Finnegan’s Flyer, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s newest attraction, opened Friday to the public.
“I love it and I’m not just saying that,” said Kevin Lembke, president of the park. “It’s really unique to everything else we have in the park.”
The ride, which is equipped with two swing arms, was built on a cliff and overlooks part of Ireland and Scotland, said Jonathan Smith, corporate director of of rides and engineering for Busch Gardens and Seaworld Parks and Entertainment.
Each swing arm moves in different directions, which mean riders can see different views of the park.
“We wanted to create and adult or the big kid version of the swing,” he said, adding riders who love the sensation of weightlessness would like Finnegan’s Flyer.
Smith said the idea to add two swing arms meant more passengers were able to ride Finnegan’s Flyer.
Finnegan’s Flyer lasts a couple minutes and travels up to speeds of 45 mph
In addition, riders can see the ravine below them and a view of three nearby attractions: Alpengeist, Griffon and the Loch Ness Monster.
Mary Jones, from Atlee, said she is friends with Scott Brown, a photographer who works in the park’s marketing department.
“It’s fun,” said Jones, who started riding Finnegan’s Flyer since 6 a.m. “The first one was like riding the unknown.”
The “screaming swing” in Killarney is one of two rides added to the theme park this year, just in time for summer.
The second, Cutback Water Coaster, a new Water Country attraction and the first of its kind in Virginia, is scheduled to open May 24, said Nathan Warters, spokesman for the theme park.
Riders have to be at least 48 inches tall and no loose items are allowed on the ride. For more information about Finnegan’s Flyer or Busch Gardens, visit the park’s website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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