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
June 13, 2007 at 16:02
another great ride although I found the center turn around/helix/etc. second of the ride to be kind of ho hum. Kind of like I don't like the big swooping turns on MF at Cedar Point. I'd rather tighter smaller helixes or do something wicked like enclose part of the turn a la The Beast
June 15, 2007 at 03:37
I like the section you're referring to but I know what you mean. Unfortunately, I haven't ridden Beast, but there's an enclosed helix on Legend at Holiday World that's pretty sweet. Something like that on Apollo's Chariot would be great. Also, if you like tighter smaller helixes and B&M hyper coasters like Apollo, you'd love Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL). It's a hyper twister. Thanks for stopping by.
May 14, 2008 at 16:54
just got back from Busch gardens. likes this coaster because of its classic nature and simpicity
May 26, 2008 at 07:35
I LOVE this coaster. My whole family likes it. It is smooth, except for the low part after the first drop. I can see my house from up there!
July 2, 2009 at 04:42
For a hyper coaster, there is no way this ride can get any better. It has the huge drop, it has the eye peeling speed, and my favorite: ALL THE AIRTIME. For a hyper coaster, those 3 things are the only things to look for. I dont disagree with you one bit. This has been and will be my favorite roller coaster ive ever ridden
July 5, 2009 at 09:24
i always had a probelm understand apollo is supposed to be 170 ft but is 210 ft i have seen that a lot and it really confuses me
July 5, 2009 at 09:58
malcolm, the life hill is 170 ft, not the drop. The drop goes farther than the lift hill. The height of the ride has nothing to do with the drop
July 5, 2009 at 09:59
Malcolm, it is 170ft. high off the ground at its highest point. But because BGE is awesome they built it on a hillside so it drops 210ft. Don't know how else to explain it.
September 14, 2009 at 14:06
nice defunct coaster thingy at the bottom of the review page!
November 4, 2009 at 17:48
it`s cool how it fly`s over the lake and there was one bunny hop into a ditch that was realy suprising, looks like it`s got some god cenery too. i can`t wait to ride it.
December 9, 2009 at 02:55
CC, do you think Appallo`s Chariot`s pre-drop is that important to the ride?
December 9, 2009 at 04:19
ok, ill stand in 4 C.C here. i think the predrop is not that important on this ride, just to get a little speed.
most other B&M would be awfully rough without it.
hope this helped!!
December 10, 2009 at 05:51
Thanks James, but I think that the pre-drop is pretty important, at least to the first drop. As I said in the review:
"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."
Have you ever noticed on most roller coasters (those that drop off of the crest) that if you sit in the very front you creep down the first bit of the drop? B&M's pre-drop section helps with that. The entire train is ready to drop.
December 10, 2009 at 12:18
Thanks, i must of not noticed that part of the review.
December 10, 2009 at 13:53
i still hold my opinion!
December 10, 2009 at 15:20
Quite possibly the best coaster every made. I love it.
December 10, 2009 at 15:21
opps. Ever made I mean.
December 10, 2009 at 16:33
Rollercoaster Dude, try going back to grammar school, emphasis on grammer.
The word is OOPS, not OPPS!
I've never been on Apollo's Chariot, or any hypercoaster for that matter( unless you count Son of Beast, which I'll never ride again). Can anyone tell me what to expect when I ride Intimidator Carowinds?
December 10, 2009 at 17:24
Expect to stand in a long line when you go to ride Intimdator!
December 11, 2009 at 05:04
of course that, and also this is probably the better of the two. But, since the other is taller, there will probably a lot littler crowd. expect to feel lots of airtime, and lots of adrenaline climbing up the lift hill