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Tempesto

Tempesto is a steel launched roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States.^[1] Manufactured by Premier Rides as part of their Sky Rocket II model lineup, it opened on April 25, 2015, in the park's Festa Italia section.^[2]^[3] The ride features three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches that propel a single train of riders forward and backward through the station, achieving a maximum speed of 63 mph over a compact track layout approximately 863 feet in length.^[1]^[4] Inspired by the daring feats of Italian mariners navigating treacherous waters, Tempesto delivers intense thrills through tight turns, an in-line twist, and its signature element: a 154-foot-tall non-inverting loop that provides a complete inversion experience without flipping the riders upside down.^[1]^[5] The entire ride lasts about 55 seconds, making it one of the park's most compact yet exhilarating attractions, with a minimum height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm) for riders.^[6] As the third installation of the Sky Rocket II design, Tempesto has been praised for its efficient use of space and high-adrenaline pacing, contributing to Busch Gardens Williamsburg's reputation for innovative thrill rides.^[2]^[5]

History

Development and announcement

The development of Tempesto originated as part of Busch Gardens Williamsburg's efforts to expand its Festa Italia section with a high-intensity thrill ride in 2013. Construction quietly commenced in August 2014, with visible progress on the structure near Apollo's Chariot soon after.^[7]^[8] Preceding the official reveal, the park issued subtle teasers in late 2014 about an impending "tempest" of thrills, fueling enthusiast speculation and rumors of a launched coaster addition during the off-season. These hints, combined with early construction sightings, generated months of discussion within the theme park community about the project's scale and technology.^[9] Tempesto was formally announced on March 21, 2015, by SeaWorld Entertainment during the park's annual season passholder preview event, positioning it as a key highlight for the 40th anniversary celebration at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The coaster was conceptualized to immerse riders in the daring exploits of a fictional Italian daredevil named Tempesto, drawing inspiration from turn-of-the-century stunt performers and the intense spectacles of classic Italian carnivals to align with the area's Mediterranean heritage.^[10]^[3]^[11]^[12] Premier Rides was selected as the manufacturer, utilizing their Sky Rocket II model for the project—the third such installation worldwide following Superman Ultimate Flight at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Sky Scream at Plopsaland Deutschland. This choice emphasized compact yet exhilarating LSM-launched shuttle coaster technology, tailored to deliver multiple high-speed launches and inversions within a small footprint.^[9]^[13]^[14]

Construction and opening

Construction of Tempesto began in late August 2014, with initial site preparation occurring in a compact area of the Festa Italia section at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, adjacent to the existing Apollo's Chariot roller coaster.^[7] The project involved assembling the steel track and installing the linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system provided by Premier Rides, the ride's manufacturer.^[15] Key milestones included the completion of track assembly by late January 2015, when the final segment was bolted into place.^[15] Testing commenced in March 2015, allowing park staff to verify the functionality of the multi-launch system and overall ride operations ahead of the public debut.^[16] Tempesto underwent a soft opening on April 17, 2015, providing initial public access for feedback and operational adjustments.^[17] The official opening followed on April 25, 2015, marked by a grand ceremony featuring park executives, media previews, and a ribbon-cutting event adapted with a strip of flags to reflect the ride's Italian theme.^[18]

Design

Track features and layout

Tempesto features a steel tubular track measuring 863 feet (263 m) in length, constructed by Premier Rides as part of their Sky Rocket II model.^[4]^[13] The ride reaches a maximum height of 154 feet (47 m), with riders experiencing tight turns and a top speed of 63 mph (101 km/h).^[4]^[13]^[1] The track features a non-inverting loop, allowing riders to experience the sensation of a loop without full inversion, and incorporates one inversion: an in-line twist (heartline roll) reaching 154 feet (47 m) high, providing intense lateral forces while keeping riders oriented relative to their heartline.^[1]^[4] These features are integrated into a compact figure-eight style layout, where the vertical launch tower and inversions are interwoven with the station structure to minimize the overall footprint.^[13] The entire circuit lasts 55 seconds, emphasizing quick accelerations and decelerations.^[13] Situated in the Festa Italia section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg at coordinates 37°14′05″N 76°38′31″W, the ride's structure complements the area's Roman architectural theme with ornate detailing around the station and supports.^[1]^[4] Engineering adaptations in the Sky Rocket II design for Tempesto include optimized vertical launch profiles and reinforced elements for the tight radius turns, enabling high-speed navigation within the constrained space near Apollo's Chariot.^[13]

