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

[jmicha]

^^Oh yeah, I completely forgot about the Chance Toboggans. Those for some reason don't look backwards. Probably because the lift is inside the main support. I wonder why they didn't make this ride have a vertical or beyond vertical drop. It already has the highest vertical lift, so it seems like it would be quite easy to have a steeper drop. Not that I'm complaining, the ride looks really fun.

 

And that non-inverting loop is something I've been wanting to see ever since the first time I played No Limits and made one (poorly at that). I'm wondering at what speed the ride is going to be taking the helix and dive element after the first MCBR. That element looks like it will be a real adrenaline pumper if taken at the right speed.

[coasterfreak101]

If they can work the lift into the theming like the concept art shows, it probably won't look as backwards as it does in these renditions.

 

Like raptor6 said, between this, Harry Potter, and Manta, Orlando's going to be the place to be in 2009/2010. (Not that it wasn't before...)

[jmicha]

I'm definitely looking forward to my visits in the upcoming years. Manta and Rockit are the two additions I'm really excited about. Harry Potter, not so much. Never really that big of a fan of the Potter universe and I really liked the way the Lost Continent was before all of this new construction. Oh well, parks need to improve to appeal to new crowds, which hopefully this will do. Whatever is best for the park is alright with me.

[dragonskeep]

^ Don't count out the Kuka robo coaster, it could be very cool as well. I think Manta will be a very cool attraction and a pretty good coaster. Rockit looks like it should be a very good coaster.

[jmicha]

^Oh I know, I'm not counting anything out until I see it completed and experience it for myself. I'm 100 percent going to fully experience the Harry Potter land before making any judgement. I just can't say that the thought of having Harry Potter excites me, but that doesn't mean it won't be a great addition that I could potentially really like.

[WillMontu]

A quick update on the construction as of today (8/10)

It's a third person puzzle/shooter type game. I found the realism lacking when the character died on the spot when touching a moving wall (not being crushed, just touching)

In other news, has anyone tried this out yet? This is in the exit area of Mummy

Another view of Twister's queue

The outdoor section of Twister's queue has been fenced off

Another angle of the construction fence I probably should have gotten a closer look at the posters on the fence, but I was with a group of people who were new to the park and didn't want to have to explain it all to everyone (though we did see a bunch of very dorky looking ACErs in the queue for Jaws with a ton of wristbands)

A new construction fence is up back near Twister

[WillMontu]

A quick construction update (as of today, 8/10)

The never-used overflow queue (to the left of the main queue before entering the castle) for Dragons has been fenced off

Unicorn is still there, just closed off at this time

The Dueling Dragons area. The entrance is in the right of the picture, and straight ahead would be the old way to Jurassic Park

What's left of the Enchanted Oak, and a never-before-seen view of Dragons

The new bridge

They made the new path look like it belongs there

Construction fence up in Jurassic park blocking the Lost Continent entrance

And Erik, this one's for you

[CoasterEricHP]

When I worked at Dragons we did use the overflow queue on a few days. Mainly over the holidays, horror nights, and spring break when we could only have 4 trains.

 

One thing they need to do with Dragons during the retheming is to figure out a better way to do the Express queue... the new way down the stairs is almost as bad as the old way.

 

The construction's looking good though!

[Jumboshrmp]

Looks like fun, I've always wanted to try a DS download play, but never had a Gamestop nearby where that was available.

 

Also, I haven't posted anything in this thread yet, and I have to say that I am very excited about this coaster. It looks like it's going to be incredible. I'm really sad that they couldn't go with a B&M mini hyper though, because if they did, then Florida would have every type of B&M coaster, once Manta opens. Plus, I'm just dying to sit in one of those clashell seats to see what they feel like. Oh well, I guess I'll have to make a trip up to goliath eventually.

[Jumboshrmp]

When I worked at Dragons we did use the overflow queue on a few days. Mainly over the holidays, horror nights, and spring break when we could only have 4 trains.

 

One thing they need to do with Dragons during the retheming is to figure out a better way to do the Express queue... the new way down the stairs is almost as bad as the old way.

 

The construction's looking good though!

 

All I remember about that express queue is that on days when it's really not crowded, theres no Universal greeter standing there, so I used that staircase to get a quick re-ride without having to walk a mile to get to the station again.

[TheHulk]

I think we can expect the Tri Wizard Cup to be displayed where Merlin's book is currently, the rest I can't even venture a guess. I have heard rumors of a pre-show at the beginning of the castle, that would bum me out. I too have always loved going through and checking out the details, sticking your head in the holes in the wall you can here how they produce the ambient sound. The other day I found a lamp that is shaped like a dragon that I had never seen before, in hundreds of trips. I think everyone will be happy in the end, but Universal does have some pressure to equal the greatness of what they are destroying. Don't go backwards like with PF.

 

The Harry Potter music is awesome, and would be great on the walk to the Dragons.

 

Really? Where's the dragon shaped lamp? (Btw, is Dueling Dragons still open during construction? By the looks of the pics, I would think it is. I want to be sure though)

[Usf geek]

It's still open as of today.

 

Only when It's turn comes for re-theming will it have to be closed.

 

I imagine it will be sometime during the early months of next year that we will start to see things happening with DD.

