Harry Potter Ride For None Harry Fans.

[Disney Padawan]

Thank you so much for the encouragement I think when I really analyze it....I am scared of the loops and the g-forces. I know Hulk is out of my league....WAY too intimidating for me!! I JUST did my first upside down coaster with RcN RC in 2008. That was a major ordeal. I think the fact I did the loop in the dark helped me. I can't say I love it....but I can say I did it though!

I LOVE EE....my husband had to talk me through every turn on this one the first time I rode it! Afterwards, I really didn't know what scared me in the first palce as I loved it.

Funny enough, I really don't like Space Mountain. I think it is the dark, craziness of it. I can do it if need be, but I really don't have fun on it. I may just try it again this summer since I haven't done it since the ReHab.

I also am scared of the unknown. I talked myself out of trying TOT our first trip to Disney due to the fear of the unknown!!!

Dueling Dragons at US has intrigued me...but once again, it is the loops/g-forces that worry me. I don't want to be scared out of my mind! I don't want to regret getting on and then not being able to get off if I panic. I really am a scardey cat when it comes to the unknown!! I also don't like creepy crawlies. so....the spiders/bug/dementors thing creeps me out when I think of FJ and ROTM. I will definitely have to talk myself onto those 2 rides, perhaps even just jump on them before I have a chance to overthink it!!! I am thinking it will take nerves of steele for me to conquer these! We shall see

You're quite welcome, anytime.

My better half was a loop chicken too. The g forces you can easily overcome by the exhale trick. That makes it no big deal and a whole lotta fun. As for the loops, since you've done two on RRnR another won't kill you. It's funny, most consider RRnR more thrilling then Dragon's Challenge because of the g forces, and you've conquered that. Well, hopefully you'll muster the courage to ride these and maybe then Hulk. I'm sure no matter what you decide, that you'll have a great trip. Good luck.

 

[chimo2u]

You're quite welcome, anytime.

My better half was a loop chicken too. The g forces you can easily overcome by the exhale trick. That makes it no big deal and a whole lotta fun. As for the loops, since you've done two on RRnR another won't kill you. It's funny, most consider RRnR more thrilling then Dragon's Challenge because of the g forces, and you've conquered that. Well, hopefully you'll muster the courage to ride these and maybe then Hulk. I'm sure no matter what you decide, that you'll have a great trip. Good luck.

Ok....so I've done RnRC, are you saying the g-forces are worse with that ride??? I handled that ok.
Is there 3 loops in dueling dragons? Can you walk me step by step thru that one? and what exactly is the "exhale trick" ?? I could sure use any little extra trick to help!!

 

[Bradsdadg]

You don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this area, imo. We're going for a day in early Sept. I can't wait!!! But I didn't read any of the books, and only really liked the first movie. I'm mainly going for the ambiance and to check out the shops. I will actually probably not even do 2 of the rides. And will most likely just watch my wife and son on the Buckbeak ride. I'm actually more excited to see all of the Harry Potter stuff then to do all the Disney stuff we will be doing that week...

 

[Disney Padawan]

Ok....so I've done RnRC, are you saying the g-forces are worse with that ride??? I handled that ok.
Is there 3 loops in dueling dragons? Can you walk me step by step thru that one? and what exactly is the "exhale trick" ?? I could sure use any little extra trick to help!!

Of course you handled RnRC, these coasters are no big deal and in my opinion you were ready a long time ago to ride these.

The g's on RnRC are a little worse because of the launch and the speed that you are hitting the loops, specially that first one. Since that didn't bother you then you'll love these other coasters. I'll be more than happy to give you a play by play.

OK first understand that Dueling Dragons is the old name for the coasters and they're now called Dragon's Challenge. There are 2 totally different types of roller coasters in this ride and you get to pick which one you want to do. There's the Chinese Fireball (formally known as Fire Dragon) then there's the Hungarian Horntail (formally known as the Ice Dragon), we'll call them red and blue for short. Each coaster has 5 inversions a piece, meaning they all go briefly upside down 5 times. I'll try to do this play by play as best as I can, it's been a while since I've been on these beauties.

