Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Discussion Thread

[coasterfreak101]

I think if there's one type this would work out for it's the hypers, or at least the mini-hypers. These B&Ms are the closest thing you'll get to something like Rebel Yell, and I always did love the backwards side more than the forwards! There's something about watching the track just fall away from you that's so cool.

[11slataus]

Wow, I'm actually excited to ride this now...I'm spending a semester in Osaka. Is it said anywhere if the ride will be open (still forwards) until March? Or is it closed for testing until then?

[Erik Johnson]

I am really not a fan of backwards roller coasters. I sure hope that this is a really short term trend.

[Moose]

I also tend not to like going backwards, but I've never gone backwards on something this big, so it could be interesting.

 

I thought this ride still brought in the crowds, it seems odd that they are doing this gimmick.

[coasterfreak101]

I thought this ride still brought in the crowds, it seems odd that they are doing this gimmick.

 

I think with how the three coasters doing this right now are three popular types of B&Ms, this is less of a gimmick that the park is doing and more something that B&M might be interested in testing out and wants to use their smallest hyper rather than one of the 250-footers.

[SLUSHIE]

Maybe someday we will see and SLC go backwards!

[DougMJr]

^

Please for the love of GOD NO!!!

[_IntaMAN_]

Maybe someday we will see and SLC go backwards!

 

[Garet]

According to screamscape you can ride it either forwards or backwards:

 

According to the press release, they say you can still ride Hollywood Dream both Forwards and Backwards during this time period. The regular Purple train will run forwards while a special Red and Gold train will run backwards.

[JamesD]

I liked Kennywood's Lazer Loop back when they had...forward and back..same ride...

[rctneil]

According to screamscape you can ride it either forwards or backwards:

 

According to the press release, they say you can still ride Hollywood Dream both Forwards and Backwards during this time period. The regular Purple train will run forwards while a special Red and Gold train will run backwards.

 

That's excellent news! I wouldn't mind trying out the original version of it as well as the backwards one when we visit.

[cfc]

Hollywood Dream is a good ride (interesting layout and lighting package). Looking forward to seeing what it's like backwards.

[Coaster Curt]

Have yet to ride a coaster going backwards, but sitting here thinking about it I really enjoy riding forward. I would certainly give it a try but it would probably be just that one time.

[SharkTums]

So Thorpe and Universal Japan have both announced that you'll have the option to sit forwards or backwards...wonder what the deal at SFGAm will be?

[coasterfreak101]

Doesn't Hollywood Dream have a dual station? Makes it a bit easier to offer the option so long as you're running an even number of trains. Or an odd number and just favoring one station.

[Randomman295]

Just give it time; I'm pretty sure that within months every Six Flags park will have had their Batman coasters "remodled", given a new name, and claimed to be a new coaster.

 

In unrelated-to-SF-news, I'm actually a bit excited to see that B&Ms are getting on this bandwagen. Which ones do you think will work?

[Garet]

Doesn't Hollywood Dream have a dual station? Makes it a bit easier to offer the option so long as you're running an even number of trains. Or an odd number and just favoring one station.

 

Yes it does have a dual station, when i was there they were mostly using it to get people ready for the next train then walk across, only occasionally putting a train into the other station at the busier points of the day.

[larrygator]

So Thorpe and Universal Japan have both announced that you'll have the option to sit forwards or backwards...wonder what the deal at SFGAm will be?

 

I only see the orderly Japanese being able to pull this off without the station becoming a complete mess.

Edited January 23, 2013 by larrygator

[SharkTums]

^Totally agree.

[Nrthwnd]

Now, after all of this discussion....

 

After March 15th, will the coaster be.... two credits?

 

[SharkTums]

^NO!

[A.J.]

Seventy-two...

[Nrthwnd]

^NO!

 

 

Darnit.

 

< slinks back to mini-donuts dinner >

[Justice]

Its also worth noting that Hollywood Dream is the only B&M with 4 trains. Considering that the existing trains are already purple, if none are in maintenance, than there could be 2 purple trains running forward, and a red & yellow train that run backwards. Bringing an even count.

[A.J.]

Its also worth noting that Hollywood Dream is the only B&M with 4 trains.

Kumba has four. But I get what you're saying.