Busch Gardens History: The opening of Festa Italia in 1987

7/7/1987: A new area at Busch Gardens Williamsburg opens, titled "Festa Italia," which was meant to be based on Marco Polo's return to Italy from his visit to China.
An intimidating ride named "Gladiator's Gauntlet" was still undergoing tests at Festa Italia's opening. It did not stick around for long, as the ride shut down in the early 1990s. Apollo's Chariot now resides where the Gauntlet was once located.
Another popular Festa Italia attraction, Roman Rapids, was still being constructed in 1987 and would not be ready for visitors until the following summer.
Festival-themed midway games and attractions still make up Festa Italia, although the Marco Polo connection is not as obvious as it once was.
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[@Lupton2000]

I was there just a few days later.