Griffon, Steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, United States
Griffon is a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia that lifts passengers to 205 feet (62 meters). The structure drops at a right angle and carries trains of thirty seats each through multiple inversions.
The installation opened in 2007 and replaced an earlier racing track attraction on the same ground. At that time it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster of its kind on the American continent.
The design incorporates elements of mythological griffin creatures, combining eagle and lion characteristics throughout the track's architectural details.
The floorless trains leave feet dangling freely, so shoes should fit securely. Waiting times can grow long during peak season, so arriving in the morning or toward evening often works better.
The carriages pause for a few seconds over the edge before releasing, creating a moment of silence. During the ride the trains pass through a tunnel beneath a plaza where onlookers can watch them pass.
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