Agreed--this is one of the weirdest coaster elements I've ever seen.
Thirded. Some part of me is as excited about this section as any other in the entire ride. Fantastic report!
Fourthed. As mesmerizingly surreal and awesome as this element will be, can you imagine if RMC built this kind of prelift element right after a first drop, similar to the Ocean View Rocket? (Obviously on a larger scale.)