The attraction is based on the ancient city of Pompeii when it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Special effects include swinging flickering lights, cracking wooden boards, burning walls and ceilings, and tumbling statues.

[1] On August 23, 1994, it was announced that Escape from Pompeii would be coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg as part of the park's 20th anniversary.

The blasts were timed by computers and big fans circulated air within the temple every 30 seconds to lower the temperature.

A grand opening party was set to be held on April 28, but this event would be delayed due to the Oklahoma City bombing.

The main ride building contains a haunted house that is used for Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Howl-O-Scream event.

The boat makes a small drop into the main ride building, where they pass by an abandoned archaeological site and crumbling structures as tense music begins to play.

The boat floats past the ruins into a room full of crumbling statues and structures standing among the water.

It then advances to where a door blows open and allows guests to see outside of the ride just before plunging down the 48.5-foot tall, 80-foot long chute into the water below.