Erik Johnson

FYI, I went ahead and merged both your Universal threads into one. For me, I find Hulk to have a little more rattle than an average B&M coaster, but it may be due to the overall intensity of the coaster as well as the launch. It really is not bad at all. Dueling Dragons is still really intense and smooth. Rockit is running much better these days when compared to when it first opened. There is some rattle or shakiness in it, but it's level of degree really depends on which coaster train you are riding in. Rockit is also pretty aggressive with its transitions so just make sure you do ride defensively.

some of us prefer books and movies suited for our age group Frozen beer? F you, Universal. Um, the books are written for everyone of all ages, not specifically just for kids. As the story progresses the overall tone of the series really becomes very dark and gritty hence why half the movies are rated PG-13.

Exactly. Also if you remember that particular Dueling Dragons sign was made by simply painting over the old Flying Unicorn sign.

Unfortunately, the Harry Potter area did not soft open this Sunday. Only hotel guests were allowed into that section of the park. One thing I should note is that many of the other attractions at IOA have really been spruced up. All the effects were working on Jurassic Park. Hulk received a new light package for the inside of the launch tube. Rip, Ride, Rockit was running really well. Oh well, I will try again in two weeks.

Glad you had a great time. Mindbender is also my favorite Schwarzy as well.

^ When we rode it back in March the trims were turned off so it was probably the case with your ride. I most certainly had my best rides ever on Screamin this year.

Since the video has been removed from Youtube we really do not need to keep this thread open.

It looks like it takes the train a full 2-3 seconds longer on the first drop. Very lame.

^ Yes everything is in 1.78 ratio.

Much better now.

Noooooooooo! EDIT: It looks like it might be a hoax. While he does have stomach cancer, reports are coming in that he still somewhat alive.

Great photos as always.

I would write: "I miss the old Vekoma corkscrew because it was my first big coaster. At least Alton Towers preserved a section of the coaster and placed it near the front entrance." I guess you can have a photo of you in front of it with the caption, "Mine, ALL MINE!"

It is cool that they are going to have a Kangaroo exhibit. When I visited Busch about 3 months ago that had a trainer showing off a baby kangaroo right near the skyway station.

The Demon song is awesome. Though I do not have it as a ring tone.

Great trip report. Sorry to hear that Hellcat and Hades were not running, I guess it is a good excuse to go back later.

Larry, you forgot to mention that you were beaten by a 7-year-old on your first run. For the record I thought the new coaster was very solid. It only had one slight trim on the 2nd hill after the first drop. The MCBR was on very soft. While I found any of the middle rows kinda blah, our front row and back row rides were great....well especially our back row rides. I still prefer Behemoth for these new B&M coasters, but I did like it slightly better than Diamondback.

I would totally be up for Strange Brew in 3D.

^ Well you know my feelings about this ride after we rode it last year. It really is a terrible unsafe coaster.

Quite often I get Universal Studios Orlando surveys about the parks. Here is a link for the most recent one, I think you may find it interesting. I am not sure how long the survey will be up, so fill it out ASAP. http://www.visitorsatisfaction.com/USFRIDES

I am surprised you went to the top. I remembered how much you like heights and tall towers.

^ Yes all the concerts are free with a season pass. You can purchase an extra VIP seating ticket (closer to the stage and covered) for an additional ten or fifteen dollars per concert.

Did you go drink from the legendary Fountain of Youth while you were in St. Augustine? http://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountain_of_Youth

^ Hmmm, I do not think there is really anything there for a toddler. The 6 year old will be able to find things to do though.

Oh, one more comment with a photograph. Greatest attraction name ever. Please do not change it.