Let's start with blue. I believe EE is a lot higher then these coasters but it will give you a different feeling while going up the lift hill since your feet will be dangling. After the lift, you'll make a downward (naturally) right turn, usually here is when one feels the strongest g's because the coaster needs to drop in order to gain the speed to finish the track. At the end of the right turn you start making a left turn then it will lift slightly straight and do your first inversion, a zero gravity roll. This is a type of spiral loop that turns you upside down counter-clockwise while going straight. It's over in about a second and you kind of wish there was more of them. After the Zero-G-roll you go straight and into a cobra roll. (my favorite.) These are invertions 2 and 3. Picture half a loop then at the top a right turn then left turn then the other half of the loop. It's nice to go through and nice to look at. After the Cobra roll you go down a little and up into a loop. This is invertion #4. (Just like RnRC but only smaller.) After this you make a nice long right turn and into your final invertion the ever popular Corkscrew. (Many, many looping coasters put these in towards the end of a ride.) It's a right corkscrew that loops you going straight. (Just like RnRC towards the end if you can remember.) Finally the coaster makes a small right turn then a left and it hits the breaks (Smoothly) and you're back at the station. All that excitement just lasted only 55 seconds, not including the lift hill. Can you believe it? That's it? It's a piece of cake, it's fun and I know you can do it. Now on to fire.

After the lift hill fire takes a left dive which ends in an Immelmann loop, your 1st inversion. It's like a long half loop but at the top spins and then takes you to the other side. To me this is more of a diving loop then a true Immelmann but I don't want to lose you with all the termninology. After that while going straight, you go up a little then down (love that part) and into another Immelmann loop (2nd invertion) but end up left this time. Next you curve straight again downward then up into a loop. (3rd invertion just like RnRC but only smaller.) After the loop you proceed on a long left turn and into a right Corkscrew, your 4th invertion. After that you make a left turn then straight for a bit then up and down like going over a small hill and finally into your last invertion another right Corkscrew. After the corkscrew you make a small left turn and into the brake run then back to the loading station. YAY!!! Another 55 seconds later and you've conquered your fear! I will say that from the time you're locked into your seat, go up slowly on the lift hill, actually ride, then slowly go back to the station after hitting the brakes, it does take about 2 minutes. The actual ride time is about 55 seconds though.

A nice element about these coasters is that at 3 times during your loops you come close to the other "Dragon", hence the old name Dueling Dragons. It's a fun theme and I think you'll notice it more on Red Dragon. This is why that one is my favorite.

Now about the exhale trick. You ever notice how people scream during a ride, believe it or not, that really helps while riding. People that don't normally ride tend to hold their breath specially during the first drop. This causes a painful feeling in your chest and stomach. It's also the g forces pushing your body back. My Fiancee had this problem and I told her, even if you don't want to scream your head off, just exhale or say woooooo or something. Once you do that, you don't feel anything but the wind.

Well, I hope this helps with your decision. I know that you can do these, specially with all that you've been on already. Piece of cake babe.

Let me know if you want a play by play of the Hulk. I'll be more than happy to help. Have fun.

 

[chimo2u]

Of course you handled RnRC, these coasters are no big deal and in my opinion you were ready a long time ago to ride these.

The g's on RnRC are a little worse because of the launch and the speed that you are hitting the loops, specially that first one. Since that didn't bother you then you'll love these other coasters. I'll be more than happy to give you a play by play.

OK first understand that Dueling Dragons is the old name for the coasters and they're now called Dragon's Challenge. There are 2 totally different types of roller coasters in this ride and you get to pick which one you want to do. There's the Chinese Fireball (formally known as Fire Dragon) then there's the Hungarian Horntail (formally known as the Ice Dragon), we'll call them red and blue for short. Each coaster has 5 inversions a piece, meaning they all go briefly upside down 5 times. I'll try to do this play by play as best as I can, it's been a while since I've been on these beauties.