Trains and launch system

Tempesto operates with a single train consisting of three cars, each accommodating six riders in two seats across and three rows, for a total capacity of 18 passengers.^[7] The ride vehicles feature over-the-shoulder restraints with soft-padded "comfort collars" and individual lap bars that buckle into the collar for securement, ensuring rider stability during high-speed maneuvers.^[19] The propulsion system employs linear synchronous motor (LSM) technology developed by Premier Rides, enabling precise control over acceleration through electromagnetic coils embedded in dedicated launch track sections.^[20] This multi-launch setup includes three sequential activations: an initial forward launch, a backward launch simulating a pendulum effect as the train returns through the station, and a final forward launch propelling riders to the maximum speed of 63 mph (101 km/h), which is sustained briefly before entering the layout.^[19]^[7] The LSM system's design supports high throughput with rapid dispatch times, typically around 55 seconds per cycle, and requires daily inspections of the launch coils, magnetic fins on the train, and wheel assemblies to maintain operational reliability and safety.^[20] Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm), with no maximum height restriction.^[1]

Ride experience

Station and queue

The station for Tempesto is an enclosed loading platform situated in the Festa Italia section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, featuring subtle theming elements inspired by Italian daredevil stunts to heighten the pre-ride anticipation.^[21]^[22] The queue follows a winding path through the landscaped Festa Italia area, wrapping around a significant portion of the ride structure and providing views of the towering track while immersing guests in the attraction's theme.^[22]^[23] This pathway incorporates heavy theming with vintage signage and lighting along the midway outside the queue line, evoking the spirit of early 20th-century Italian circus performers and stuntmen.^[23]^[5] The queue design, crafted with contributions from Florida-based ThemeWorks, includes tributes to acrobats and daredevils to build excitement leading up to boarding.^[5] Tempesto operates with a single loading station and one train accommodating 18 riders, enabling a theoretical capacity of up to 540 riders per hour under optimal conditions.^[19] Quick Queue, the park's express pass system, is available for purchase to bypass the standard queue during peak times, integrating seamlessly with the ride's operations.^[1] Accessibility features include dedicated transfer areas for wheelchair users and other accommodations, accessible via the park's designated entrances and exits for guests with disabilities. Safety instructions are conveyed through prominent signage at the queue entrance and station, outlining restraint usage, a minimum height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm), and health precautions prior to boarding.^[1]

Course description

Upon dispatch from the station, riders experience an initial forward launch that propels the train up a steep incline toward a 154-foot twisted hilltop, where a brief stall creates moments of weightlessness before the train rolls backward.^[21] A subsequent backward launch then accelerates the train up the same structure, through the inline twist at the summit—delivering intense lateral forces and a sensation of floating—before it plummets downward into a non-inverting loop, emphasizing disorienting rotations and airtime.^[21] The sequence culminates in a final forward launch, surging riders into the non-inverting loop followed by a 135-foot drop reaching speeds of 63 mph, where positive G-forces press passengers firmly into their restraints amid tight banking turns and ejector airtime on subsequent hills.^[1]^[21] Throughout the 55-second ride, sensory elements heighten the intensity: the launches generate rapid acceleration and sustained pull, while the inversions and drops produce varying G-forces, including strong positives in the loop and negative airtime in the twist and roll.^[7] The daredevil-themed elements, inspired by Italian stuntmen, incorporate synchronized lighting effects and ambient audio cues that pulse with each launch, evoking a dramatic arena spectacle to amplify the thrill.^[1]^[19] The train returns to the station via deceleration brakes that smoothly slow it to a stop, allowing riders to unload after the brief but forceful journey; full cycles, including loading and dispatch, typically last 1 to 2 minutes.^[19]

