Shellemonster

Track supports (and for that matter everything else really) flex in wind, from loads applied by the coaster, and from braking forces. There is rarely enough movement to be easily detected, but that movements does exists. If this is the brake run I'm thinking of, it's pretty high up in the air which means is even more likely to deflect because of how big the supports are. The staircase is not made of the same size structural tubing so it can not take the same forces... and my argument just fell apart. It shouldn't matter because the main supports will absorb the forces, and the staircase is going to have wind deflection as well. The only possible benefit I see is to remove it from being subjected to the constant braking forces which are going to happen more regularly than strong winds. I'll post this and perhaps it will inspire someone to logically finish the thought.

True dat^ This was supposedly a style study so the designers could determine if they liked the look of the theme in person.

Maybe the lift went up so quickly because the crews had a little help from all the Indian spirits that were displaced during the building of this ride.

I think the speed at which Hagrid's hut was finished off should indicate how this project will go. The structure takes the longest to build, but finishing work is done very fast. If they're behind schedule, they can hire many artisans to come in and work on finishing simultaneously and not worry about much conflict, while the same is not true about building structures as well as the infrastructure within (internet, electricity, etc.). The finishing is what makes the land look remarkable and engrossing.

Chick+Bike=Hot Chick-Bike=eh Chick+Bike-Clothes=Jackpot!

Freakin A! It took me a couple pictures, but I've been on that ship before! The heart of the ship above the promenade was so cool when it was working. For those who haven't had the pleasure of sailing on the Navigator of the Seas, the "heart" is this geodesic type art structure above the promenade that opens and closes with lights like a heart beating. I did the Caribbean tour with Jamaica, Haiti (fake Labadee), etc and it was sincerely one of the best times of my life. It helped to be with quite a large group of friends though. I hope you guys are having an awesome time!

Haha, I was thinking the same thing! At least that they filmed some of Lost there... I had never heard of this disaster, granted I wasn't alive at the time. TPR isn't just entertaining, it's educational too!

Picture bonanza indeed. The back brake run and connecting track pieces have unused connector locations sticking out of the sides. Are those for hoops like the ones eventually going up on the lift hill?

Those cars are going to fly up the lift "11 feet per second" is blazing! In all seriousness, what does happen to old track, such as that which was formerly on Maverick. Not really sure what forum to ask such a question in, so it might as well be here...

I love the entryway, it looks very imposing. What ever happened to shots through the big black opening in the back? Has it been covered?

When it comes to this forum, any news is good news. I know I get very happy when there is a message in my email saying that there is a new post on the Harry Potter page, so let's do some speculation study to liven up your Sunday... In this picture, provided by the kind King_K. who does a wonderful job of keeping us updated, it appears that work has begun on the Hogwarts Express foundation. According to the owl's eye view, that is almost exactly where the train should be popping out of a tunnel. Continuing the speculation, you should check out the illustration below. I thought that bright spot in the middle was a Lava Monster, but unfortunately it seems to only be another archway. The importance of this is that this indicates there will be a defined line between Hogwarts grounds and Hogsmeade. To the left of the demised lava beast, there is an obnoxiously bright spot. We're in Hogwarts by that time, in fact we're right next to the lake, so how does that fit in thematically? Because it a ride. There is a large mountain next to that bright spot that hides the lake and the giant squid (see illustration for an artist interpretation). There is no overriding reason for a mountain to be there (that is unless it forms the quidditch pitch backdrop like in the movies, but that leads to a whole bunch more speculation kids) so it could be a ride or show building. Heck, I used the concept of a mountain concealing a ride building in a competition and it worked out quite well for me, so it could work Universal just as well. Now it's your turn... Harry Potter and the Restless Fans

Sounds like Universal got a fresh load of rock in. That's great news about the firehouse.

That girl is like, "Holy @#!$, the wheel is off the track and we're gonna die!"

What was the issue with the reach envelope by the firehouse? I went back through the pages and it just seemed like all of a sudden everyone knew there was some problem with the reach.

This made me all giddy excited once again. I hope the opening falls within the usage period for the Universal Heroes promotion 'cause that's how students gotta roll.

If you read back through the posts in this forum, you'll find lots of information about the potential ride. It's pretty much guaranteed to be a Kuka robotic arm ride. I recommend the read, it's good and allows you to make informed comments and conclusions.

Fake snow systems are generally like misting fans on crack. Cold cold crack. I imagine it will just melt away down drains, but perhaps there will be snow drifts and even Harry Potter snowball duels. Very cool.

Seeing pictures never gets old. It's like watching somone build the box around your Christmas present.

Coasters on the water always seem to pack a visual punch, take Cedar Point for example.

What was up with those shirts? They're sweet for sure, but the only thing I thought they could be a pun for is "black bear".

Rachel Ray ... that's pretty funny. Speaking of calling it "Ray" screamscape posted a link to Orlando United today showing this picture There are a number more of these concept art pieces at that site, Orlando United.

But, we are talking about the Sea World. How could they not get a Manta if they really wanted. Perhaps they are especially irritated by vibrations. On a cool note, I was Scuba Diving a few years ago with a group in Mexico off a reef, and two of these magnificent creatures swam (glided) directly under me. They were so big, it was unreal. That one experience defines my scuba career.

I agree with CoasterEric about everything, except I think that looks like a very expensive entryway being built. Hurricane codes and all that good stuff, makes it look rather beefy for just a low weight bearing structure. So, what's up with those "extensions" coming out of the box. They've been under construction for a long time and now they have gotten the same surface treatment as the box. I can't figure it out for the life of me.

Gorgeous pictures. I especially love when the structural engineers have some sense of aesthetics like in this picture:

Time for a new poll in the Potterverse. Universal's Website has the latest poll up and this is an important one. It asks if you would like to purchase a replica hero wand, replica villain wand, or a wand from Ollivander's that picks you. Now if that wouldn't be an awesome experience for Potterville, I don't know what would. This is also another clue indicating the possibility of bringing a MagiQuest experience to the new land. This would be the first stop. Needless to say, go support this poll and show Universal that this is a good idea.