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

[cgodsey]

So you guys are saying some track pieces that were not used on a coaster made by another manufacturer 2+years ago are being used by another manufacturer on a coaster being built this year?

 

That is the most insane thing I have EVER HEARD! You guys really believe that those track pieces are even still in existance?

[robbalvey]

^ Yes, Chris. They are correct. It may sound insane, but this is actually happening!

 

I am having a hard time understanding why there hasn't been any explanations for the delay. I know the majority of visiters are not consumed with the new ride as we all are, but I think it seems a little distasteful to not make an announcement regarding the problems. There are still many people that are planning their trip to Universal around HRRR opening. Just my opinion. Maybe there is a policy or reason for them keeping quiet?

Why would a park want to draw more attention to a potential flaw in the design of the ride? Seriously, please tell me what the point would be? To set a bunch of coaster enthusiasts who pretend to know everything about the engineering of a ride at ease?

 

There is no good reason for the park to create a press release around something that could generate "bad press."

 

The interesting thing about this is that I would say this is "par for the course" for most projects of this caliber. What many of you have to realize as this is far more "visible" because the park is open year round.

 

I can tell you with confidence that almost ever major coaster has some sort of issues that need to be resolved mid-project it's just that we don't hear about many of them because most parks do construction during off-season closed periods, or many times the construction isn't smack in the middle of the park!

 

IMO, this doesn't seem like that major of a delay and in my years of watching rides go up I've seen FAR worse things happen....

 

Superman: The Escape delayed a year. Mr. Freeze and Chiller delayed a year. Splash Mountain at Disneyland delayed six months. Test Track delayed, what...TWO years???

 

This is nothing...

 

--Robb

[Tchu]

Of course they still exist. Do you have any idea how valuable scrap metal can be? It'd be a complete waste of money to order new metal and have it shaped.

 

Cedar Fair (like most large companies) has debt to pay. Why not sell off scrap track/supports to other companies who can put them to good use.

 

'Tune Up' is a fantastic name... especially since you'll literally be going up

[cgodsey]

^ Yes, Chris. They are correct. It may sound insane, but this is actually happening!

 

All I can say is WOW! This will definitely make the coaster more "news worthy" to say the very least. I honestly would think that Cedar Fair would have sold those pieces as scrap metal back in 2007 and they wouldnt be hanging around 2+ years later. I wonder what prompted Universal to track those pieces down and scoop them up?

[Hockeyman55]

I will believe it when I see a spiral pointing up to the sky!

[Wes]

It's definitely a very unique/odd situation but it's very cool Universal is moving ahead with the modification. It obviously sucks the opening will be delayed a bit, but I think the new element will make it totally worthwhile.

[Hockeyman55]

^ And your proof is exactly what?

[TheStig]

Don't forget that track is usually built to a "gauge" of some sort, much like that of locomotives. Intamin track actually has the same gauge as MS track, which makes this completely possible and thus why they are doing it.

 

Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions.

[alpengeist04]

^ And your proof is exactly what?

 

Didn't you read Beemer's post a few pages back.

[Hockeyman55]

^ I did read his post about someones brothers mothers uncles sisters roomate LOL. Please please please don't get me wrong, I would love for them to add that to the lift - I'm just being skeptical till I see it happen you know!

[piers]

I'm a pirate, therefore it must be true...

[PhantomNick]

I was wondering the same thing. It would be like Mcdonalds using Burger King buns on a Big Mac.

 

Wow, I don't know if you're psychic or what, but in tandem with the new modifications to Rockit, Universal is opening a "truly one of a kind" restaurant near the coaster's exit. "Universal's King Mac" will open in time with the new coaster. They will serve Big Macs on Burger King Buns, along with McDonald's Fries in the shape of BK onion rings! Apparently the PR Director at Universal felt the move was only appropriate, since coaster fans will be "hungering for more" after just one ride.

 

First the coaster itself, now this....I have to admit that Universal is opening whole new avenues this season! The gift shop nearby will be fully stocked as well with both Rockit gear and souvenir shirts for the new restaurant. Early shirt ideas (for the restaurant portion) include "I like a King Mac inside me!" and "I just had the King Mac, and now I'm spent!" Due to the merging chains for this one of a kind eatery, both the BK King and the Hamburglar will be on hand for the public unveiling of Rockit and will be granted first rides.

 

All I can say is that you Florida folks have it awfully good this year!

[Hockeyman55]

Don't forget the Taco Bell crossover as well . . . Hollywood, rip, ride, run for the border. Or bathroom, there both catchy.

[piers]

Hollywood, rip, ride, run for the border.

 

BEST NAME EVER!!

[jedimaster1227]

^^ and ^This sounds like a photoshop contest in the works...

[COASTER FREAK 11]

I'm a pirate, therefore it must be true...

 

And a very scary pirate at that!

[Supernatural Anaesthetist]

I think the new element should be called the McScrew-Up!

[HatetoFLY]

Today crews were continuing on the station, the loop, the base of the lift and were installing some drainage pipes out by citywalk after the second brake run. The site was pretty slow so not many pics..sorry.

[HatetoFLY]

Just a few pics from today April 8, 2009

[netdvn]

I like the name Twisty-Track Thingy, oh wait... wrong chain.

[oldgitben]

guessing the ramps upward are the queue.

 

Ive been watching the construction for a while and I still couldnt even hazard a guess as to what the ride is, Im quite suprised because normally the enthusiast circles know all.

 

Im thinking perhaps a small pre-show, a dark interactive ride with these wands and perhaps the cars will do some sort of drops etc.

 

Id hope if my guess is true the interactive will be more than the p!ss poor uk versions of shoot an LED slapped to the wall, and if the car is capable of doing some sort of drop or whatever it wont be able to do much as I expect this ride to have a low height requiremet as to include families.

 

It makes my head hurt.

 

 

Much love

Ben

[rydrmr9]

All I can say is that you Florida folks have it awfully good this year!

 

Yeah we sure do!! I only live an hour from Universal Orlando and I cant wait to see more of this thing and hopefully they have more built when I go on May 9.

 

~Ryan

[Shellemonster]

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.

[Shellemonster]

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.

[DiSab]

I wonder how fast the LIMs or LSMs will launch the trains to get them through the Tune-Up and over the top...? Should be pretty intense.