Let's start with blue. I believe EE is a lot higher then these coasters but it will give you a different feeling while going up the lift hill since your feet will be dangling. After the lift, you'll make a downward (naturally) right turn, usually here is when one feels the strongest g's because the coaster needs to drop in order to gain the speed to finish the track. At the end of the right turn you start making a left turn then it will lift slightly straight and do your first inversion, a zero gravity roll. This is a type of spiral loop that turns you upside down counter-clockwise while going straight. It's over in about a second and you kind of wish there was more of them. After the Zero-G-roll you go straight and into a cobra roll. (my favorite.) These are invertions 2 and 3. Picture half a loop then at the top a right turn then left turn then the other half of the loop. It's nice to go through and nice to look at. After the Cobra roll you go down a little and up into a loop. This is invertion #4. (Just like RnRC but only smaller.) After this you make a nice long right turn and into your final invertion the ever popular Corkscrew. (Many, many looping coasters put these in towards the end of a ride.) It's a right corkscrew that loops you going straight. (Just like RnRC towards the end if you can remember.) Finally the coaster makes a small right turn then a left and it hits the breaks (Smoothly) and you're back at the station. All that excitement just lasted only 55 seconds, not including the lift hill. Can you believe it? That's it? It's a piece of cake, it's fun and I know you can do it. Now on to fire.

After the lift hill fire takes a left dive which ends in an Immelmann loop, your 1st inversion. It's like a long half loop but at the top spins and then takes you to the other side. To me this is more of a diving loop then a true Immelmann but I don't want to lose you with all the termninology. After that while going straight, you go up a little then down (love that part) and into another Immelmann loop (2nd invertion) but end up left this time. Next you curve straight again downward then up into a loop. (3rd invertion just like RnRC but only smaller.) After the loop you proceed on a long left turn and into a right Corkscrew, your 4th invertion. After that you make a left turn then straight for a bit then up and down like going over a small hill and finally into your last invertion another right Corkscrew. After the corkscrew you make a small left turn and into the brake run then back to the loading station. YAY!!! Another 55 seconds later and you've conquered your fear! I will say that from the time you're locked into your seat, go up slowly on the lift hill, actually ride, then slowly go back to the station after hitting the brakes, it does take about 2 minutes. The actual ride time is about 55 seconds though.

A nice element about these coasters is that at 3 times during your loops you come close to the other "Dragon", hence the old name Dueling Dragons. It's a fun theme and I think you'll notice it more on Red Dragon. This is why that one is my favorite.

Now about the exhale trick. You ever notice how people scream during a ride, believe it or not, that really helps while riding. People that don't normally ride tend to hold their breath specially during the first drop. This causes a painful feeling in your chest and stomach. It's also the g forces pushing your body back. My Fiancee had this problem and I told her, even if you don't want to scream your head off, just exhale or say woooooo or something. Once you do that, you don't feel anything but the wind.

Well, I hope this helps with your decision. I know that you can do these, specially with all that you've been on already. Piece of cake babe.

Let me know if you want a play by play of the Hulk. I'll be more than happy to help. Have fun.

Thanks so much! That really helps me to visualize it. I think I may, just may get up the nerves to try the blue side....if my 14 yo will go with me! Now, he did Manta with his Dad at Seaworld in Sept. so I think he may just be brave enough to give it a try (My husband said that was one crazy coaster!) DEFINITELY a little higher-thrill than I would like to attempt!!! In any event, we shall see....I may just feel like trying something new after I conquer Revenge of the Mummy (the bugs are what honestly scare me the most about this one!!! )..... and Forbidden Journey (the dementors kind of freak me out on this one, but from what I've read, if I close my eyes when I get to the lying backwards part, I may be able to miss those animatronics coming up in my face!!).... I admit, I am scared of things that jump out at you, go bump in the night and creepy crawlies!
You have given me some wonderful advice and verbal courage so I will subscribe to this thread so I can find it again, and perhaps when I come home end August I will be able to say with confidence I DID IT!! (Much like how proud I was after conquering TOT.....and now that I've done that ride, I don't know what I was scared of in the first place! it was so fun [funny enough, though my 14 yo son hates TOT (although he rode it about 6 times with me last yr.)....he does not like how the dropping makes him feel]
I loved the 'floating' feeling/air time...so fun! (I admit I still sit in the back row though! )
Thanks again for all your help! I really appreciate it ...we shall see in August if you've managed to convert this scardey cat!
~ Marie

 

[inkkognito]

Beware. If you are only marginally a Harry fan it will draw you in (yes, I'll confess I now have a Slytherin keychain on my ring). I did watch the movie with Buckbeak in it before we went to WWoHP, which helped my understanding of FJ. Now I actually have an interest in trying the other books (only made it through #1) and maybe even the movies. WWoHP is very well done and really draws you into that world.

