administration|publisher=United States Government|author=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment|date=June 19, 2013|access-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412003316/https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/searchAction.jsp?action=displayOECase&oeCaseID=191990102|archive-date=April 12, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tampagov.net/www_webapp/default.aspx?page_id=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501102759/https://www.tampagov.net/www_webapp/default.aspx?page_id=10|archive-date=May 1, 2013 |title=Project 380286 – Permits 1 & 3 |publisher=City of Tampa |access-date=August 15, 2014}}
On May 31, 2013, it was announced that Sandstorm would close on June 2 to make room for a new attraction.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/sandstorm-ride-busch-gardens-closes-19314329#.UbelHfbD99A |title=Sandstorm Ride at Busch Gardens Closes |newspaper=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=June 3, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607100043/https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/sandstorm-ride-busch-gardens-closes-19314329 |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }} About two weeks later, on June 11, Busch Gardens Tampa announced plans for Falcon's Fury{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/busch-gardens-in-tampa-announces-falcons-fury-new-drop-ride-will-be-tallest-in-north-america/2013/06/11/a04fc0d2-d2d9-11e2-b3a2-3bf5eb37b9d0_story.html |title=Busch Gardens in Tampa announces Falcon's Fury; new drop ride will be tallest in North America |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press |date=June 12, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614011059/http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/busch-gardens-in-tampa-announces-falcons-fury-new-drop-ride-will-be-tallest-in-north-america/2013/06/11/a04fc0d2-d2d9-11e2-b3a2-3bf5eb37b9d0_story.html |archive-date=June 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|first=Lee|last=Banks|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/06/11/falcons-fury-worlds-first-face-down-drop-ride-coming-to-busch-gardens-in-2014/|title=Falcon's Fury, world's first face-down drop ride, coming to Busch Gardens in 2014|work=Attractions Magazine|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817120818/http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/06/11/falcons-fury-worlds-first-face-down-drop-ride-coming-to-busch-gardens-in-2014/ |archive-date=August 17, 2013}} and construction began that month. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the park drove steel piles for the ride's foundation nightly for about a month.{{cite news|last1=Thurston|first1=Susan|title=Noise from Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens ires neighbor|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/noise-from-falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-ires-neighbor/2151600/|access-date=August 25, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=November 8, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221103440/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/noise-from-falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-ires-neighbor/2151600|archive-date=December 21, 2013 }}
On September 20, the tower for Falcon's Fury was shipped from Spain in nine sections, arriving at the park near the end of October; the ride's smaller parts had been delivered earlier from several European countries.{{cite news|last=Thurston |first=Susan |title=Busch Gardens takes delivery of tower parts for new Falcon's Fury ride |url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-takes-delivery-of-tower-parts-for-new-falcons-fury-ride/2149844/ |access-date=October 30, 2013 |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101075130/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-takes-delivery-of-tower-parts-for-new-falcons-fury-ride/2149844 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=live }} Installation of one of the nine tower pieces was planned for every other night, with the last piece in place by New Year's Eve. Construction was done by the Adena Corporation, and on November 18 the first piece was installed.{{cite web|title=Adena Corporation Homepage|url=http://www.adenacorporation.com/|publisher=Adena Corporation|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122234848/http://www.adenacorporation.com/|archive-date=January 22, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2013/breaking-first-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204000404/http://bgtfans.com/2013/breaking-first-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-date=December 4, 2013 |title=Breaking: First Falcon's Fury Tower Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=November 18, 2013 |access-date=December 2, 2013}} The ride's second piece was installed on December 2, and two more were installed by December 6.{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2013/breaking-second-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203225813/http://bgtfans.com/2013/breaking-second-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-date=December 3, 2013 |title=Breaking: Second Falcon's Fury Tower Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=December 2, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2013/third-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009033207/http://bgtfans.com/2013/third-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-date=October 9, 2014 |title=Third Falcon's Fury Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2013/fourth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009033218/http://bgtfans.com/2013/fourth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-date=October 9, 2014 |title=Fourth Falcon's Fury Tower Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=December 6, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2013}} The fifth section was placed by December 21, and the sixth was erected by New Year's Day.