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Griffon (roller coaster)

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Griffon
Griffon's lift hill and vertical drop
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
LocationBusch Gardens Williamsburg
Park sectionAquitaine (France)
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 18, 2007 (2007-05-18)
Cost$15.6 million
ReplacedLeMans Raceway
General statistics
TypeSteel – Dive Coaster
ManufacturerBolliger & Mabillard
ModelDive Coaster
Track layoutTwister
Lift/launch systemChain lift
Height205 ft (62 m)
Length3,108 ft (947 m)
Speed71 mph (114 km/h)
Inversions2
Duration3:00
Max vertical angle90°
Capacity1400 riders per hour
G-force4
Height restriction54 in (137 cm)
Trains3 trains with 3 cars. Riders are arranged 10 across in a single row for a total of 30 riders per train.
Quick Queue available
Single rider line not available
Griffon at RCDB
Video

Griffon is a steel roller coaster located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park in James City County, Virginia, United States. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the Dive Coaster model opened to the public on May 18, 2007. It climbs to a height of 205 feet (62 m) and reaches a maximum speed of 71 mph (114 km/h). It features two Immelmann loops, a splashdown, two vertical drops, and was the first B&M Dive Coaster to use floorless trains. Griffon was well-received by media and enthusiasts, and it placed third in 2007 in the category of Best New Ride polled by Amusement Today for their annual Golden Ticket Awards. Since its debut, it has also consistently ranked in the top 50 among steel roller coasters worldwide in the same annual publication, peaking at #19 in 2010.

History

[edit]

On June 30, 2006, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced that LeMans Raceway would be closing to the public on July 5, 2006 in order to make room for the next year's new attraction.[1][2] Construction for Griffon began the next day with the demolition of the raceway.[2][3] A trademark for the name "Griffon" was filed by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment on July 12, 2006.[4] The roller coaster was announced to the public on August 23, 2006.[3] On December 11, 2006, two cranes installed the highest piece of Griffon with an evergreen tree.[5] The vertical drop and Immelmann loop were completed in January 2007 and the final piece of track was installed in late February.[6] After testing was complete, the roller coaster opened on May 18, 2007; one week earlier than its original scheduled opening date.[6][7]

When Griffon opened it 2007, it held the records for the tallest and fastest Dive Coaster in the world, both of which were previously held by SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.[8][9] Griffon was also the first Dive Coaster to feature floorless trains.[3][10] When Happy Valley Shanghai opened Diving Coaster in 2009, it took the drop length record at 213.3 feet (65.0 m).[11]

Ride experience

[edit]
One of Griffon's trains passing through the splashdown element

After the floors drop and the front gate opens, the train is dispatched from the station and makes a downward right turn immediately followed by an upward right turn which leads directly to the 47-degree inclined chain lift hill.[12] Once the train reaches the top of the 205-foot (62 m) lift, it makes a right turn into a holding brake where the train slowly moves over the first drop, stops for five seconds, and then is released down the 90 degree drop. By the time the train makes it to the bottom of the drop, it reaches its maximum speed of 71 miles per hour (114 km/h). Then, the train enters a 146-foot (44 m) Immelmann loop before dropping back to the ground and making a banked upward left turn into the mid course brake run. After the train slows down, it enters a second 130-foot (40 m) near 90 degree drop into another Immelmann loop. Following a small airtime hill, the train goes through a splashdown where the car's rear scoops spray two 50-foot (15 m) plumes of water into the air.[13] Finally, the train makes a banked turn to the left leading into the final brake run.[14] The ride lasts three minutes.[15]

Characteristics

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Track

[edit]

Griffon's steel track is 3,108 feet (947 m) long and its lift is approximately 205 feet (62 m) high.[15] There is an elevator that can return riders to ground level if a train must be evacuated on the lift hill.[12][16] The supports are light blue and the track is a darker blue.[17] The track was fabricated by Clermont Steel Fabricators in Batavia, Ohio, which manufactures Bolliger & Mabillard's roller coasters.[18][19]

Trains

[edit]

Griffon operates with three steel and fiberglass trains, colored red, yellow, and black.[7][17] Each train has three rows that seat ten riders across for a total of 30 riders per train; each seat has its own individual over-the-shoulder restraint with a seatbelt.[7][15][17] This configuration allows the ride to achieve a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,400 riders.[15] Unlike traditional coasters, Griffon's trains are floorless, allowing the riders' legs to dangle throughout the ride. Riders also experience up to 4 times the force of gravity.[15]