You don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this area, imo. We're going for a day in early Sept. I can't wait!!! But I didn't read any of the books, and only really liked the first movie. I'm mainly going for the ambiance and to check out the shops. I will actually probably not even do 2 of the rides. And will most likely just watch my wife and son on the Buckbeak ride. I'm actually more excited to see all of the Harry Potter stuff then to do all the Disney stuff we will be doing that week...

 

[katybugsmom]

That was written by me under my husband's screen name. I'm a thrill ride lover but I will try to describe it for the faint or heart. It's not fast since it's on a robot arm, but it is very intense in a tilting and tipping motion kind of way. Imagine riding a chair attached to one of those car-building robots. It has the ability to go upside down but does not...the most is lying completely on your back.

The shoulder harnesses are very secure...I can speak from experience as we broken down for about 10 mins. lying on our backs and I was trying to squirm around to see the mechanics and other ride vehicles No way we were going to slip out! The safety systems on coasters, robot arm rides, etc. are amazing. But you don't get smashed in the loops like you do (or at least I do) on something like Rock N Roller Coaster.

If you can psych yourself to get on it, I suspect you will quickly get distracted from your anxiety with so much going on. There is literally action from start to finish and it totally immerses you in the Potter world. I've ridden 5 times and looked at all 5 of my pictures...usually I look kind of bored on rides, but on every one you can see my shock/fascination/total look of engrossment (I think they take it by the dementors).

I hope you decide to give it a try. I think it sounds a lot worse scary ride-wise than it really is. It's not so much a thrill ride it terms of dropping you and whipping you around as it is in terms of the overall effects. Think of it as sitting in a Soarin' type chair and going through something like Spiderman (but also with animatronics) on a robot arm. That's about the closest I can describe it.

What ride restrictions are posted? I have a bad back, but would give anything to ride it since I'm a big Harry Potter fan! From the description is it a very jerky ride or a smooth ride?

 

[inkkognito]

What ride restrictions are posted? I have a bad back, but would give anything to ride it since I'm a big Harry Potter fan! From the description is it a very jerky ride or a smooth ride?

I have a photo of the warning sign in my FJ review. Click here and scroll down a little. I don't find FJ to be jerky at all even though there is a lot of motion. Hulk and many other coasters bang my ears into the shoulder restraint but that did not happen on FJ at all. Motion sickness is probably more of a risk than getting whipped around, and even that is minimal because the transitions are very well done.

 

[chimo2u]

Beware. If you are only marginally a Harry fan it will draw you in (yes, I'll confess I now have a Slytherin keychain on my ring). I did watch the movie with Buckbeak in it before we went to WWoHP, which helped my understanding of FJ. Now I actually have an interest in trying the other books (only made it through #1) and maybe even the movies. WWoHP is very well done and really draws you into that world.

I have never read the books....I am a visual person and like the movies! I will admit, though, that after the last movie I saw, I wanted to run out and buy the last book to find out exactly what happens! I haven't yet, as I don't have a lot of spare time to read....however, I am excited to see the castle and all the other little details of WWOHP that will bring the whole HP world to life for us less-obsessed fans! I may not be completely HP obsessed, but I still feel there will still be a lot for me to enjoy about this attraction/world!