{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2013/fifth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201175800/http://bgtfans.com/2013/fifth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/|archive-date=February 1, 2014 |title=Fifth Falcon's Fury Tower Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=December 21, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/sixth-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201175658/http://bgtfans.com/2014/sixth-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-date=February 1, 2014 |title=Sixth Falcon's Fury Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2014}} The seventh tower piece was installed by January 3, 2014, and the eighth by January 5, reaching a height of about {{Convert|300|ft|m|adj=off}},{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/seventh-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111163257/http://bgtfans.com/2014/seventh-falcons-fury-section-installed/|archive-date=January 11, 2014 |title=Seventh Falcon's Fury Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=January 3, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/eighth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109200129/http://bgtfans.com/2014/eighth-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed|archive-date=January 9, 2014 |title=Eighth Falcon's Fury Tower Section Installed |publisher=BGT Fans |date=January 5, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Tribou |first=Richard |title=Nice drop: Busch Gardens videos simulate new ride as if you were in Orlando, Miami |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-update-010913,0,5583929.post |access-date=January 22, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=January 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122234012/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-update-010913%2C0%2C5583929.post |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and Falcon's Fury's gondola was seen at the park on January 12.{{cite web|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/falcons-fury-carriage-sections-have-arrived|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117234042/http://bgtfans.com/2014/falcons-fury-carriage-sections-have-arrived|archive-date=January 17, 2014 |title=Falcon's Fury Carriage Sections Have Arrived |publisher=BGT Fans |date=January 12, 2014 |access-date=January 24, 2014}} The ride's counterweight was installed on January 22, and the tower was capped during the weekend of February 1.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BuschGardens/status/426097940919513088 |title=Busch Gardens Tampa Twitter Counterweight Update |publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa/Twitter |date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=January 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226143130/https://twitter.com/BuschGardens/status/426097940919513088 |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Bevil|first=Dewayne|title=Timbuktu turns into Pantopia at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2014/02/05/timbuktu-turns-into-pantopia-at-busch-gardens/|access-date=February 10, 2014|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=February 5, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210205152/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2014-02-05/travel/os-busch-gardens-falcon-pantopia-20140205_1_busch-gardens-tampa-theme-park-falcon|archive-date=February 10, 2014}} Work on the ride's electrical components then began. Assembly of the gondola was completed by the end of March.{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury Construction Update #20|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/falcons-fury-construction-update-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324002202/http://bgtfans.com/2014/falcons-fury-construction-update-20|archive-date=March 24, 2014|publisher=BGT Fans|access-date=April 3, 2014|date=March 20, 2014}} Testing was originally scheduled to begin in February, but due to construction delays the first drop tests were not made until April 15.{{cite news|last=Jackovics|first=Ted|title=Opening of new Busch Gardens ride delayed|url=http://tbo.com/news/business/opening-of-new-busch-gardens-ride-delayed-20140418/|access-date=April 18, 2014|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|date=April 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419022954/http://tbo.com/news/business/opening-of-new-busch-gardens-ride-delayed-20140418/|archive-date=April 19, 2014 }}{{cite web|title=Breaking: Falcon's Fury First Full Height Test Drop|url=http://bgtfans.com/2014/breaking-falcons-fury-first-full-height-test-drop/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182859/http://bgtfans.com/2014/breaking-falcons-fury-first-full-height-test-drop/|archive-date=April 16, 2014|publisher=BGT Fans|access-date=April 16, 2014|date=April 14, 2014}} Tower painting began in June, with its sunset motif estimated to take 60 hours over a three-week period.{{cite news|last1=Fais|first1=Scott|title=Thrill ride and art project: Falcon's Fury as a canvas|url=http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/6/29/falcons_fury_paintin.html|access-date=August 2, 2014|newspaper=Bay News 9|date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802155234/http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/6/29/falcons_fury_paintin.html|archive-date=August 2, 2014}}
At the end of February, Busch Gardens Tampa announced that Falcon's Fury would open on May 1,{{cite news|last=Ted|first=Jackovics|title=Busch Gardens sets opening date for Falcon's Fury|url=http://tbo.com/events/busch-gardens-sets-opening-date-for-falcons-fury-20140228/|access-date=March 1, 2014|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301193412/http://tbo.com/events/busch-gardens-sets-opening-date-for-falcons-fury-20140228/|archive-date=March 1, 2014}}{{cite news|title=Anticipated Falcon's Fury to open May 1 at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/anticipated-falcons-fury-to-open-may-1-at-busch-gardens/2167818/|access-date=March 1, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=February 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301193350/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/anticipated-falcons-fury-to-open-may-1-at-busch-gardens/2167818|archive-date=March 1, 2014}} and on April 3 the park began a sweepstakes contest for its "Falcon's Fury First-to-Ride Party". A second, similar contest began on April 11, with 50 winners from each contest being among the first riders.{{cite web|last=Fred|first=Stephanie|title=Want to be among the first to ride Falcon's Fury?