Reception

[edit]

Preston Wong from Hampton Roads said, "[The floorless trains] giv[e] riders a sense of vulnerability and, for those in the front row, an idea of what it must feel like to fly" and that enthusiasts would like the ride.[20] Nicole Paitsel, Lisa Deaderick, and Joe Atkinson from Daily Press each rated the roller coaster for its vomiting and scream factors. Nicole and Lisa rated the vomiting factor a one (out of five) for the roller coaster's smoothness; Joe gave a four as he began feeling ill after his second ride. For the scream factor Nicole gave a five, Lisa gave a ten, and Joe gave a four.[21] Mike from NewsPlusNotes praised the first drop for its freefall experience.[22]

In Griffon's opening year, it was voted the third best new ride for 2007 and the 27th best steel roller coaster in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards.[23] It peaked at #19 in 2010 when it tied with SheiKra, another Dive Coaster.[24]

Golden Ticket Awards: Best New Ride for 2007
Ranking
Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year 1998 1999
Ranking
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Ranking 27[23] 20[25] 26[26]
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Ranking 19[24] 20[27] 26[28] 33[29] 33[30] 33[31] 48[32] 43[33]
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Ranking N/A

Griffon has also made several television appearances. It was featured on Discovery Channel's television series Build It Bigger[34] and Travel Channel's television series' Bert the Conqueror and Insane Coaster Wars: World Domination.[35][36]

Incidents

[edit]

On August 5, 2010, five riders sustained minor injuries and were sent to a hospital after colliding with a 25-foot (7.6 m) balloon. The balloon was in the process of being deflated when it broke free and was carried into Griffon's path due to strong winds.[37]

On June 29, 2021, one of Griffon's trains carrying 28 riders stopped midride near the ground. All passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.[38]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Griffon is a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States.[1] It is a floorless dive coaster manufactured by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard that opened to the public on May 18, 2007.[2] The ride stands 205 feet (62 m) tall and features a 90-degree, 205-foot drop into a splashdown, reaching a maximum speed of 71 mph (114 km/h).[1][2][3] Named after the mythical griffon creature, the coaster was announced on August 23, 2006, as the park's first new roller coaster since Apollo's Chariot in 1999.[4] At its debut, Griffon was the tallest and fastest dive coaster in the world, as well as the first to incorporate floorless trains, allowing riders' feet to dangle over the edge during the hold at the peak of the lift hill.[1] The 3,108-foot (947 m) track includes two Immelmann loops, a second 130-foot (40 m) drop, and a water splashdown element, completing the three-minute circuit with two inversions and forces up to 4 G.[2][3] Trains seat 30 riders across three rows of 10 in an open design without floors or sides, with a minimum height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm).[1] Themed to evoke a dive from a seaside cliff, Griffon has received acclaim for its thrilling elements and views of the park's Scotland area, contributing to Busch Gardens' reputation for innovative coasters.[4]

History

Announcement and development

On June 30, 2006, Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced the closure of the longstanding LeMans Raceway flat ride, signaling plans for a significant new thrill attraction to replace it and revitalize the park's offerings.[5] This decision stemmed from the ride's outdated status after over 30 years of operation, aiming to introduce a cutting-edge coaster that would draw adrenaline-seeking visitors and enhance the park's reputation for extreme experiences.[6] The project, estimated at $15.6 million USD, represented one of the most expensive investments in the park's history at the time, surpassing the cost of previous additions like the SheiKra dive coaster.[7] On August 23, 2006, Busch Gardens officially unveiled details of the new ride, named Griffon, in a press release that highlighted its innovative design by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).[8] This marked B&M's first venture into building a floorless dive coaster, building on their prior dive models but incorporating open-floor trains for heightened immersion.[8] Griffon was positioned to set new benchmarks upon opening, including a record-breaking 205-foot height and speeds over 70 mph, making it the tallest and fastest dive coaster worldwide at launch.[8] The name drew from the mythical griffon—a legendary creature blending eagle and lion features—aligning with the park's European theming to evoke power, speed, and majesty in the French section where it would be located.[8]

