Like most people, we were super excited when this next-generation Intamin was first announced in 2019.
Sigh….. recalling our collective disappointment when a certain virus delayed most of our 2020 plans, Pantheon became much more than just a new ride, it became a promise of a better tomorrow.
The hope for the newest stateside coaster from Intamin carried more weight than usual because the Swiss manufacturer has burned bridges with most of the major theme park chains in the last decade.
Recently, Universal Orlando debuted the one-two punch of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Velocicoaster and it seemed like new-age Intamin would only appear sporadically with park chains that felt particularly risky (Google Sandy’s Blasting Bronco + Downtime for reference).
Here lies the problem. Touted as the world’s fastest multi-launch coaster Pantheon promised a ride of epic scale set to crush every expectation of the limit-pushing manufacturer. Unfortunately, SEAWORLD/BUSCH had 18 months to sh*t or get off the pot and Velocicoaster ended up being the debut of the new generation of massive multi-launch.
That being said is Pantheon a bad ride…? No, not at all.
It delivers crazy forces, great speed, and a moment of backward ejector airtime that is sent directly to man from the ancient gods of negative g-forces. The layout is unique and innovative (although somewhat RMC-inspired). Overall a great addition to the park.
This series of events makes one think. Do records mean anything anymore? It’s bigger and faster than its Orlando rival but is it better?
I’d love to hear your thoughts?
Cheapthusiast 