Universal Orlando Resort (USF, IOA, Epic) Discussion Thread

[Too Fast For Comfort]

I think maybe 1 or 2 L*cker locations still use Fingerprint ID when choosing a l*cker, and returning. Most of them have moved on to scanning your park ticket to rent and then return. It's extremely easy to use and free. The only annoyance is not having your cell phone to peruse while waiting if the line is long.

 

Doesn't not being able to use your fingerprint cause a problem?

 

The park won't let you bring anything on the ride... because they're afraid that something might fall out and hit someone on the face. So... if there's no way to keep this stuff from falling out, what's to stop your ticket from making its way out of your pocket, and now you have no access to your phone, keys, wallet, etc.? If your ticket is assumed to be safe and snug in your zipper pocket, why can't your phone, keys, and wallet be safe and snug in your closed zipper pockets?

[AmyUD06]

Because then they don't make money, duh.

[SharkTums]

So this is random but I’m watching CNBC and Universal Orlando is apparently now running ads promoting Diagon Alley and (a few scenes later) the Jaws ride as if it’s still a thing. Has anyone else seen these?

 

... what the f*ck are they doing?

 

You didn't mention the best part of the commercial with all of the guests filming on rides with their phones!!! (Not allowed and Universal freaks out over this!!!)

[Canobie Coaster]

I need to see this commercial.

[jynx242]

Ah, that makes sense. I had no idea that they had a Jaws ride (or portion of a ride) outside of Japan. I’m a dumbass.

 

I'm a dumbass too because I thought the same thing.

[jedimaster1227]

The Universal Orlando Resort has sent us a press advisory announcing the opening date of the new themed coaster experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure! More information on the coaster will be released in the near future, but now you can start planning your visits to experience the new coaster!

 

Universal Orlando Resort today revealed the name and opening date for the highly-anticipated, new adventure coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer.

 

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open on June 13, 2019 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and feature the most highly-themed coaster yet. For the first time ever, guests will fly with Hagrid on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the path of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

 

Stay tuned - more details about the incredible new experience will be revealed in March.

[pianojohn]

I predict we'll just end up calling it HMA.

Not sure who the genius is who came up with a FIVE word name for a roller coaster.

Thoughts?

[robbalvey]

Interesting to see that the trains look a little similar (at least in concept art) to the 2007 Motorbike coaster that was built in Australia's Dreamland. Have these Motorbike/Sidecar trains been used on any other coaster since?

[SharkTums]

^I was wondering if the 'weird' trains would add more problems to the queue with people fighting over wanted the bike vs. the sidecar, but then I don't remember our group super caring in Australia so maybe it will work?

[robbalvey]

^I was wondering if the 'weird' trains would add more problems to the queue with people fighting over wanted the bike vs. the sidecar, but then I don't remember our group super caring in Australia so maybe it will work?

We also had ERT on it with only about 20-something people so I think everyone got to ride whatever they wanted. This coaster is also not quite as high of a profile as Potter either. I can tell you that riding in the side car and the bike are two very different ride experiences and Universal will probably just use that to get people to re-ride.

[coasterbill]

Yeah I've already accepted the fact that as long as I'm with Brit I'll never get the window seat on a plane and I'll never get the motorbike car on Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It's a small price to pay

Edited February 21, 2019 by coasterbill

[jarmor]

So some form of dueling dragons lives on lol ! #ChooseYourFate

[cfc]

Maybe the motorcycle seat is reserved for Hagrid.

[Canobie Coaster]

So some form of dueling dragons lives on lol ! #ChooseYourFate

 

Too soon.

 

Well the bike and sidecar does match how Hagrid and Harry ride it in the movie. I'm really interested to see how this coaster turns out.

[SharkTums]

Maybe the motorcycle seat is reserved for Hagrid.

 

That would be the FujiQ low capacity version of the ride! Build the train with all Hagrid models riding the motorbikes and you can ONLY ride the sidecars.

[cfc]

^And then fill only half the sidecars.

[Canobie Coaster]

After putting everything in a locker, which very well may happen here as well.

 

My only thought why you may be able to have your phone in line is the fact the coaster doesn't appear pass over pathways like Hulk or Rockit.

[jlp94]

^ Are phones and that kind of thing allowed in line for Escape from Gringotts?

[Canobie Coaster]

Only Hulk and Rockit had the metal detectors and cell phone ban if I remember correctly.

[PennStater]

Only Hulk and Rockit had the metal detectors and cell phone ban if I remember correctly.

 

Correct. Dragon Challenge also used to have metal detectors, but... yeah.

[robbalvey]

Only Hulk and Rockit had the metal detectors and cell phone ban if I remember correctly.

I have been randomly and inconsistently told on both Mummy and Gringotts that cell phones MUST go in lockers. They don't seem to say this all the time, and it has only happened once on each ride on different visits (although within the past year) and it's almost as though if they see you enter the line with a phone in your hand, they will tell you to put it away in a locker, but if it is in your pocket, they don't.

 

It makes no sense.

Edited February 22, 2019 by robbalvey

[PennStater]

^ That sounds accurate to me, at least from my experience. When I go on those two, I usually just hide my phone while entering the line and I'm good to go. Of course, they want you to use lockers but if it looks like you don't have anything on you they don't stop you.

[Canobie Coaster]

^^ I definitely remember being on my phone in the Gringotts single rider queue (along with most others) but that doesn't shock me in the least bit.

[bobbie68]

With several sources stating that the train cars will be like Wave Breaker at Sea World Antonio I am wondering if anyone here has experience with the comfort of these? It seems like these seats will be encompassed with the bike and side car shell.

[coasterbill]

I thought it was perfectly comfortable.