 

[safetymom]

 

[Disney Padawan]

Thanks so much! That really helps me to visualize it. I think I may, just may get up the nerves to try the blue side....if my 14 yo will go with me! Now, he did Manta with his Dad at Seaworld in Sept. so I think he may just be brave enough to give it a try (My husband said that was one crazy coaster!) DEFINITELY a little higher-thrill than I would like to attempt!!! In any event, we shall see....I may just feel like trying something new after I conquer Revenge of the Mummy (the bugs are what honestly scare me the most about this one!!! )..... and Forbidden Journey (the dementors kind of freak me out on this one, but from what I've read, if I close my eyes when I get to the lying backwards part, I may be able to miss those animatronics coming up in my face!!).... I admit, I am scared of things that jump out at you, go bump in the night and creepy crawlies!
You have given me some wonderful advice and verbal courage so I will subscribe to this thread so I can find it again, and perhaps when I come home end August I will be able to say with confidence I DID IT!! (Much like how proud I was after conquering TOT.....and now that I've done that ride, I don't know what I was scared of in the first place! it was so fun [funny enough, though my 14 yo son hates TOT (although he rode it about 6 times with me last yr.)....he does not like how the dropping makes him feel]
I loved the 'floating' feeling/air time...so fun! (I admit I still sit in the back row though! )
Thanks again for all your help! I really appreciate it ...we shall see in August if you've managed to convert this scardey cat!
~ Marie

No problem, anytime.

I will say that Manta has what they call a pretzel loop and that can catch you by surprise. I'm sure you can handle DC and Hulk. And don't worry about the bug scene in the Mummy, it's really quick and they're not in your face or anything. If you need any more Coaster or ride advice just post or pm me. I wish you and your family a fun and safe trip. Keep us posted when you get back.

 

[Disney Padawan]

To all who were wondering if you need to be an HP fan to enjoy the ride or the land. I say, you don't have to read the books but if you can, try to watch the movies. I would say that they're all good in their own way but the land seems to concentrate from movies 1-4. This will give you a great understanding and appreciation for what you're seeing.

If you don't have time to watch, don't worry, you'll still have a great time.

 

[chimo2u]

You're quite welcome, anytime.

My better half was a loop chicken too. The g forces you can easily overcome by the exhale trick. That makes it no big deal and a whole lotta fun. As for the loops, since you've done two on RRnR another won't kill you. It's funny, most consider RRnR more thrilling then Dragon's Challenge because of the g forces, and you've conquered that. Well, hopefully you'll muster the courage to ride these and maybe then Hulk. I'm sure no matter what you decide, that you'll have a great trip. Good luck.

Of course you handled RnRC, these coasters are no big deal and in my opinion you were ready a long time ago to ride these.

The g's on RnRC are a little worse because of the launch and the speed that you are hitting the loops, specially that first one. Since that didn't bother you then you'll love these other coasters. I'll be more than happy to give you a play by play.

OK first understand that Dueling Dragons is the old name for the coasters and they're now called Dragon's Challenge. There are 2 totally different types of roller coasters in this ride and you get to pick which one you want to do. There's the Chinese Fireball (formally known as Fire Dragon) then there's the Hungarian Horntail (formally known as the Ice Dragon), we'll call them red and blue for short. Each coaster has 5 inversions a piece, meaning they all go briefly upside down 5 times. I'll try to do this play by play as best as I can, it's been a while since I've been on these beauties.

Let's start with blue. I believe EE is a lot higher then these coasters but it will give you a different feeling while going up the lift hill since your feet will be dangling. After the lift, you'll make a downward (naturally) right turn, usually here is when one feels the strongest g's because the coaster needs to drop in order to gain the speed to finish the track. At the end of the right turn you start making a left turn then it will lift slightly straight and do your first inversion, a zero gravity roll. This is a type of spiral loop that turns you upside down counter-clockwise while going straight. It's over in about a second and you kind of wish there was more of them. After the Zero-G-roll you go straight and into a cobra roll. (my favorite.) These are invertions 2 and 3. Picture half a loop then at the top a right turn then left turn then the other half of the loop. It's nice to go through and nice to look at. After the Cobra roll you go down a little and up into a loop. This is invertion #4. (Just like RnRC but only smaller.) After this you make a nice long right turn and into your final invertion the ever popular Corkscrew. (Many, many looping coasters put these in towards the end of a ride.) It's a right corkscrew that loops you going straight. (Just like RnRC towards the end if you can remember.) Finally the coaster makes a small right turn then a left and it hits the breaks (Smoothly) and you're back at the station. All that excitement just lasted only 55 seconds, not including the lift hill. Can you believe it? That's it? It's a piece of cake, it's fun and I know you can do it. Now on to fire.