|url=http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/want-be-among-first-ride-falcons-fury|publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay|access-date=April 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409111331/http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/want-be-among-first-ride-falcons-fury|archive-date=April 9, 2014|date=April 3, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Turner|first=Matt|title=Falcon's Fury First-to-Ride Sweepstakes Official Rules|url=http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/falcons-fury-first-ride-sweepstakes-official-rules|publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay|access-date=April 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409111306/http://www.buschgardenstampablog.com/falcons-fury-first-ride-sweepstakes-official-rules|archive-date=April 9, 2014|date=April 1, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Second Facebook Giveaway|url=https://www.facebook.com/BuschGardensTampa/photos/a.111637570238.125557.68181225238/10152304185860239/?type=1&stream_ref=10|publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa / Facebook|access-date=April 11, 2014|date=April 11, 2014}} A week later, the park announced that the ride's opening would be delayed, and several media events scheduled for April and May (including the First-to-Ride party) were cancelled.{{cite news|last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |title=Busch Gardens: Falcon's Fury may be delayed |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-falcons-fury-busch-gardens-delay-20140418,0,6044237.post |access-date=April 18, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=April 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418211137/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-falcons-fury-busch-gardens-delay-20140418%2C0%2C6044237.post |archive-date=April 18, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Opening day of Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens might be delayed|url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/opening-of-falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-delayed/2175763/|access-date=April 18, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=April 18, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418211150/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/opening-of-falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-delayed/2175763|archive-date=April 18, 2014}} It was later disclosed that the delay was due to manufacturing and technical issues with the cables which pull the gondola up the tower.{{cite news|last=Wynne|first=Sharon|title=Busch Gardens' Falcon's Fury delayed until later this summer|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-falcons-fury-delayed-until-later-this-summer/2181803/|access-date=May 29, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=May 29, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529194144/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-falcons-fury-delayed-until-later-this-summer/2181803|archive-date=May 29, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Lambert|first1=Marjie|title=Opening of delayed Busch Gardens ride still not scheduled|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/05/4272931/opening-of-delayed-busch-gardens.html|access-date=August 5, 2014|newspaper=Miami Herald|date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805201805/http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/08/05/4272931/opening-of-delayed-busch-gardens.html|archive-date=August 5, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Bevil |first1=Dewayne |title=Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens not yet ready for launch |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-opening-20140826,0,5438404.story?track=rss |access-date=August 26, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826223148/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-opening-20140826%2C0%2C5438404.story |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }} During the week of August 10, Falcon's Fury opened for park employees.{{cite news|last1=Thurston|first1=Susan|title=As parent company stock falters, Busch Gardens' Falcon's Fury ride misses opening in time for summer crowds|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/as-parent-company-stock-falters-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-ride-misses/2192796/|access-date=August 13, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814013135/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/as-parent-company-stock-falters-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-ride-misses/2192796|archive-date=August 14, 2014 }} On August 16 the ride soft-opened to the public, and two and a half weeks later Falcon's Fury officially opened.{{cite news|last1=Wynne|first1=Sharon|title=Busch Gardens visitors get to try new Falcon's Fury drop ride|url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-visitors-get-to-try-new-falcons-fury-drop-ride/2193440/|access-date=August 18, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 18, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818181651/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/busch-gardens-visitors-get-to-try-new-falcons-fury-drop-ride/2193440|archive-date=August 18, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Wynne|first1=Sharon|title=Falcon's Fury drop ride officially open at Busch Gardens|url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/falcons-fury-drop-ride-officially-open-at-busch-gardens/2195748/|access-date=September 2, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=September 2, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902223536/http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/falcons-fury-drop-ride-officially-open-at-busch-gardens/2195748|archive-date=September 2, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Bevil |first1=Dewayne |title=Busch Gardens: Falcon's Fury officially open |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-falcons-fury-open-busch-gardens-20140902,0,6136275.post |access-date=September 2, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=September 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902223712/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-falcons-fury-open-busch-gardens-20140902%2C0%2C6136275.post |archive-date=September 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