Reception

Critical response and rankings

Upon its debut in 2015, Tempesto received positive initial reviews from coaster enthusiasts for its compact layout delivering intense thrills through multiple LSM launches and unexpected elements like the backward stall and non-inverting loop.^[21]^[22] Reviewers highlighted the ride's ability to pack high-speed excitement—reaching 63 mph—in a small footprint, making it a surprising standout for its impulsive direction changes and airtime moments.^[21] It was also recognized as one of the best new amusement park attractions of 2015 in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice awards, based on public voting.^[24] In enthusiast rankings, Tempesto has earned mid-tier placements within Busch Gardens Williamsburg's lineup but has not cracked global top-50 lists in major polls like the Golden Ticket Awards or Vote Coasters.^[25]^[26] For instance, in a 2022 park-specific ranking, it placed eighth out of nine coasters at the park, praised for its family-friendly transition to thrills but noted for less sustained intensity compared to larger rides.^[25] Critics and riders have pointed out limitations due to its short 863-foot track length, which some feel reduces re-ridability after the initial novelty wears off, alongside discomfort from the rigid comfort collars on Premier Rides trains.^[21]^[27]^[4] Despite this, it scores an average of 3.2 out of 5 on review aggregation site Captain Coaster, based on over 460 user submissions as of 2025, with many appreciating its accessibility for families easing into inverted elements.^[28] Tempesto has been featured in various theme park media, including POV videos and rider testimonials on platforms like YouTube and Coaster Nation, emphasizing its daredevil theme inspired by Italian high-wire acts.^[23]^[29] As a long-term park staple, it continues to draw repeat visitors during seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream, maintaining its role as an entry-level thrill ride amid the park's evolving coaster collection.^[1]

Incidents

Tempesto has maintained a strong safety record since its opening in 2015, with no reported major injuries or fatalities to date. The ride complies with ASTM International standards for amusement rides, including design, operation, and maintenance requirements set by the F24 Committee.^[30] Tempesto has operated without significant safety incidents, contributing to Busch Gardens Williamsburg's overall low injury rate aligned with industry averages of approximately 3.7 injuries per million visitors.^[31]^[32] Early operational challenges occurred in 2015 shortly after the ride's debut, including a malfunction where a comfort collar restraint came loose during operation on June 29, 2015, affecting a rider's upper body protection but not compromising the primary over-the-shoulder harness.^[33] The park investigated the incident, confirming it as a comfort feature issue rather than a safety failure, with no injuries reported; such restraint adjustments led to brief testing delays but did not impact rider safety.^[34] Maintenance-related closures are routine for Tempesto, as with all major roller coasters, involving annual inspections that typically result in 1-2 weeks of downtime during the off-season to ensure structural integrity and system functionality.^[35] A notable non-rider incident took place on October 6, 2025, when an 18-year-old trespassed and climbed approximately 100 feet up the lift hill structure around 9 p.m., necessitating a rescue by the James City County Fire Department using ropes and harnesses.^[36] The individual was safely lowered without injuries to themselves or others, but the ride was closed for about two hours for safety checks and police investigation; the climber was charged with trespassing.^[37] Busch Gardens employs comprehensive response protocols for all incidents, including regular evacuation drills for staff and thorough post-event investigations by the park's safety team to identify causes and prevent recurrences.^[38] These measures, combined with daily pre-operational inspections, underscore the ride's adherence to industry best practices for minimizing risks.