After the lift hill fire takes a left dive which ends in an Immelmann loop, your 1st inversion. It's like a long half loop but at the top spins and then takes you to the other side. To me this is more of a diving loop then a true Immelmann but I don't want to lose you with all the termninology. After that while going straight, you go up a little then down (love that part) and into another Immelmann loop (2nd invertion) but end up left this time. Next you curve straight again downward then up into a loop. (3rd invertion just like RnRC but only smaller.) After the loop you proceed on a long left turn and into a right Corkscrew, your 4th invertion. After that you make a left turn then straight for a bit then up and down like going over a small hill and finally into your last invertion another right Corkscrew. After the corkscrew you make a small left turn and into the brake run then back to the loading station. YAY!!! Another 55 seconds later and you've conquered your fear! I will say that from the time you're locked into your seat, go up slowly on the lift hill, actually ride, then slowly go back to the station after hitting the brakes, it does take about 2 minutes. The actual ride time is about 55 seconds though.

A nice element about these coasters is that at 3 times during your loops you come close to the other "Dragon", hence the old name Dueling Dragons. It's a fun theme and I think you'll notice it more on Red Dragon. This is why that one is my favorite.

Now about the exhale trick. You ever notice how people scream during a ride, believe it or not, that really helps while riding. People that don't normally ride tend to hold their breath specially during the first drop. This causes a painful feeling in your chest and stomach. It's also the g forces pushing your body back. My Fiancee had this problem and I told her, even if you don't want to scream your head off, just exhale or say woooooo or something. Once you do that, you don't feel anything but the wind.

Well, I hope this helps with your decision. I know that you can do these, specially with all that you've been on already. Piece of cake babe.

Let me know if you want a play by play of the Hulk. I'll be more than happy to help. Have fun.

No problem, anytime.

I will say that Manta has what they call a pretzel loop and that can catch you by surprise. I'm sure you can handle DC and Hulk. And don't worry about the bug scene in the Mummy, it's really quick and they're not in your face or anything. If you need any more Coaster or ride advice just post or pm me. I wish you and your family a fun and safe trip. Keep us posted when you get back.

Reviving this thread to ask for some much-needed last minute advice/details....

OK..... Disney Padawan!! I am coming back to you because you gave me the BEST advice!!! The time is nearing (unfortunately we had to cancel our summer trip) but fortunately, I was able to re-schedule my trip with my 14 yo son and we are headed out in 5 DAYS!

I have been doing so much reading the last few days all about HULK and DD and FJ and mummy....you get it, all about those unknown rides that I was stressing about!!

Well, I am about all "read out", but I thought I'd come back to you and take you up on that offer to give me a review of HULK, because of your encouragement that I may be ready....I am truly thinking of just doing it!!!
I've watched on line and I would really love to conquer this ride phobia I have!

I've re-lived my RcnRC experiences over in my mind too.....and you know what?? back in the summer, I was ready to say I don't want to ride that again.....but now......I am finding myself just ready to go do it, because, honestly....I did it before and was fine, so no need to re-hype myself up about it! I really don't want to let a ride intimidate me, I think I will just do it if my son wants to, after all.....half the fun is sharing the experience with him! I would love to get over this irrational fear, and just go on the coasters and have fun.....I don't like letting fear rule me! that is not fun.

Sooooo with that long-winded explanation, could you please give me your review of HULK, since you are so confident I can handle it!!! I'd love to come home and say.....You converted me from a ride chicken into someone who learned how to conquer the fear, go with the flow and have fun!

Thanks for all your support and advice, I have read and held onto every word!!

5 days to D day for us!

 

[Disney Padawan]

Reviving this thread to ask for some much-needed last minute advice/details....

OK..... Disney Padawan!! I am coming back to you because you gave me the BEST advice!!! The time is nearing (unfortunately we had to cancel our summer trip) but fortunately, I was able to re-schedule my trip with my 14 yo son and we are headed out in 5 DAYS!

I have been doing so much reading the last few days all about HULK and DD and FJ and mummy....you get it, all about those unknown rides that I was stressing about!!

