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

[triggernel]

Y-M-C-A

 

God that concert would put me to sleep.

 

Love the Red, but I am not digging the Tan.

[CreditCrazy]

This is definately looking a lot better than I expected. It's really looking like a nice, great, fun, not-too-intense (although that non-inverting loop looks like it can be intense) ride. It'll also fit amazingly well with USO.

[jmicha]

^Not only that but it also revitalizes what was, in my opinion at least, the dullest area of the entire resort. And if the parts of the ride already built give a hint at the madness that the rest of the ride will hold, this is going to be one fantastic coaster. I'm looking forward to the next time I can get down to Orlando and ride this thing.

[King_K.]

Maurer Söhne have patented the non-inverting loop that will be featured on Rockit.

 

 

Full Patent:

http://h1.ripway.com/patents/US2009013895A1.pdf

[chauncey]

Maurer Söhne have patented the non-inverting loop that will be featured on Rockit.

 

 

Full Patent:

http://h1.ripway.com/patents/US2009013895A1.pdf

it looks cool, but i wonder what that would actually be like to ride, though? is there anything even remotely similar out there? hmm…

 

this ride certainly does look interesting, though — i don't really have a lot of faith in Maurer Söhne, honestly, based on what little i know of them, but i have enormous faith in Universal Studios, so…

[coolhandluke]

it looks cool, but i wonder what that would actually be like to ride, though? is there anything even remotely similar out there? hmm…

It's probably pretty similar to a Norwegian Loop, but the two "halves" of the element are switched. As in, on this, you perform the Immelman-ish part, followed by the Dive Loop-ish part instead of the other way around with the Norwegians. But obviously the elements would be tweaked a bit (almost reminds me of a Hydra-ish alteration) so the train never actually inverts on the loop.

 

Just a guess though, as I can't say I've ridden it yet.

[jjune4991]

there's going to be some sick air time on the top of that though!!!

[King_K.]

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit site finally launched:

 

http://HollywoodRockit.com/

 

The Lift hill construction on the coaster is definitely speeding up. The pictures is from earlier today, but as it stands right now, both sides are now equal height. The lift can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the park.

 

Higher and higher and higher we go, where we stop nobody knows!

 

[netdvn]

I absolutely LOVE the way this coaster interacts with the buildings and the track looks very sexy!!!

 

I wish I could go to Orlando this summer to experience this and Manta. Unfortunately I haven't been to Orlando in YEARS and the last time I went was during Christmas.

[Fork]

Higher and higher and higher we go, where we stop nobody knows!

 

Based on the concept art, I'd say the lift is probably about 98% done at this point:

 

 

(Obviously including the unfinished second side of the tower, which was put up after the above photo was taken.)

[King_K.]

It was posted a while back. It's the newer concept of the lift ever since budget cuts made them revise the plan they had to cover the lift in an LED Screen. So it's going to be covered in that sign.

 

Not sure if it'll do anything or light up though. It's be good if it did.

 

[Edit] It was released with these other two images too.

 

 

 

[jjune4991]

aaahhh!!! It's almost done!!! yay!!!

[King_K.]

Couple new shots posted at Orlando Rocks.

 

http://www.orlandorocks.com/info.aspx?location=usf&type=rides&Attraction=rockit&sub=construction&pg=1

 

The new email ad that Uni. is sending.

 

 

[coolcalicoaster]

Currently living in Ohio, you would think I would be the most excited about Diamondback. However, This coaster has taken some of D-Backs thunder for me! The ride looks awesome!

Anyone in or around Ohio agree?

[King_K.]

Pictures really don't do the construction justice.

 

The coaster is really massive, it's just such a great addition to the Studios. They're still on for a spring opening so I hope they keep up with their construction schedule.

[coastered]

Does this great looking thing allready have an opening date??

 

It would be great if I can ride this monster the same week as Manta opens for the public.

[gotdane]

It's a shame that they had to nix the video screen on the lift's structure, if thats true...I'm sure that would have been a very cool feature.

[King_K.]

Here's a couple of new shots for you guys. The lift hill is just reaaally massive. Talk about a change to the skyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[themeparkman25]

Thanks for the pictures, this ride is really changing the skyline and will certainly be another thrill in Orlando. Is there any buildings around the non inverting loop? I can't image that the footers for these supports will be tiny. Will the track be directly attached to the supports, like will the main tube the ties are welded to actually be the support tube as well? Cannot wait to see pictures of that element going up!

[King_K.]

Here's the official Maurer model of the lift and element. Just to get a better perspective.

 

[jpdupuis]

Huum...am i the only one to not see anything?

[themeparkman25]

Negative. I'm not seeing it either.

[King_K.]

Hm, should be fixed now.

[jjune4991]

wow...thats a very interesting support!! looks great though!

[coasterdude5]

It really is changing the skyline! For some reason I never imagined it being that tall, especially the MCBR!