References

[1]
Tempesto - Launch Roller Coaster - Busch Gardens
This thrill roller coaster features three launch experiences and Tempesto's signature loop-the-loop. Please note Tempesto opens at 12:00 PM.
[2]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg's 'Tempesto' is Open for Business
Apr 28, 2015 · Busch Gardens Williamsburg's 'Tempesto' is Open for Business. April 28, 2015. Adrenaline-seekers rejoice! Premier Rides' new thrilling coaster ...
[3]
Busch Gardens announces new ride opening date | 13newsnow.com
Mar 21, 2015 · It will open April 25, 2015. Tempesto will propel riders forward and backward through the ride's station house, speeding at more than 60 miles per hour.Missing: manufacturer | Show results with:manufacturer
[4]
Tempesto - Roller Coaster DataBase
Tempesto. Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virginia, United States). Operating since 4/25/2015. Roller Coaster · Steel · Sit Down · Extreme. Make: ...
[5]
Busch Gardens' Tempesto coaster squeezes a lot of excitement into ...
Jun 26, 2015 · Built by Maryland-based Premier Rides, the Tempesto coaster jams a lot of excitement into a relatively short ride that lasts less than a minute ...
[6]
New Roller Coaster Tempesto Opens at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Apr 24, 2015 · TRACK LENGTH: 883 feet of track, Train travels approximately 1,945 feet total. MAXIMUM SPEED: 63 mph. RIDE DURATION: 55 seconds. SEATS/TRAIN ...
[7]
Tempesto - Wikipedia
Tempesto is a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. Built and manufactured by ...
[8]
Tempesto - Coasterpedia - The Amusement Ride Wiki
Apr 6, 2025 · Tempesto is a steel launched roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It was built by Premier Rides and opened on ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[9]
Tempesto Rising at Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Coaster101.com
Nov 25, 2014 · Although not officially announced, Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new-for-2015 Premier launched coaster is taking shape in the Festa Italia section of the park.
[10]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Officially Announces Tempesto
The ride has an anticipated debut on April 25, 2015. During our behind-the-scenes look at the coaster, they were already performing preliminary ...Missing: SeaWorld | Show results with:SeaWorld
[11]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Announces Tempesto Coaster
Mar 22, 2015 · The park announced that Tempesto, a Premier launched coaster, will open to guests in late April 2015 (next month).<|separator|>
[12]
Busch Gardens unveils new roller coaster - WTKR
Mar 27, 2015 · The coaster will debut April 25th, with three launch elements and a max speed of 63 mph. Tempesto launches riders forward, then backwards into ...
[13]
New coaster-Tempesto highlights 40th Anniversary Celebration at ...
Mar 21, 2015 · Video-We talk to park execs about the all new Tempesto at Busch Gardens Williamsburg! The ride is being built by Premiere Rides, and will last ...
[14]
New Coaster Highlights 40th Anniversary at Busch Gardens ...
Mar 21, 2015 · The biggest news of all is that guests will not have to wait long to ride Tempesto, as the park will open the all new ride on April 25th.
[15]
Sky Rocket II - Coasterpedia - The Amusement Ride Wiki
May 20, 2025 · Sky Rocket II is a steel launched roller coaster by Premier Rides, with a 150 ft height, 62 mph top speed, and 1 inversion. It has a backwards ...Missing: announcement | Show results with:announcement
[16]
New Busch Gardens roller coaster debuts next month | On Liberty
Mar 24, 2015 · WILLIAMSBURG -- Busch Gardens' newest thrill attraction, Tempesto™, debuts April 25 at Busch Gardens. Park President Carl Lum announced the ...
[17]
Busch Gardens Unveils 'Tempesto,' New Roller Coaster for 2015
Mar 22, 2015 · Construction on the ride is expected to be complete within a few weeks, allowing the park's staff to begin testing the ride ahead of its April ...
[18]
Tempesto Soft Opening at Busch Gardens Williamsburg - YouTube
Apr 17, 2015 · Tempesto soft opened to the general public on April 17th, before the coaster was scheduled to open on April 25th. And guess what?Missing: 2015 | Show results with:2015
[19]
Tempesto Grand Opening - YouTube
Apr 28, 2015 · The grand opening ceremony of Tempesto, Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new launch coaster, on April 25, 2015 ... Tempesto Construction Tour at Busch ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[20]
Tempesto Challenges Daredevils at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Apr 24, 2015 · Looks like a fun ride in spite of limited capacity. We definitely need to get back up to BGW soon. It's been 8 or 9 years since our last visit.Missing: inspiration gladiator
