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

[jedimaster1227]

^While I don't know any specific heights either, I know that the Incredible Hulk has its own red light at its highest point for airplanes. And, if I'm not mistaken, Doctor Doom has lights on each tower as well.

[King_K.]

The Water vortex WILL be returning in Summer, just found this out. They didn't take them out and will be bringing this amazing effect for the Summer Season!

 

Oh, and just in case you guys are interested, the water vortex uses the same amount of energy as The Incredible Hulk. That's an amazing little tid-bit that really still intrigues me.

[King_K.]

Well, Butterbeer won the previous poll and now their's a new poll to see what your favorite Broom model is.

 

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/index.html

[wykah]

There's a model of the castle on the beach in Seuss Island.

[King_K.]

The sand castle on Sneetch Beach had been there since the park opened. It's not really a model of the Hogwarts castle at all.

 

Here's a good picture of it.. Click here.

[Brad]

Oh, and just in case you guys are interested, the water vortex uses the same amount of energy as The Incredible Hulk. That's an amazing little tid-bit that really still intrigues me.

 

I find this REALLY hard to believe. If this really was the case, it would have been done away with YEARS ago.

[King_K.]

Starting the vortex up is equal to launching the Hulk. It is a very true fact, I have many friends that work for the company, and it's always a fun fact they give on the VIP Tours.

[King_K.]

Finally!

 

The first Supports have started coming up today!

 

Ride track has finally started to go up. First piece was put up infront of the fire house.

[Brad]

Starting the vortex up is equal to launching the Hulk. It is a very true fact, I have many friends that work for the company, and it's always a fun fact they give on the VIP Tours.

 

That I might could believe, given that the Hulk is probably launched 30x more a day than the water vortex (thus Hulk uses MUCH more energy).

[BeemerBoy]

^ I'd think you'd also have take into consideration that the vortex goes on for an extended period of time as a large group of people pass through it. Hulk's power surge is a shorter burst of power. I'm far from Mr. Wizard, but it's just something that came to mind.

[sfgadviperboi]

The Vortex and the DD queue were the only WOWs I had during my visit to IOA. I found the park to be unremarkable to say the least. However, I did enjoy it more than most of the parks in the Orlando area.

I believe they are making a mistake by removing this effect but who is to say that this doesn't mean there are future plans for the ride....only time will tell.

[King_K.]

Not the best photo but it's something! More pics later today hopefully.

 

[jmicha]

^^^Hmmm, my memory must be serving me incorrectly then. Maybe it's not the red beacon that has to be added after 200', but I'm almost 100 percent positive that something different has to happen after 200'. Does anyone know?

 

And I'm really looking forward to my next trip to Orlando hopefully around Christmas 2009. Manta is looking great and will be my first B&M flyer and this ride is certainly the one extra attraction that I feel Universal Studios needs. Being a coaster fan, I love the small but high quality collection of coasters Islands of Adventure has and feel that two awesome coasters in Universal Studios would give it the extra nudge to being my favorite of the two parks. Mummy is my favorite coaster, and with attractions like Jaws, MIB, ET, and hopefully HRRR, this park will have one of the best collections of rides out there in my opinion.

[King_K.]

That is some sexy track right there.

 

 

 

More tracks been installed since these were taken.

 

Photos courtesy of Screamscape.

[dragsterfan420]

This is awesome! Finally Universal gets another coaster, and one that looks to be of quality. Its nice to see track going up.

[King_K.]

Few new ones from today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[justint87]

Very nice pictures King_K and thanks! Its great to finally not only see supports go up, but track as well.

 

Over at the site where they hold all the supports and tracks, I noticed that a lot of new track had arrived over the past few days. So a lot of coaster work should continue. I have a feeling a lot of new track and supports will go up over the next few weeks.

[King_K.]

They were just waiting for the foundation on the new permanent Hollywood Bowl stage to be done. Now they seem to be working at full steam.

[24]

lol Manhatten Express colors.

[Ziggy Stardust]

Great! It's exciting to finally see some track work being done.

[alpengeist04]

lol Manhatten Express colors.

 

Let's hope that's the only thing it has in common with Manhattan Express.

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing the track in person next week, it definitely looks good so far from the pictures.

[King_K.]

Here's an interesting little blurb about Rockit in the November issue of the Travel Trade Gazette:

 

[Speeddeamon128]

Great pics looks like the vertical construction has increased I can't wait to ride it when I go down in June!

[King_K.]

This coaster is just FLYING up. I mean construction is moving full force, and the non-inverted loop is also already completed.

 

 

 

[justint87]

^ Nice pictures, great to hear it is being built fairly quickly. Any pictures of the non-inverting loop? Would love to see what it looks like from a visitor perspective.