Griffon Roller Coaster

The Griffon roller coaster is a fabulous ride experience, but like the mythological creature it is named for, it is not for the faint of heart.

Soar like an eagle on the mythical Griffon coaster.

A griffon is a legendary creature reputed to have the heart of a lion and the soul of an eagle, thereby capturing the most majestic essences of both the king of beasts and the king of birds. Griffons have been powerful symbols for centuries and have been part of many heraldry crests because of their mystical protective, powerful properties. Often depicted as a lion with an eagle’s head and wings, griffons are instantly recognizable throughout the world.

The Griffon roller coaster is located at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. The coaster’s construction began in July 2006 after a flock of rumors about the newest ride and the park’s first major roller coaster since 1999. In December 2006 the highest point of the track was laid, and in February 2007 the track layout was finished. After several weeks of engineering adjustments and safety testing, Griffon opened in May 2007. Located in the French Village section of the park, the floorless dive coaster by Bolliger and Mabillard soars above the provincial architecture and is the world’s first floorless diving coaster.

The roller coaster facts about Griffon are as impressive as its centuries-old mythology.

• Height: 250 feet
• Length: 3,108 feet
• Maximum Speed: 71 miles per hour
• Inversions: 2
• Duration: 3 minutes
• Maximum Angle of Descent: 90 degrees
• Maximum G Force: 4
• Construction Cost: $15 million

In addition to swooping curves, wild inversions, and terrifying dives, Griffon also incorporates a unique water brake element that fits with its tight design and surprising thrills.

Dive coasters are still relatively new in theme park circles. Griffon, in fact, is only the fourth dive machine to open in the world. What distinguishes dive coasters is that rather than having a gradually steeper initial drop that leads to the twists and turns of the ride, they literally dive down a 90 degree angle of descent and plunge riders directly into the heart of the action. Dive coasters also feature unique trains that are wider than they are long – Griffon’s trains accommodate 30 riders in three rows of ten riders each. Each row is slightly elevated to produce a stadium seating effect with unimpeded views for all riders.

The other dive coasters in the world as of this writing include:

• Oblivion: This is the oldest dive coaster, having opened at Alton Towers in the UK in 1998.
• Diving Machine G5: This coaster at Janfunsun Fancyworld opened in Taiwan in 2000.
• Sheikra: This dive machine opened at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Florida in 2005. Since opening, it has been converted to a floorless dive design.

A fifth dive machine roller coaster is under construction in China at the Chimelong Paradise park and is scheduled to open in 2008.

If the intense thrills of Griffon are too terrifying to handle, visitors to Busch Gardens Europe have their choice of four other exciting roller coasters.

• Alpengeist: This massive inverted coaster conquers six inversions at nearly 70 miles per hour, nearly matching the intensity and power of Griffon.
• Apollo’s Chariot: The park’s next youngest ride, this steel coaster with nine massive hills opened in 1999 and reaches speeds up to 73 miles per hour while thrilling guests along its 4,800 foot track.

Capture a lion's power on Griffon.

• Big Bad Wolf: This suspended coaster hugs the terrain and offers a unique swinging experience at over 45 miles per hour.
• Loch Ness Monster: This steel looping coaster has interlocked vertical loops that are as photogenic as they are exciting.

Griffon is not for inexperienced roller coaster riders. Guests must be at least 54 inches tall in order to ride, and the over-the-shoulder safety harnesses may be constraining and uncomfortable for guests with wide shoulders or thick torsos. Loose articles of any type are forbidden on Griffon, and riders should leave cameras, cell phones, hats, sunglasses, bags, and other items in nearby lockers or with a non-rider for safekeeping. Because of the coaster’s uniqueness and popularity as one of the park’s newest attractions, lines can be several hours long and guests should be sure to seek refreshments or restroom breaks before entering the queue.

The Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens Europe is one of the most unique and thrilling rides in the world. With an innovative design coupled with an intriguing mythology, Griffon sparks the imaginations and adrenaline of riders in more ways than one.

For additional information about Griffon, including photos, videos, wallpapers, news, and more, visit the official website at GriffonCoaster.com.

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