[coasterstud522]

Well, this is great, J.K. Rowling gets more money while we are probably going to get a less than desirable park area. Although the concept art looks good, rarely does it really live up to all of the expectations.

[Skramp]

Well, this is great, J.K. Rowling gets more money while we are probably going to get a less than desirable park area. Although the concept art looks good, rarely does it really live up to all of the expectations.

 

First off, nice double-post. Secondly, are you serious? Usually the concept art doesn't live up to what is actually done!! I realize you're young and your park experience is limited, but come on, you're talking about Universal here, you think the work is going look crappy? Get serious, they have some of the best designers, builders......around. It will look amazing when it's done.

[revilolee]

Amen to that. I really hope they don't change the theme of Dueling Dragons to some Harry Potter junk.

 

I don't see what the big deal is. A coaster is still a coaster .

 

First off, nice double-post. Secondly, are you serious? Usually the concept art doesn't live up to what is actually done!! I realize you're young and your park experience is limited, but come on, you're talking about Universal here, you think the work is going look crappy? Get serious, they have some of the best designers, builders......around. It will look amazing when it's done.

 

I totally agree with you. In an earlier post someone said the production designer from the HP movies is involved so you know the finished product will be nothing short of astonishing .

 

ADMIN EDIT: Do not double post. If you want to add another comment please edit your previous post.

[dragonskeep]

The Hulk, I can't remember exactly but it is near the beginning of the area where it starts going deeper and down into the castle (the narrow corridor), and on the left. If you look at all of the lamps you will find it. I was surprised I had never seen it before, good luck finding it.

I wouldn't expect Dragons to be down for long. The queue should be closed for an extended period though. I do however expect them to re-paint the track at some point, and the trains as well. Have fun!

[kraken613]

I don't see what the big deal is. A coaster is still a coaster .

 

Have you been on DD and through the wait?!?!?!?

[TheHulk]

I do however expect them to re-paint the track at some point, and the trains as well. Have fun!

 

 

I hope that dosen't mean they're going to take away the Fire vs. Ice theme.

[Gnome]

Well, this is great, J.K. Rowling gets more money while we are probably going to get a less than desirable park area. Although the concept art looks good, rarely does it really live up to all of the expectations.

 

First off, nice double-post. Secondly, are you serious? Usually the concept art doesn't live up to what is actually done!! I realize you're young and your park experience is limited, but come on, you're talking about Universal here, you think the work is going look crappy? Get serious, they have some of the best designers, builders......around. It will look amazing when it's done.

 

Well for his argument, I will say that the final product probably won't hold up to the concept art simply do to the fact that the art is enhanced with a certain tone to the coloration and various lighting effects that just probably wont be there. Regaurdless though, the actual design of the facades and the interiors shouldn't be to much different, with an exception, of course, being the "lighting" seen in the concept art. Although if that whole resort doesn't already speak for itself, the final product should look very good in comparison to the concept art.

[Kalepi_Konei]

Heres what I think/want to happen to the DD queve line--

 

1. They widen the tunnels (I'm sort of claustrophobic and being stuck in that line I cannot bare!

2. If they retheme it to tri-wizard cup change the room with the skeleton saying choose your fate, to having the tri wizard cup in there and have it display something cool that floats around the room that apparently came out of the cauldron.

3. If they do a pre-show there is an excellent room in the beginning where it used to be fire and ice (I think it was fire first then ice) so I could see the holding area in the fire room, and the preshow in ices room.

4. In one of the movies they have these blue pixie/imp things in cages during one of the classes, I would love to see in one of the rooms those hanging in cages.

5. Add better A/C or fans to the line because it can get pretty hot down there.

[dragonskeep]

I do however expect them to re-paint the track at some point, and the trains as well. Have fun!

 

 

I hope that docent mean they're going to take away the Fire vs. Ice theme.

 

I can't be sure, but I would be very surprised if Fire vs. Ice remains. The Dragons re-theme has to improve continuity and that means Tri Wizard Challenge Dragons. They could have all four with 2 train operation, that would be pretty cool.

 

It would also be cool if they built faux rockwork to resemble the venue of the Tri Wizard Dragon Challenge. Creating more near miss elements would actually improve the ride experience. I think I could even accept an extended closure of the ride if they would do this.

[revilolee]

Have you been on DD and through the wait?!?!?!?

Actually I have. I just don't think a change of scenery is gonna hurt the ride .

[TheHulk]

^ If you don't like Harry Potter and love Dueling Dragons it does. Lol.

 

But getting rid of the fire vs. ice theme is a disappointment in my opinion.

[dragonskeep]

Well we have some construction equipment, a large crane has arrived on sight. I know it isn't much but at least we will see something happening soon. I guess they will be pouring footers in the near future, of course we already know the layout so not much to learn from footer placement.

 

It would be nice to see Universal launch a site similar to what Cedar Fair did with Maverick and Diamondback. Does anyone know if they have done this before with previous rides. They do a killer job with the HHN site, it sure would help to generate some buzz for the ride. There currently isn't much excitement for what looks like a pretty good ride.

[King_K.]

They've put up websites for their newer rides in the past. The Simpsons' Ride had a big website and so did Revenge of the Mummy, and of course the current website they have up for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.