Construction and opening

Construction of the Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg began on July 6, 2006, with the initial site preparation and foundation work following the demolition of the former LeMans Raceway attraction.[9] Significant progress was made throughout late 2006, including the erection of the 205-foot lift hill, which reached its pinnacle on December 13, 2006, marked by a ceremonial placement of an evergreen tree atop the structure by construction crews.[10] By early 2007, the track layout was fully assembled, with the vertical drop and Immelmann loop completed in January and the final track piece installed in late February, allowing for the subsequent phases of integration and safety verification.[3] Testing commenced in April 2007, involving engineers from manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard to ensure operational integrity, with initial test runs documented around mid-April.[11] Due to the successful completion of these tests, the ride opened to the public a week ahead of its original schedule, debuting on May 18, 2007, instead of May 25.[12] The opening featured a media preview event on May 16, followed by the public debut, accompanied by park promotions highlighting the coaster's signature 90-degree, 205-foot drop as a key thrill element.[13]

Design

Track layout

The Griffon roller coaster's track is constructed of steel and spans a total length of 3,108 feet (947 m).[3] It achieves a maximum structural height of 205 feet (62 m), with the layout designed by Bolliger & Mabillard as a dive coaster emphasizing steep drops and inversions.[3] The track features light blue supports and darker blue running rails, providing structural stability for the high-speed maneuvers.[14] The ride's layout commences with a 205-foot (62 m) chain lift hill that elevates the train to the crest, where a holding brake briefly pauses before releasing into the signature beyond-vertical first drop of 205 feet (62 m) at a 90-degree angle.[3] This initial plunge accelerates the train to a maximum speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), marking the start of a double-drop sequence characteristic of dive coasters.[1] Following the first drop, the track transitions into a 146-foot (45 m) Immelmann loop, an inversion that inverts riders 180 degrees while banking to realign the direction.[14] The sequence continues with a second drop of 130 feet (40 m) at approximately 90 degrees, providing additional freefall before entering another Immelmann loop measuring about 100 feet (30 m).[3] This second inversion similarly rotates the train 180 degrees to reverse course. The layout then incorporates a horseshoe roll, a non-inverting element where the track curves sharply in a U-shape while twisting slightly to maintain momentum. The ride concludes with a splashdown element, where the train skims over a water trough to create a water spray effect, before entering the brake run.[3] Throughout the circuit, riders experience forces up to 4 G's due to the track's curvature and speed.[3] The design includes two total inversions from the Immelmann loops, emphasizing the coaster's thrill through precise engineering of height differentials and banking.[14]

Trains and vehicles

Griffon operates with three floorless trains manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.[3] These trains are constructed from steel and fiberglass, each featuring an open-floor design that allows riders' legs to dangle freely throughout the ride, marking the first implementation of such a configuration on a B&M Dive Coaster.[15] The trains are painted in distinct colors—red, yellow, and black—to enhance visual appeal from the park grounds.[14] Each train accommodates 30 riders across three rows, with ten seats per row arranged in a single file abreast.[3] Riders are secured using individual over-the-shoulder harnesses that feature a ratcheting mechanism, producing a distinctive clicking sound as they lock into place.[16] This restraint system, combined with the floorless setup, provides an unobstructed view and heightened sense of exposure during the coaster's dives and inversions. The trains incorporate standard B&M wheel assemblies, including upstop, downstop, and side friction wheels for smooth navigation along the track, along with anti-rollback devices that engage with track ratchets to prevent backward movement on inclines.[17] Bolliger & Mabillard's design for Griffon's trains emphasizes reliability and passenger comfort, with the vehicles equipped for compatibility with the ride's magnetic braking system and the unique holding brake at the apex of the first drop.[3]

Theming and elements

The Griffon roller coaster is themed around the mythical griffon, a legendary creature from European folklore depicted as a majestic hybrid of a lion and an eagle, symbolizing power and swift dives upon prey.[14] This theme is integrated through artwork and signage throughout the attraction, portraying the beast in dynamic poses to evoke its predatory nature and connection to ancient legends.[18] The ride's design draws on this motif to enhance the sense of impending descent, aligning with the griffon's diving behavior in mythology. Situated in the France section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Griffon ties into the park's broader European-themed landscape, which celebrates continental history and folklore.[1] This placement complements the surrounding architecture and attractions, such as the nearby Rhine River Cruise, creating a cohesive narrative environment rooted in Old World myths.[19] Special effects amplify the thematic immersion, particularly the splashdown element where the train skims a water trench, generating a burst of mist that envelops riders and simulates the griffon's aquatic prowess.[14] Audio enhancements, including ambient sounds on the lift hill leading to the crest hold, contribute to the mythical atmosphere, though specific cues like creature roars are not prominently documented.[20] Riders at the 205-foot crest enjoy panoramic visual elements, including sweeping views of the park's landscape and the adjacent James River, heightening the sensation of soaring like the griffon before the plunge.[1][21] These vistas provide a brief moment of awe, blending natural scenery with the ride's fantastical theme.

