Griffon

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, Griffon is a standout attraction known for its exhilarating drops, intense speed, and breathtaking views. This iconic dive coaster, themed after the legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, is one of the park’s most thrilling rides. With its combination of vertical plunges, smooth inversions, and picturesque setting, Griffon is a must-experience attraction for any coaster enthusiast.

History and Construction

Griffon made its debut on May 18, 2007, and quickly gained acclaim for its innovative design. Created by the renowned Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), it was the first floorless dive coaster in the world at the time of its launch. The ride’s construction was a marvel, featuring two 90-degree drops, wide trains, and a layout that incorporated the natural topography of the park’s Rhine River valley area.

The coaster’s name and theme draw inspiration from the mythical Griffon, a creature said to guard treasures and symbolize strength and power. The vivid blue and yellow color scheme of the track and trains complements its powerful motif, creating a striking visual against the surrounding greenery.

Key Statistics and Ride Experience

• Height: Griffon stands an imposing 205 feet tall, making it one of the tallest roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
• Drop: The first drop, which plunges 90 degrees at 205 feet, is Griffon’s signature element and gives riders a feeling of weightlessness.
• Speed: Reaching speeds of up to 71 miles per hour, it’s one of the fastest dive coasters in the world.
• Track Length: The ride’s total track length is 3,108 feet.
• Inversions: The coaster features two immelmann loops, a signature element of B&M dive coasters that combine a half-loop with a half-twist.
• Duration: The entire experience lasts about 3 minutes, packed with intense moments and dramatic pauses.

The Ride Experience

The experience begins with a slow ascent up the 205-foot lift hill, providing riders with spectacular views of the park and the surrounding Virginia countryside. As the train reaches the top, riders find themselves suspended at the edge of the first drop. For several heart-pounding seconds, the train hangs over the edge, allowing guests to peer down at the ground far below.

Without warning, the train releases, plunging down the 90-degree drop. This element is unique to dive coasters and is designed to produce a sensation of pure free-fall. After the first drop, Griffon immediately rises into a smooth immelmann inversion, followed by a series of high-speed turns and a splashdown element where the train skims the surface of a small pond, spraying water up in dramatic arcs.

Riders then approach the second vertical drop, which mirrors the first with another pause at the edge, followed by a rapid plunge and a second immelmann. After a final sequence of twists and turns, the train slows down and returns to the station, leaving riders breathless and eager to ride again.

Unique Features

Griffon is a floorless coaster, meaning that riders’ feet dangle freely throughout the ride. The wide trains, seating ten riders across three rows, enhance the feeling of exposure and height. The seating configuration provides unobstructed views for all riders, creating a sense of openness that adds to the thrill.

One of Griffon’s unique elements is its splashdown effect, a visual feature that both cools down riders on a hot day and entertains onlookers with a spectacular water spray. This effect is not just aesthetic but also helps the train decelerate smoothly before entering the final sections of the ride.

Themed Area and Surroundings

Griffon is located in the France section of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, near the picturesque Rhine River. Its French architectural theming, complete with a medieval village aesthetic, enhances the ride’s backstory of myth and legend. The nearby café and viewing areas allow guests to watch riders take on the coaster’s daunting drops, making it a popular spot for both thrill-seekers and spectators.

Awards and Accolades

Since its opening, Griffon has received numerous accolades for its design and ride experience. It has been recognized by various coaster enthusiast groups and publications for its impressive statistics, smooth ride, and innovation in coaster design. The ride has also been featured in several TV specials, further cementing its status as a top-tier coaster.

Tips for Riding Griffon

1. Best Time to Ride: Griffon tends to have shorter wait times early in the morning or later in the day. Riding during these times ensures a smoother experience with less waiting.
2. Front Row Seats: For the ultimate thrill, try to snag a front-row seat. The unobstructed view and feeling of hanging over the edge before the drop is unmatched.
3. Off-Ride Viewing: If you’re not ready to brave the coaster, the nearby viewing area is a perfect spot to watch the train’s splashdown and hear the excited screams of riders.

Griffon is not just a roller coaster—it’s an experience. From the breathtaking views at the top to the stomach-churning drops and graceful inversions, Griffon is a perfect blend of thrill and beauty. Whether you’re a die-hard coaster fan or a casual theme park visitor, this dive coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its unique design, thrilling elements, and immersive theming, Griffon continues to be a standout attraction that exemplifies the innovation and excitement of modern roller coaster engineering.