Busch Gardens Tampa temporarily closed Falcon's Fury for inspection following the Orlando FreeFall accident at Icon Park in March 2022. The drop tower later reopened but then shortly closed thereafter for regular maintenance. After a year of closure due to supply chain delays, the park announced Falcon's Fury would reopen for the Spring 2023 season.{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Ashley |date=January 25, 2023 |title=Busch Gardens: Falcon's Fury to reopen this spring |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/attractions/2023/01/25/falcons-fury-to-reopen-at-busch-gardens-this-spring |access-date=January 29, 2023 |publisher=Bay News 9 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kennedy Wynne |first=Sharon |date=January 25, 2023 |title=Busch Gardens says drop ride Falcon's Fury will reopen this spring |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2023/01/25/busch-gardens-says-drop-ride-falcons-fury-will-reopen-this-spring/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125130901/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2023/01/25/busch-gardens-says-drop-ride-falcons-fury-will-reopen-this-spring/ |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}
Ride experience
Falcon's Fury has two shaded queue lines: a standby line which can hold guests for about 45 minutes, and a Quick Queue for guests with passes that allow them to bypass the standby line.{{cite web |url=http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/attractions/rides/quick-queue/ |title=Quick Queue |publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa |access-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822033554/http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/attractions/rides/quick-queue/ |archive-date=August 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Riders must be between {{Convert|54|in|cm|sigfig=3}} and {{Convert|77|in|cm|sigfig=3}}.{{cite news|last=Lush|first=Tamara|title=New thrill ride to debut at Busch Gardens|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2014/03/27/new-thrill-ride-to-debut-at-busch-gardens/6944331/|access-date=March 27, 2014|newspaper=Florida Today|date=March 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327121115/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2014/03/27/new-thrill-ride-to-debut-at-busch-gardens/6944331/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=|archive-date=March 27, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury|url=http://seaworldparks.com/buschgardens-tampa/attractions/rides/falcons-fury/?from=Top_Nav|publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa|access-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103154419/http://seaworldparks.com/buschgardens-tampa/attractions/rides/falcons-fury/?from=Top_Nav|archive-date=January 3, 2015}}
When the riders are seated a catch car connects to the gondola and raises it to the top of the tower, which takes about one minute.{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury Drop Ride Construction Tour Feb 5th 2014 Busch Gardens Tampa|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0EAwpfAfSE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/X0EAwpfAfSE| archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live|publisher=themeparkreviewtpr / YouTube|access-date=February 10, 2014|date=February 5, 2014}}{{cbignore}} Although the tower is {{Convert|335|ft|m}} high, the gondola stops {{Convert|25|ft|m}} lower. When it reaches the maximum height the seats tilt forward, with a computer-randomized wait time from one to five seconds. When the wait time ends, the gondola is released from the catch car into a five-second free fall reaching a maximum speed of {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}}.{{cite news|last=Fais|first=Scott|title=Fury Rising: Busch Gardens ready to assemble Florida's tallest thrill|url=http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/11/12/fury_rising_busch_ga.html|access-date=November 14, 2013|newspaper=Bay News 9|date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120220106/http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2013/11/12/fury_rising_busch_ga.html|archive-date=November 20, 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.tampabay.com/specials/publication/Times_1A/20130612.pdf |title=Tampa Bay Times – June 12, 2013 Cover |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |date=June 12, 2013 |access-date=June 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629013309/http://www.tampabay.com/specials/publication/Times_1A/20130612.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }} As the gondola passes through the pre-braking section, the seats rotate back into a vertical position. After the pre-brake the gondola enters the main magnetic-brake run, where riders experience approximately 3.5 g (34 m/s2) of deceleration as the gondola slows.{{cite news|last=Thurston|first=Susan|title=Thrill ride raises the bar for Busch Gardens|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/thrill-ride-raises-the-bar-for-busch-gardens/2150344/|access-date=November 10, 2013|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=November 1, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102022825/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/thrill-ride-raises-the-bar-for-busch-gardens/2150344|archive-date=November 2, 2013}} When it comes to a full stop at the base of the tower, the riders disembark. One cycle of the ride lasts about one and a half minutes.{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GSnJ9WaKM8| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309064250/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GSnJ9WaKM8| archive-date=2016-03-09 | url-status=dead|website=YouTube|publisher=In the Loop|access-date=January 19, 2015|date=August 21, 2014}} Busch Gardens Tampa placed an Easter egg in the form of a painted Falcon's Fury logo on top of one of its buildings, which can be seen only from a certain side of the gondola.
Characteristics
The tower and gondola were manufactured by Intaride, a subsidiary of Intamin. The ride covers an area of about {{Convert|3600|sqft|m2|lk=in|sigfig=2}}.