Ride experience

Riders board one of three floorless trains, each seating 30 people in three rows of 10, with feet dangling freely due to the open design. The train departs the station and ascends the 205-foot (62 m) chain lift hill, providing views of the surrounding park landscape and the Manteo River. At the crest, the train pauses briefly in a hold position, heightening anticipation before releasing into the 90-degree, 205-foot (62 m) first drop. This plunge reaches speeds of 71 mph (114 km/h), passing under a pedestrian bridge and creating a sensation of weightlessness as riders dive toward the water below.[1][3] Following the drop, the train enters the first Immelmann inversion, flipping riders upside down and then right-side up while turning 180 degrees, offering disorienting views. It then climbs into a hill leading to the second drop of 130 feet (40 m) at 90 degrees, accelerating once more. The circuit continues with a second Immelmann over the Manteo River, providing scenic glimpses of the park's Scotland area. The ride concludes with a splashdown element, where the train skims through a water trough, displacing water for a cooling mist effect on riders. The three-minute journey returns to the station after navigating gentle turns, with forces reaching up to 4 G throughout. The theming evokes a griffon diving from a seaside cliff, enhancing the immersive thrill.[3][14]

Operation

Capacity and throughput

Griffon achieves a theoretical hourly throughput of 1,400 riders, enabling efficient operation during peak visitation periods.[3] This capacity is facilitated by three trains, each accommodating 30 riders arranged in a single row across three cars.[3] The ride operates on a standard queue system without a single-rider line, requiring groups to stay together throughout the wait.[14] The roller coaster's daily operations align with Busch Gardens Williamsburg's seasonal schedule, typically running from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during peak summer months from June to August.[22] To enhance visitor flow and reduce wait times, the park offers Quick Queue Unlimited as an upgrade option, providing priority access to Griffon and other select attractions.[23]

Safety features

Griffon employs over-the-shoulder restraints designed to secure riders securely during the ride's intense maneuvers, including the 90-degree drop and inversions. These restraints feature a locking mechanism that operators verify prior to dispatch to ensure proper engagement for all passengers.[24] The roller coaster is equipped with magnetic brakes positioned at critical sections, such as the mid-course brake run and final run before the station, to control train speed and provide emergency stopping capability without physical contact, reducing wear and enhancing reliability.[25] In the event of a mid-ride stoppage, Busch Gardens maintains trained staff to execute evacuation procedures, utilizing specialized access points like the lift hill elevator to safely return riders to the ground.[26] Maintenance protocols for Griffon adhere to ASTM International standards established by the F24 Committee, which outline requirements for daily inspections, operational testing, and quality assurance to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and mechanical components.[27] Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 54 inches to experience the coaster, ensuring they can properly utilize the restraints and withstand the forces involved. Additionally, a strict no loose items policy prohibits bags, phones, and other objects in the queue and on the ride to prevent hazards during operation.[1][28]

Reception

Awards and rankings

Griffon earned early acclaim in the amusement industry through the Golden Ticket Awards, presented annually by Amusement Today. In 2007, the year of its debut, it was voted the third-best new amusement park ride, receiving 17% of the poll votes behind Maverick at Cedar Point (42%) and Mystery Mine at Dollywood (23%).[29] That same year, it ranked 27th among the world's top steel roller coasters in the awards' inaugural inclusion.[29] The ride's rankings in the Golden Ticket Awards' top steel roller coasters category peaked at number 19 (tied with SheiKra) in 2010, reflecting its strong initial impact.[30] It maintained a consistent presence in the top 50 through the 2010s, for example placing 43rd in 2018 with a score of 93 points.[31] Griffon was recognized for its innovative design as a floorless dive coaster, building on the precedent set by SheiKra, with its 205-foot near-vertical drop and enhanced rider visibility.[3] Although it has not appeared in recent Golden Ticket Awards top 50 lists post-2020, Griffon continues to garner positive mentions in 2025 park reviews for its thrilling experience and enduring appeal at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.[32]