[21]
Tempesto Media Day Report - Coaster101.com
Apr 25, 2015 · This Premier Rides coaster features three launches as riders soar to heights of 150′ while reaching top speeds of over 60 miles per hour.
[22]
Review: Tempesto at Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Coaster Critic
Jan 2, 2018 · Tempesto is a multiple launch coaster with a backwards launch, a 154-foot twist, and a non-inverting loop. The reviewer found it fun and rated ...
[23]
Review of Tempesto at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
May 23, 2015 · Tempesto is short, compact, and it looks as if it's a flat ride. The queue wraps around a large portion of the ride, giving you a view that ...
[24]
Tempesto At Busch Gardens Soft Opened! Video Plus Rider ...
Ride Open Date: April 25, 2015. Tempesto isn't the only thing new in 2015. The park opened a new show called “Roll Out The Barrels“. The new show is very ...
[25]
Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Tempesto was named one of the ...
Jul 16, 2015 · Tempesto was named one of the Best New Amusement Park Attractions in the country in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel awards contest!
[26]
Rollercoaster Ranking – Busch Gardens Williamsburg (2022)
Aug 16, 2022 · Sadly Tempesto has the worst restraints available for this model of ride the form of 'comfort collars'. The restricting nature of these ...
[27]
Vote Coasters - Full Rankings 2023 - coaster bot
2023 full rankings ; 50, Superman the Ride, Six Flags New England ; 51, Flying Aces, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi ; 52, Coaster Through the Clouds, Nanchang Sunac Land ...
[28]
Rank the 9 BGW roller coasters. : r/BuschGardensW - Reddit
May 21, 2024 · Tempesto is last because is a cookie cutter coaster and it's garbage the BGW would even put it in the park. DarKoaster is terrible. Verbolton is ...
[29]
Tempesto • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Captain Coaster
Rating 3.2 (469) The ride starts with an amazing punchy launch with awesome amounts of weightlessness. The backwards section is pretty good too, with equal amounts of ejector.<|separator|>
[30]
Tempesto Review HD Busch Gardens Williamsburg Roller Coaster
Apr 19, 2015 · Its the newest roller coaster in the amusement industry, and packs a punch! In this video, I will be reviewing it based off of many ...Missing: track material
[31]
ASTM Amusement Ride Standards Provide Safe Thrills
The ASTM F24 Committee develops amusement ride standards for roller coasters and similar equipment, offering safe thrills with ASTM F2291-24.
[32]
Annual Ride Safety Reports | IAAPA.org
IAAPA reports show US rides are very safe, with a 1 in 15.5 million chance of injury. Reports provide data to improve safety and minimize risks.Missing: Tempesto Busch Gardens
[33]
Amusement Park Accidents and Injuries Statistics
Jun 18, 2021 · This is about 3.7 injuries per 1 million visitors in 2019. In 2016, there were 1,253 injuries among people who went on rides on fixed-ride ...Missing: Tempesto Busch Gardens
[34]
Busch Gardens: Collar that came loose during Tempesto isn't a ...
Jul 8, 2015 · The newest ride at Busch Gardens promises twists and turns, but one woman says her granddaughter's thrill turned into a real-life scare.
[35]
Busch Gardens responds after collar came loose on roller coaster
Jul 8, 2015 · The newest ride at Busch Gardens in Virginia became a real life scare when one 17-year-old says her safety collar came of mid-ride.
[36]
Busch Gardens' coasters get extensive safety checks
Aug 14, 2024 · Kevin Berube, who oversees the care and maintenance of all Busch Gardens' rollercoasters, takes his job seriously.
[37]
Power Outage Shuts Down Busch Garden Rides, Angers Visitors
May 12, 2018 · The park tweeted just before 1:30 p.m. that some animal habitats and two restaurants had power restored. It encouraged guests to come and enjoy ...
[38]
Police: Teen climbs 100-feet up Busch Gardens ride, needs rescue
Oct 6, 2025 · Tempesto, which opened in 2019, is consider a high-speed launch coaster which takes riders approximately 150 feet in the air. This is a ...
[39]
18-year-old charged with trespassing after climbing roller coaster in ...
Oct 6, 2025 · An 18-year-old was charged with trespassing after climbing 100 feet up the Tempesto roller coaster at Busch Gardens Sunday night, according to
[40]
Coasters-101: Safety Standards
Mar 2, 2011 · The ASTM F-24 committee develops minimum standards of safety for design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, quality assurance and inspection of amusement ...