= Tower =
The Falcon's Fury tower is {{Convert|335|ft|m}} tall, the third tallest free-standing drop tower in North America, and can bend {{Convert|3|ft|m|sigfig=1}} in any direction from the top to withstand hurricane-force winds.{{cite news|last=Thurston|first=Susan|title=Busch Gardens announces plans for Falcon's Fury, a 335-foot 'drop tower'|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-tampa-to-drop-its-big-announcement-tuesday/2125946/|access-date=June 12, 2013|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=June 11, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030195054/http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/busch-gardens-tampa-to-drop-its-big-announcement-tuesday/2125946 |archive-date=October 30, 2013}}{{cite news|title=Busch Gardens' new 335-foot tall ride is hurricane proof |url=http://www.wtsp.com/rss/article/355831/8/Busch-Gardens-new-335-foot-tall-ride-is-hurricane-proof |access-date=February 14, 2014 |newspaper=10 News |date=February 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140215033759/http://www.wtsp.com/rss/article/355831/8/Busch-Gardens-new-335-foot-tall-ride-is-hurricane-proof |archive-date=February 15, 2014 |url-status=dead }} The tower is composed of nine sections, including the machine house. Each piece of the tower weighs up to {{convert|105|t}}, and the entire structure weighs about {{convert|519|t}}.{{cite news |last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |title=Busch Gardens: Big pieces for big-drop ride arrive |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-tampa-falcons-fury-20131029,0,6169027.post |access-date=October 30, 2013 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101142235/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-tampa-falcons-fury-20131029,0,6169027.post |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }} The {{convert|77|t}} machine house at the top contains four DC motors used to lift the gondola. Inside the tower is a {{convert|68|t}} counterweight, composed of hundreds of lead weights, to help raise the gondola.{{cite news|title=Construction continues on Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens |url=http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/353726/8/Construction-continues-on-Falcons-Fury-at-Busch-Gardens |access-date=January 22, 2014 |newspaper=10 News |date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140122234846/http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/353726/8/Construction-continues-on-Falcons-Fury-at-Busch-Gardens |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }} The tower's foundation is made up of 105 steel piles, varying in depth from {{Convert|75|ft|m}} to {{Convert|205|ft|m}}. A {{Convert|138|ft|m|adj=on}} eddy current brake system on the tower slows the gondola after its free fall.{{cite web|title=Facts & Stats|url=http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/falcons-fury/the-ride/technical-details/|publisher=Busch Gardens Tampa Bay|access-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223114045/http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/falcons-fury/the-ride/technical-details/|archive-date=February 23, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury Webisode 4|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jokan5eDLj8&list=UUKQQCjf0TeYhychkbXdto-Q| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/Jokan5eDLj8| archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live|website=YouTube|publisher=Busch Gardens & Adventure Island Tampa FL|access-date=August 18, 2014|date=August 15, 2014}}{{cbignore}} The structure is painted yellow, aqua and two shades of red.
= Gondola =
The ride's single gondola has 32 seats, grouped octagonally around the tower. Each of the eight sides seats four riders, and each seat has an over-the-shoulder restraint and seat belt. Falcon's Fury can theoretically accommodate 800 riders per hour.{{cite news|last=Bevil |first=Dewayne |title=Busch Gardens: Five things to know about Falcon's Fury |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-20140206,0,3338615.post |access-date=February 8, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=February 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209033718/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-20140206%2C0%2C3338615.post |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Carbon-fiber wings buttress each end of a group of seats, protecting outside riders' arms and legs during the drop. The gondola reaches a height of {{Convert|310|ft|m}}, {{Convert|25|ft|m}} below the top of the tower. When it reaches its maximum height the seats tilt 90 degrees forward, with the riders facing the ground (the first use of this feature on a drop tower).
