Ice Dragon "Indefinite" Closure

[CoasterFEV]

Boy oh Boy, here's comes CoasterFEV with more bad news. First it was Poseidon, now Ice Dragon

I am sorry to report that, effective Wednesday, May2nd, Ice Dragon will be closed a MINIMUM of one week, although there is a VERY good chance it will remain closed for up to three weeks + . Fire Dragon, as of right now, will remain open daily with a three train operation.

During a routine inspection by the Universal technical staff, it was found that there are some foundation "issues" with the Ice Dragon coaster supports. The ride was never opened on May 2nd, and at the end of the operating day, the lagoon was drained so technicians could better assess the situation.

I will let you know more once more samples are analyzed and the other "footers" (those big concrete pilons on the ground that actually support the coaster structure) in the area are looked at. The concrete and coaster are fine, it's the ground they sit on. Hopefully, this isn't as serious as it really could be (meaning it could be closed for awhile), and Ice Dragon will resume operation soon.

I apologize if this throws a kink in anyones vacation plans. Fortunately, Universal's biggest priority is guest safety - and that's the best service ANY attraction operator can provide.

We'll keep you updated!:(

[cotye]

:(

[Zeke Draven]

Well, they gotta do what they gotta do. I'd rather it be shut down for a monyh or so, then permenantly if they let it go.

[Jon360]

I think they need to take down the Ice coaster and build a bigger que area for the Fire Coaster.

[fboy9287]

has anyone see this? how is the fire dragon without the ice dragon? what exactly is wrong? there has to be a big problem for them to close it! i will call to verify today. the people on the phone should know a little about this- even though they have not been very helpful in other events

[RhondaS]

Oh, please, please, please, please, pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaasssssssse have it repaired by Memorial Day weekend!

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

[Earl]

Well, there's already been a bit too much said, but I would like to make it perfectly clear that this isn't a big deal. The issue involves a foundation that was not a primary support. It was a floating foundation member that was floating out of tolerance. The repairs start tomorrow and could be complete in as soon as a week. Both tracks MAY be closed in order to make the repairs due to the equipment that is needed.

[joe]

Fire Dragon is better anyway. It really is a shame not to have the dueling, though. That sounds like a major problem. Keep us posted.

[gschmerl]

As sad as it is that "ice" is closed, it's good to know the techs at IOA inspect the rides so carefully.

[WebmasterBarry]

I am sad that Ice will be closed, but I am relieved that Universal cares about guests' safety. A few weeks down is better than a few injured guests.

[flyerfan22]

We were there on Monday, and got to ride Ice just before it was taken down. What a disppointment it was to get there on Wednesday and see only Fire running. Yes, fire is cool, but not nearly as good without the near misses. And the front car on Ice is the BEST.

[jonathansullivan]

I have been riding the coasters since open, and have noticed in recent days that ICE was a bit rougher. Kind of like what I had felt with Kumba. It just wasn't as "smooth" as it was originally. Thought it was just age...maybe it was more?

Any other comments from IOA workers?

[Quentin Disney]

Man, does that bite. Personally, Ice wasn't my favorite (neither is DD as whole), but for some reason, I always liked the view of downtown Orlando that you got while going into an inversion.

[joe]

Most if not all major theme parks are extremely good at coaster maintenance. That is why I always feel safe on a coaster. I'm glad but not surprised at all that they detected this problem. I've seen maintenance crews at other parks and they are very thorough. I'm sure IOA has some great people working for them. Now all they need is to build a good woodie!;)

[Cindy B]

I for one am grateful for the extreme safety measures.. I would rather have a ride closed than have a massive injury..

The six flags near here had someone die in a coaster many years back.

The liability is immense for universal is someone did get hurt, and or the safety was compromised, and did nothing about this "problem".

[IOATech]

You couldn't have noticed any problem while riding the coaster. Nobody could have. Again, the situation was never dangerous, nor was it ever a degradation to the ride experience. When situations are discovered during the inspection process at Universal, there is never a hesitation to close an area until we can absolutely ensure the safety and quality of the ride guests will experience. This should never be considered cause for alarm in any way. We do this for a living, and take the task extremely seriously. Our own families ride these attractions as well and integrity of these machines is a very serious part of our lives.

Universal backs us each time we have concerns about safety each and every time, and we take care of the issue regardless of the cost or effort. This is why we are here, 24 hours a day. I can tell you all without conviction that not one soul was ever in danger, and the concerns mentioned will be dealt-with swiftly and professionally in short order.

[CoasterFEV]

I will also add (again) to Earl's and IOATech's comments that guests riding any of IOA rides (including Ice Dragon) were ever put in any sort of danger. In addition, just the fact that someone feels the ride had gotten a bit rougher is not, nor could it, be related to this situation in the least.

Thankfully, the IOA tech services department is fantastic - and also know how to work fast. The scope of the "problem" with Ice Dragon is really very minor and work has already begun to correct the situation. My original post was never intended to strike fear into anyone. Rather, simply state that Ice Dragon will be closed for awhile and a brief summation as to why Universal has closed the coaster. Again, the problem with just one footer is, thankfully, very minor and hopefully our techs will get Ice Dragon dueling very soon.

The work needed is in no way related to the current safety of the attraction. The work is more focused on the strength and longevity of the ride. Thanks to their work, we can be assured that the Dragons will continue dueling for a long, long time.

[Earl]

I'm certainly in agreement. This is not what some folks are making it out to be and no rider would have ever detected anything, nor was there any sort of risk whatsoever.

Just as an update, the Ice repairs are going very well. If the progress continues, Ice SHOULD be reopen around Monday or Tuesday of this coming week.

The Tech Services Team is doing a incredible job in resolving this minor problem.

[RhondaS]

Go Techies! Go Techies! Go Techies!

[WebmasterBarry]

Go techies! You deserve a raise! :bounce:

[Earl]

FYI - Ice Dragon is back in service -----

Let the dueling begin!

[JonValjean]

I think Universal Studios used great judgment closing the ride for further assessment and repairs. I am sure US knew it would not be a popular decision but they put safty first. I had some distant relative (a mother and daughter) that was killed on a roller coaster in NJ. I can't say anything about fault due to legal issues but this was a national news story. I am sure anyone who saw the story in the news can form their own opinon about fault.

[fboy9287]

stupid question but which footer had problems??

[Earl]

How about a dumb answer ... as in no answer. Is there some issue that you need to know which one?

[Disney Debbie]

Whoo hoo!! I didn't check this thread last night! I'm so glad it's going to be up when we go! What a quick job they made of that!:)