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

[Band-Aid]

Whoa! Hopefully, they won't end up retheming the ride like some others want. I like the theming

[robbalvey]

Another Update:

 

http://www.wesh.com/r/26340546/detail.html

 

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Universal Studios Florida said a building fire prompted a ride evacuation at the Islands of Adventure theme park Saturday.

 

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said the Ripsaw Falls ride was evacuated as a result of the fire and that guests and park employees were safe.

 

The fire is already out, Schroder said.

 

A WESH-TV viewer sent a photo from the park showing heavy smoke in the area.

 

There was no immediate indication of how the fire started.

Edited January 2, 2011 by robbalvey

[antmcmullen]

Possibly they contacted the people of blackpool's spontaneous fire department.... every year there is two suspicious fires in blackpool... only they would know the dynamics of getting a water ride to go aflame.

[Six Flags Enthuseast]

Does anyone see the irony of a fire breaking out on the water ride?

Yes!

 

I never got a chance to ride this, and now it's on fire. I guess I won't be riding it in February.

[aimster]

Yikes! Scary! I've never been on the ride (I don't like getting wet), but I loved shooting unsuspecting riders with the water cannons after the big drop. I wonder how the fire started? Glad no one was hurt.

[senna]

I just read that as well Robb it looks like it was not the ride on fire but a building behind the ride.

 

I am sure that they just re painted the ride as well, it looked that way a few weeks back when I was there.

Edited January 2, 2011 by senna

[Canobie Coaster]

I just read that it was a 2 alarm fire. Hopefully this attraction isn't in too bad of shape since it was one of my favorite rides there and the best log flume I've been on anywhere except for Splash Mountain.

[KrakenKing]

Was watching the news about the fire. They said it started in a location that wasn't in the actual ride building itself. My guess is that it happened somewhere near the final lift.

 

Probably someone wanting a puff of a cigarette and threw it into the bushes making the dry leaves catch fire or some idiotic thing like that.

[robbalvey]

^ That's very good news. Would love to know what created such a huge smoke cloud.

[senna]

Maybe it was a building they store oil in or something?

 

Its good news that it will reopen soon as they have been at capacity for the past few days and a shut down ride would I assume mean they would have to let less people in?

[Zombie1234]

I rode this about a year ago and was actually somewhat dissappointed with it. Sure its a great log flume but the ride themeing seemed half ass. The exterior was awesome but the quality of the on ride story and theming wasn't that great. They could have done a lot more with the show scenes. It's sad to see this massive attraction on fire but maybe some good will come out of it. When I rode I found the ride extremely dirty and not really cared for.

[beatle11]

What's with all the fires? Houdini at SFNE, Cedar Point, more than once, and now this? Wait a second, there's a new Intamin being built an hour away...I wonder..lol. Looks pretty bad from the photos, but it seems it looks worse that it was.

[robbalvey]

This detail was just released:

 

Official don't know how the fire started but they did say it started on the roof of the ride. They are actively investigating.

[dandaman]

Investigators reportedly on the lookout for one S. Whiplash, last seen adjacent to train tracks holding a rope.

[Mechanic]

Police have released a drawing of the prime suspect:

[Jerrykoala2112]

Damn! The ride will be out until Sunday? I hope it opens in February, I never got a chance to ride the ride any of the other times I visited, and was really hoping I could ride it in February...

 

Just my luck!

[rbpia]

Maybe USO will be getting a Backdraft attraction after all.

[leedsdisneyfan]

on the orlando sentinel site it states

"Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls ride will remain closed indefinitely"

under the main headline and that a fire official was quoted as saying

It was not in the main building, but near a trough through which the log-shaped cars move. No damage estimates were available.

[lakeparks]

What is it with Universal and fires????? The backlot in Hollywood and now this. I think they may need to re-evaluate their fire prevention. The Intamin cable flew from Cheetah Hunt to USO to take revenge for them not using its evil self on any of there rides.

[cfc]

Investigators reportedly on the lookout for one S. Whiplash, last seen adjacent to train tracks holding a rope.

 

But were Dudley and Horse able to rescue Nell in time?

[CoasterDude211]

That's crazy! Really hope it opens again soon. I'm glad I decided to ride it last night instead of waiting to ride it tomorrow like I initially planned!

[viking86]

Does anyone see the irony of a fire breaking out on the water ride?

 

I instantly thought of this scene from the British comedy show "The IT Crowd".

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEJHctD-kjs

[tomtom]

I gotta agree with the irony. A water ride catching on fire seems quite an impressive feat.

[Pure Impurity]

Would love to know what created such a huge smoke cloud.

 

Taco Bell and a few matches.

 

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

[XanderLee]

Haha,that episode of The IT Crowd was my first thought as well. Win.