Records
When Falcon's Fury opened it became North America's tallest free-standing drop tower. Although taller drop towers exist on the continent—such as Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Great Adventure, which reach drop heights of {{Convert|400|ft|m}} and {{Convert|415|ft|m}} respectively—those attractions were added to existing structures.{{cite news|last=Oglesby |first=Amanda |title=New Six Flags ride 'Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom' to feature 90-mph drop |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130830/FEATURES07/308300032/Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-Six-Flags-roller-coaster |access-date=August 5, 2014 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901042134/http://www.freep.com/article/20130830/FEATURES07/308300032/Zumanjaro-Drop-of-Doom-Six-Flags-roller-coaster |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=Six Flags Magic Mountain set to debut new thrill ride|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-six-flags-magic-mountain-lex-luthor-drop-of-doom-09201101-story.html|access-date=August 5, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 1, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520194717/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/01/news/la-trb-six-flags-magic-mountain-lex-luthor-drop-of-doom-09201101|archive-date=May 20, 2013}} Despite its height, the ride's maximum speed of {{Convert|60|mph|km/h}} does not set a speed record. Other drop towers—such as Drop Tower: Scream Zone at Kings Dominion,(which is now closed) which reaches {{Convert|72|mph|km/h}}{{cite web|title=Drop Tower|url=https://www.kingsdominion.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/Drop-Tower|publisher=Kings Dominion|access-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411142823/https://www.kingsdominion.com/rides/Thrill-Rides/Drop-Tower|archive-date=April 11, 2014}}—are faster. However, Falcon's Fury is the world's first drop tower whose seats tilt 90 degrees. Although tilting seats were first used by Intamin in 2001 on Acrophobia at Six Flags Over Georgia, their tilt angle is smaller.{{cite web|title=Floorless tilting Gyro Drop|url=http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Floorless%20Tilting%20Gyro%20Drop/Floorless%20Tilting%20Gyro%20Drop.pdf|publisher=Intamin Amusement Rides|access-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805195328/http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Floorless%20Tilting%20Gyro%20Drop/Floorless%20Tilting%20Gyro%20Drop.pdf|archive-date=August 5, 2014|page=2}}{{cite news|first=Patti|last=Bond|title=Six Flags forced to spend for new rides in face of cash crunch.|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|url-access= |access-date=August 5, 2014 |date=May 6, 2005|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-132186162.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808122104/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-132186162.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}{{cite news|first=Gene|last=Sloan|title=Theme parks put a new spin on roller coasters|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|url-access= |access-date=August 5, 2014 |date=May 27, 2001|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4600219.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808122108/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4600219.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}
Reception
The initial reception after the ride's announcement was positive. According to Lance Hart, a theme park enthusiast from Screamscape, "Instead of selling your picture ... they should sell baby wipes and clean underwear at the exit" and the ride could be the most frightening drop tower in the world.{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mcall/access/1185805651.html?dids=1185805651:1185805651&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+24%2C+2006&author=Kurt+Blumenau+Of+The+Morning+Call&pub=Morning+Call&desc=Up+in+the+air%3F+**+Old-style+roller+coaster+fans+hope+the+rumors+are+true+and+Dorney+is+planning+a+new+wooden+ride.+Park+officials+aren't+saying.&pqatl=google |title=Up in the air? ** Old-style roller coaster fans hope the rumors are true and Dorney is planning a new wooden ride. Park officials aren't saying. |newspaper=The Morning Call |date=December 24, 2006 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |first=Kurt |last=Blumenau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030194612/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mcall/doc/393229029.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Dec%2024%2C%202006&author=Kurt%20Blumenau%20Of%20The%20Morning%20Call&pub=Morning%20Call&edition=&startpage=&desc=Up%20in%20the%20air%3F%20%2A%2A%20Old-style%20roller%20coaster%20fans%20hope%20the%20rumors%20are%20true%20and%20Dorney%20is%20planning%20a%20new%20wooden%20ride.%20Park%20officials%20aren%27t%20saying. |archive-date=October 30, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/screamscape/status/344606495989694465 |title=Screamscape Twitter Post #1 |publisher=Screamscape / Twitter |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327121322/https://twitter.com/screamscape/status/344606495989694465 |archive-date=March 27, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/screamscape/status/344449528805609472 |title=Screamscape Twitter Post #2 |publisher=Screamscape / Twitter |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104090856/https://twitter.com/screamscape/status/344449528805609472 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Robb Alvey of Theme Park Review called the ride the world's best drop tower, later ranking it one of the top 14 new attractions for 2014;{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ThemeParkReview/status/344641912579440641 |title=Theme Park Review Twitter Post |publisher=Theme Park Review / Twitter |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104090903/https://twitter.com/ThemeParkReview/status/344641912579440641 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Alvey|first=Robb|title=Hottest Amusement Park Attractions 2014|url=http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/photos/hottest-amusement-park-attractions-2014|work=Travel Channel|access-date=April 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328013014/http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/photos/hottest-amusement-park-attractions-2014?page=6|archive-date=March 28, 2014 }} Dave Parfitt and Arthur Levine of USA Today ranked Falcon's Fury in their top ten.