Apollo Should Have Been the Roman God of Airtime
After having not ridden one of my top coasters for over three years I was excited to see that it still shined. All of the pluses that had made it one of favorite roller coasters were still there.
Apollo’s Chariot was designed by the legendary Bolliger & Mabillard, it offers one of the airtime-packed rides anywhere, and it’s located at one of the most critically acclaimed theme parks in the world. Needless to say if you’re a coaster enthusiast, Busch Gardens Europe should be on your trip schedule. Especially, with Griffon opening in a few months.
A Lively Station and Unique Trains
Like some of the other top rides I’ve ridden, Apollo’s Chariot still has a hyped up station that’s buzzing with excitement. It takes so little to have ride ops that simply ask how your ride was and offer a little personality. But it can add a lot to the excitement level of the experience. The trains are different from non-B&M hyper coasters. They have nine rows of four seats across that helps with ride capacity and keeps the line moving. They are also THE most comfortable seats and restraints out there. Not to mention they are elevated and open allowing your legs and arms to swing freely.
The Trip Out
The small drop off of the chain lift before the first drop is good
because it allows the train to fall down the hill without the last couple cars still being stuck on the chain. The breathtaking 21-story drop to the ravine below (something Fabio would like to forget) is great. The train climbs up a second hill and drops into a tunnel. Your trip out ends with a 144′ banked, twisting drop that has the train speeding along side the ground. If you sit on the left side of the train, you get the full effect of this drop with the ground whizzing by you. All the while, Apollo offers one of the smoothest rides you’ll find anywhere. Especially in the 70+ mph category.
The Airtime-Packed Trip Home
Next, you rise up into a funky helix and drop down into the brake run. You only slow down for a moment as your trip home is one to remember. They didn’t just tack on an ending to Apollo’s Chariot, some would say that they saved the best for last. After the flat track of the brake run, you fall immediately into the first of many airtime drops. The negative g-forces are undeniable as you hit three of these shorter but more intense drops back-to-back. There’s one more relatively shallow drop followed by more straight track. At this point you’re near the station and first-time riders probably assume it’s all over now. But there’s one more great airtime drop left where the camera snaps pictures of the surprised riders at the very end of the ride.
Aside from Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England, I haven’t ridden a steel coaster with so much airtime. Best of all, you can really embrace ride because of the openness of the trains. Quite often, you’re over 100′ in the air and your legs, arms, and upper body is completely free to move. Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, another B&M hyper coaster, offers a similar
experience, but I still give the nod to Apollo’s Chariot. I’d have to say this is one of B&M’s signature rides as it has everything that makes their rides great from the design to the theming. It’s fast, smooth, and thrilling with great views. What else could you ask for? Final Rating – 10 (Superior)
Apollo’s Chariot is rated ‘IN’ for Intense. It’s a 4 out of 5 on my Thrill Scale for of its height and speed.
What’s Your Take?
Have you ridden Apollo’s Chariot? Leave a comment below. Photos 1 & 3 courtesy of CoasterImage.com
December 11, 2009 at 17:47
Since it`s a B&M, dont expect the forces to be too intense, but expect a good ride.
December 12, 2009 at 05:48
While we are on the topic of intimidator, does anyone know if a single rider line has been announced? I know they announced it for 305.
February 14, 2010 at 04:32
I haven`t seen anything on screamscape.
February 14, 2010 at 04:31
CC, Apallo is the Greek Sun God.
February 14, 2010 at 11:05
I'm aware Quil. Apollo is actually both the Greek and Roman sun god. Seeing as how Apollo's Chariot is located in the Festa Italia section (Italy = Rome = Roman), the ride was themed after the Roman god.
March 7, 2010 at 04:55
I thoroughly enjoyed it because of its smooth hills, the theming, and the fantastic view at the top of the lift hill! The pre-drop causes some to scream before realizing their mistake.
March 20, 2010 at 17:42
The pre-drop also helps reduce stress on the chain by keeping the train at a generally lower speed until completely off the chain.
March 22, 2010 at 06:34
i've read a lot of debate or people commenting on were the best ride on Apollo's Chariot is and I wanted to throw my 2 cents in to anyone who is going to ride it. Definitely ride it in the front! This past weekend my wife and I rode in the back first then went and got front row seats and without a doubt (IMO) the front had the best airtime and exciting ride! No matter where you sit it is great but the front gets my vote for the best seat!
May 10, 2010 at 12:05
I loved this ride but my friend kept yelling "CRAP I'M GOING TO DIIIIIIIIIIE" It was hilarious. Now I want to ride front row!!!!
July 2, 2010 at 12:50
i need to work in a trip to busch gardens this summer. i need to persuade my parents.
lol would you guys say this is a good ride for a teen and not scary? i love coasters but haven't been to BGW yet. only KD! 
July 8, 2010 at 09:03
shut down while i was in line grrr
July 9, 2010 at 10:22
hate when that happens
August 19, 2010 at 18:25
I love this ride.. It was my first coaster EVER. (what can I say, my girlfriend is persuasive). Anyway, quick question.. If I love AC will I enjoy Alpengeist?
August 19, 2010 at 18:55
They're completely different rides. So I'm not sure. If you like loops then you may like Alpengeist. Let us know what you think after you ride it.
August 19, 2010 at 19:01
Loops to me are okay. I like large drops more then loops.. Give me more of a thrill.. I shall report back after I ride Alpie.
October 3, 2010 at 17:21
My first coaster too! Went to BGE in August and rode Apollos Chariot, but then chickened out on the others… shame on me! Going back in a week to ride all 4. Oh, and Coaster Critic, this website has been a big help for me getting interested in roller coasters, and helping get over my fear, so thank you
August 20, 2010 at 13:29
I noticed your thrill scale and have most of the coaster's i'm interested in rated.. But not this one? Would you consider this one a level 3 thrill or a level 4 intense ride? Thanks! Great review.
August 20, 2010 at 18:00
Apollo's Chariot is a 4 out of 5. I've started adding the thrill scale just since I created. I haven't gone back to my older reviews like this one add the scale, but ask and ye shall receive. I've added it above.
August 20, 2010 at 18:32
Thank you very much! Love the blog.
October 19, 2010 at 15:54
I have ridden Apollo's Chariot, I think it is BG's best ride, however Griffon is smoother.
January 25, 2011 at 13:33
I rode this when I was nine. I didn't realize it was a hyper coaster. I just wanted to get on. I loved it.
April 25, 2011 at 20:42
Sweet ride! Though I think Nitro is better, faster, scarier.
July 3, 2011 at 09:37
It is a good ride. It has lots of airtime and comfortable seats. However, it is a bit bumpy. Not at all rough, but shaky. And the straight sections after the first drop and after one of the hills on the way back were kind of strange and made the ride that way. I prefer Nitro because it has no straight sections and is somewhat smoother.
May 29, 2012 at 10:32
The best part of this ride is the restraints and cars. You feel SOOOOOO open! It's ridiculously comfortable, almost like it was molded to fit your lap. Something about enjoying a ride with most of your body free is incredible.
March 26, 2013 at 21:48
loved the zero g airtime! great coaster At a great park