Busch Gardens still hasn't officially opened its new thrill ride Falcon's Fury, but the park let some guinea pigs try it out over the weekend.

Several hundred visitors, including the rock band All-American Rejects, became the first non-employees to strap into the 335-foot drop tower ride that was originally scheduled to open in early May.

There was no fanfare or advance announcement. But the park tweeted a picture of All-American Rejects, who were on the grounds Saturday to perform in the park's Summer Nights concert Series, getting ready for their ride.

Falcon's Fury is billed as the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America. Riders sit in roller coaster seats that tilt 90 degrees at the top to point them face-down. After being held in a prone position briefly, riders experience a five-second free fall at speeds reaching 60 mph.

A gradual braking pulls the riders back to an upright position.