Apollo's Chariot, Steel roller coaster in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia.
Apollo's Chariot is a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, reaching 210 feet in height and speeds of 73 miles per hour (117 kilometers per hour) along 4,882 feet (1,488 meters) of track. The route crosses several hills and features open seating that allows clear views of the surrounding park.
The ride opened in March 1999 as the first Hyper Coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard at the park. This type of coaster introduced a new standard for speed and height in the region.
The design references Apollo, the Greek god who drove the chariot of the sun across the heavens each day. This connection appears in the trains and the way the track moves through the landscape.
Three trains run at the same time, which helps reduce waiting periods, and each train has nine cars with four seats per row. The open seating without side barriers allows freedom of movement during the ride.
During the opening ceremony in 1999, model Fabio Lanzoni collided with a goose in mid-air while seated in the front row. This unexpected event became part of the ride's history at the park.
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