Media and cultural impact

Griffon has appeared in several television programs highlighting its engineering and thrill factor. During its construction in 2007, the ride was featured in an episode of Discovery Channel's Build It Bigger, where host Danny Forster explored the challenges of building extreme roller coasters, including Griffon's 205-foot drop.[33] In 2011, comedian Bert Kreischer rode Griffon in the "Virginia" episode of Travel Channel's Bert the Conqueror, attempting to conquer the dive coaster's hanging drop as part of a segment on East Coast extreme attractions.[34] The ride also gained recognition in Travel Channel's Insane Coaster Wars series, where it competed in categories emphasizing dive coasters' vertical drops and was highlighted among top models for its innovative floorless design.[35] Online, Griffon has cultivated a strong presence through point-of-view (POV) videos that capture the hanging anticipation and near-vertical plunge, often going viral among thrill-seekers. Front-row POV footage uploaded in 2025, such as those from channels like Elemental Coasters and The Coaster Scoop, have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, frequently ranking Griffon highly in annual Busch Gardens coaster compilations for its visual intensity and smoothness.[36] These videos emphasize the ride's mythical griffin theming and splashdown finale, contributing to its appeal in social media discussions on extreme coasters. Public reception praises Griffon's heart-pounding drop for delivering unmatched freefall thrill and its smooth operation, with riders often describing it as one of the best dive experiences due to the floorless trains enhancing the sense of exposure.[37] However, criticisms focus on lengthy queues that can deter repeat visits and the intense airtime potentially causing discomfort or nausea for sensitive riders.[38] Enthusiast reviews on sites like Theme Park Insider highlight its status as a "best ever" for the vertical drop but note its brevity as a drawback compared to longer coasters.[38] As a landmark in Bolliger & Mabillard's evolution of dive coasters, Griffon symbolizes the shift to floorless trains following SheiKra, introducing greater immersion and speed that influenced subsequent designs.[1] Opened as the tallest and fastest of its type, it held records until surpassed by Valravn in 2017, which adopted a similar holding brake but added inversions, marking Griffon's role in advancing the genre's layout complexity.[14]

Incidents

2010 balloon collision

On August 5, 2010, a train on the Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg collided with a cold-air inflated prop after a sudden gust of wind blew it into the ride's path during an approaching storm.[39] The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., as park employees were deflating the prop—described by officials as a 25-foot balloon-like structure—when high winds caused it to break free and strike the train at the top of the second hill, bringing it to an abrupt halt.[39][40] Five riders suffered minor injuries from the sudden stop, including soreness in necks and backs; all received on-site treatment, and the five who were transported to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center were evaluated and released the same evening.[39][41] Park safety teams evacuated the affected guests from the train without further complications.[39] The ride was immediately closed for a thorough inspection, reopening the following day after officials confirmed its safety.[39] An investigation attributed the event to weather conditions, with the storm's winds exceeding the park's monitoring thresholds for nearby rides but not triggering an earlier shutdown of Griffon.[39]

2021 mid-ride stoppage

On June 29, 2021, at approximately 7:20 p.m., a train carrying 28 riders on the Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg stopped unexpectedly mid-ride at a point closer to the ground.[42][43][44] Park personnel and the James City County Fire Department, including 12 first responders, assisted in the evacuation, guiding riders down via the ride's maintenance platforms and access points without the need for specialized equipment like a ladder truck.[42][43] The process was completed smoothly by around 8:40 p.m., with no injuries reported among the guests.[43][44] In response, the ride was closed for the remainder of the evening to allow for an inspection, with no immediate decision announced on operations beyond that night.[45] Busch Gardens spokesperson Matthew Klepeisz confirmed the park was investigating the stoppage and reiterated that guest safety remains the top priority, while apologizing for the inconvenience caused to riders.[43][44] The event underscored the efficacy of established evacuation procedures, as the collaboration between park staff and local emergency services ensured a rapid and safe resolution without complications.[42][44]

2024 mid-ride stoppage

On July 26, 2024, a train on the Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg stopped unexpectedly mid-ride, leaving riders stuck for approximately two hours starting around 3:00 p.m.[46] Park employees assisted in evacuating the guests, with riders exiting the train around 5:55 p.m. No injuries were reported.[46] Following the evacuation, Busch Gardens staff tested the ride. The cause of the stoppage was not specified.[46]

References

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