{{cite news|last1=Levine |first1=Arthur |title=10 most anticipated new theme park rides in 2014 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/america/theme-parks/2014/05/15/10-most-anticipated-new-theme-park-rides-attractions-2014/9122243/ |access-date=September 2, 2014 |newspaper=USA Today |date=May 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119172325/http://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/america/theme-parks/2014/05/15/10-most-anticipated-new-theme-park-rides-attractions-2014/9122243/ |archive-date=November 19, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last1=Parfitt |first1=Dave |title=Taller! Faster! Scarier! Best new extreme attractions |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2014/04/22/extreme-theme-park-ride-water-slide-roller-coaster/7972687/ |access-date=September 11, 2014 |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828231356/http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2014/04/22/extreme-theme-park-ride-water-slide-roller-coaster/7972687/ |archive-date=August 28, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times originally ranked Falcon's Fury his seventh-most-anticipated ride for 2014; on an updated list, he ranked it 17th.{{cite news|title = Top 14 theme park rides for 2014: Most anticipated new rides|date = July 7, 2013|url = https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-us-top-14-2014-theme-park-07201306-story.html|last = MacDonald|first = Brady|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date = July 14, 2013 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106035510/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/07/news/la-trb-us-top-14-2014-theme-park-07201306 |archive-date=January 6, 2014}}{{cite news|last=MacDonald |first=Brady |title=32 best new theme park additions of 2014 |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-top-32-theme-park-2014-20140327,0,4258372.story#axzz2xvdZdJ7o |access-date=April 10, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=April 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410081913/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-top-32-theme-park-2014-20140327%2C0%2C4258372.story |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
For safety reasons, construction on Falcon's Fury was done primarily at night. Residents near the park complained about noise from the pile driver during the laying of the foundation, and complaints about the ride's operating noise continued into August 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2014/08/21/neighbors-complain-falcons-fury-is-too-noisy/14407633/ |title=Neighbors complain Falcon's Fury is too noisy |last=Conlon |first=Kendra |date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=September 11, 2014 |newspaper=WTSP |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140912002551/http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2014/08/21/neighbors-complain-falcons-fury-is-too-noisy/14407633/ |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
According to the park and Twitter posts selected by news media, public response during the soft opening was positive;{{cite news|last1=Hammett|first1=Yvette|title=Busch Gardens' Falcon's Fury takes flight|url=http://tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/busch-gardens-lets-some-visitors-try-falcons-fury-ride-20140819/|access-date=August 20, 2014|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820121349/http://tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/busch-gardens-lets-some-visitors-try-falcons-fury-ride-20140819/|archive-date=August 20, 2014}}{{cite news|title=Busch Gardens Tampa opens Falcon's Fury|url=http://www.wfla.com/story/26317089/busch-gardens-tampa-opens-falcons-fury-to-public|access-date=August 20, 2014|publisher=WFLA|date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820121436/http://www.wfla.com/story/26317089/busch-gardens-tampa-opens-falcons-fury-to-public|archive-date=August 20, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Bevil |first1=Dewayne |title=Coming to Busch Gardens: Falcon's Fury, Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-halloween-christmas-20140820,0,6230516.post |access-date=August 21, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821200102/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-busch-gardens-falcons-fury-halloween-christmas-20140820%2C0%2C6230516.post |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Total Orlando gave the ride five stars for teenagers and four stars for adults.{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury Soft Openings – Taking Place August 2014|url=http://www.totalorlando.com/parkride-15-310-Falcons_Fury.html|work=Total Orlando|access-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820121329/http://www.totalorlando.com/parkride-15-310-Falcons_Fury.html|archive-date=August 20, 2014}} On Coaster101.com "Ashley" said that although the restraints were tight, they were comfortable and not as tight as those on other rides, adding: "The drop on Falcon's Fury is different from any ride I have ever ridden. The best way I can describe it is that instead of leaving your stomach at the top of the tower, you take it with you to the bottom."{{cite web | url=http://www.coaster101.com/2014/08/25/review-falcons-fury/ | title=Review: Falcon's Fury | website=Coaster 101 | date=August 25, 2014 | access-date=August 27, 2014 | author=Ashley | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827131924/http://www.coaster101.com/2014/08/25/review-falcons-fury/ | archive-date=August 27, 2014}} According to Florida Trip Guides, the ride was a good addition to the park's attraction lineup: "Falcon's Fury is not for the faint of heart. I have ridden dozens of drop towers but this one is different. Something about facing straight down and falling really makes you nervous."{{cite web|title=Falcon's Fury: Dropping at Busch Gardens|url=http://floridatripguides.com/falcons-fury-dropping-at-busch-gardens/|publisher=Florida Trip Guides LLC|access-date=August 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827132403/http://floridatripguides.com/falcons-fury-dropping-at-busch-gardens/|archive-date=August 27, 2014|date=August 23, 2014}} Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider said that Falcon's Fury and other recent attractions were nearing the extreme of human tolerance; as a result, "You're getting to the point where instead of making an attraction more popular by having it achieve some type of record, you're actually limiting the audience for that."{{cite news|last1=Kruse|first1=Michael|title=Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens in Tampa sounds like a terrible idea|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/state/falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-in-tampa-sounds-like-a-terrible-idea/2194844|access-date=August 27, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827132741/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/state/falcons-fury-at-busch-gardens-in-tampa-sounds-like-a-terrible-idea/2194844|archive-date=August 27, 2014}} Randi Nissenbaum of Bay News 9 called the view from the top of the tower incredible, and although she was nervous at first she wanted to ride again.{{cite news|last1=Nissenbaum|first1=Randi|title=Bay News 9 reporter takes flight on Falcon's Fury|url=http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/9/2/bay_news_9_reporter_.html|access-date=September 2, 2014|newspaper=Bay News 9|date=September 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902224232/http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/on-the-town/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/9/2/bay_news_9_reporter_.html|archive-date=September 2, 2014}} Sue Carlton of the Tampa Bay Times said, "it was terrifying and thrilling and I held on as hard as I could and yelled and closed my eyes and afterward stepped off rubber-kneed and exhilarated."{{cite news|last1=Carlton|first1=Sue|title=Carlton: Scared to death? That's life on thrill rides|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/scared-to-death-thats-life-on-thrill-rides/2195987/|access-date=September 4, 2014|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=September 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905025352/http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/scared-to-death-thats-life-on-thrill-rides/2195987|archive-date=September 5, 2014 }}
For the 2014 season, Busch Gardens Tampa expected attendance to increase by three to eight percent. However, IBISWorld Research predicted in June 2014 that combined attendance for the second quarter of the year had increased by about 0.3 percent for SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Tampa. Compared to the same period in 2013, combined attendance for the first half of the year dropped by just over four percent. Busch Gardens Tampa blamed the lack of anticipated attendance increase partially on the delays in Falcon's Fury's construction.{{cite news|last1=Mayfield|first1=Dave|title=Stock in Busch Gardens' parent company takes tumble|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2014/08/stock-busch-gardens-parent-company-takes-tumble|access-date=August 15, 2014|newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot|date=August 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814014608/http://hamptonroads.com/2014/08/stock-busch-gardens-parent-company-takes-tumble|archive-date=August 14, 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Kosman|first1=Josh|title=SeaWorld stock sinks over 'Blackfish' killer whale outrage|url=https://nypost.com/2014/08/13/seaworld-is-getting-that-sinking-feeling/|access-date=August 15, 2014|newspaper=New York Post|date=August 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815130542/http://nypost.com/2014/08/13/seaworld-is-getting-that-sinking-feeling/|archive-date=August 15, 2014}}{{cite web|title=SeaWorld Entertainment (SEAS) CEO Jim Atchison on Q2 2014 Results – Earnings Call Transcript |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/2419475-seaworld-entertainment-seas-ceo-jim-atchison-on-q2-2014-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=3 |website=Seeking Alpha |access-date=August 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816015309/http://seekingalpha.com/article/2419475-seaworld-entertainment-seas-ceo-jim-atchison-on-q2-2014-results-earnings-call-transcript?page=3 |archive-date=August 16, 2014 |page=3 |date=August 13, 2014 |url-access=registration |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last1=Glasser |first1=Eric |title=Busch Gardens disputes attendance numbers |url=http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/2014/06/10/busch-gardens-disputes-attendance-numbers/10293681/ |access-date=August 26, 2014 |newspaper=10 News |date=June 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140826230130/http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/2014/06/10/busch-gardens-disputes-attendance-numbers/10293681/ |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Spoken Wikipedia|Spoken Wikipedia en Falcon's Fury.ogg|date=2016-01-01}}
- {{Commons category-inline|Falcon's Fury}}
- {{Official website|https://buschgardens.com/tampa/rides/falcons-fury/}}
{{Busch Gardens Tampa}}
{{Intamin}}
Category:2014 establishments in Florida
Category:Amusement rides introduced in 2014
Category:Amusement rides manufactured by Intamin