Well, I am about all "read out", but I thought I'd come back to you and take you up on that offer to give me a review of HULK, because of your encouragement that I may be ready....I am truly thinking of just doing it!!!
I've watched on line and I would really love to conquer this ride phobia I have!

I've re-lived my RcnRC experiences over in my mind too.....and you know what?? back in the summer, I was ready to say I don't want to ride that again.....but now......I am finding myself just ready to go do it, because, honestly....I did it before and was fine, so no need to re-hype myself up about it! I really don't want to let a ride intimidate me, I think I will just do it if my son wants to, after all.....half the fun is sharing the experience with him! I would love to get over this irrational fear, and just go on the coasters and have fun.....I don't like letting fear rule me! that is not fun.

Sooooo with that long-winded explanation, could you please give me your review of HULK, since you are so confident I can handle it!!! I'd love to come home and say.....You converted me from a ride chicken into someone who learned how to conquer the fear, go with the flow and have fun!

Thanks for all your support and advice, I have read and held onto every word!!

5 days to D day for us!

Hi Marie!!!!! I always wondered how your trip went. Sorry to hear that it got postponed but hey, at least you're going now, and escaping that awful Canadian winter for a while.

Hope this post finds you well and in time. I know you said you were leaving soon. 1st I wanted to say that I know you can easily conquer these rides. Trust me when I tell you that I've converted many ride chickens and from what you've told me, you're more than half way there hun. I know you can easily do these just by your accomplishments already and the fact that you're willing to go again.

So, you want a play-by-play of the Hulk huh? ok no problem. (Warning: to all of those DIS'ers reading this that are not Marie, SPOILERS ahead.)

1st of all the Hulk is one of the best coasters in the United States! And even though it's becoming of age, it can still hold it's own with many of the modern coasters opening up cross country. I will say though, from my personal experience, I think it's best to ride anywhere from front row to about a couple of rows after the middle. I'm not a fan of the back rows of Hulk because I find the ride a little to bumpy specially for a steel coaster, when sitting back there. Anyway, the Hulk is a launch coaster meaning that it launches almost from the loading station. It has 7 inversions and is about 3700 feet in length. If I remember correctly, the story behind the Hulk ride is that we're visiting the lab of Dr. Bruce Banner (who is the man that turns into the Hulk when he gets angry) who is always desperately trying to reverse the effects of his condition. As we board the vehicles all systems check in and look good. We start our accend into "The Gamma Tube" which is a tunnel that's facing up. You'll hear the good doctor exclaim: "I think....I think this time it's going to work!" Next you hear the computer (womans voice) say: "warning....coolant levels dropping....warning" Dr. Banner yells: "No!....NO!!......NOOOO!!!!!!!!!" By the time you hear the 3rd "NO!" you're launched out of the gamma tube! You just did 0-40 in about 2 seconds!

The launch feels similar to RnRC but that's where that ends. Just remember the exhale trick I told you about and you'll have a blast! Try to listen so you can hear the Doctor speaking. Remember, it's the 3rd "NO!" and that's your queue to scream your head off because that's what everyone else will be doing.

I'm going to go through the 7 inversions now but just mention them by name. If you've forgotten what they mean, just refer back to the other post where I gave you a play-by-play of Dragon's Challenge. Most coasters all have similar inversions and the Hulk and Dragon's Challenge fall in that category.

Ok where was I? So right after you're launched from the Gamma Tube you'll do a Zero-gravity roll (inversion 1) dive, then up and over onto a massive Cobra Roll. (inversions 2 and 3.) Right after the cobra roll you'll dive and make a loop (inversion 4) and dive into a mist tunnel! From the tunnel you'll bank and go around the Gamma Tube and make a sharp Corkscrew (inversion 5) make a small dive into a smaller loop (inversion 6.) Following 2 sharp turns you'll go into the 1st brake run which slows the coaster down a little bit and then takes it through another Corkscrew (inversion 7.) Right after that you'll make another small dive and up for another sharp turn (or helix.) Don't forget to smile for the camera as the coaster makes one more helix and into the brake run and finally back to the station. Whew! All of that took just about 1 minute and 30 seconds! Yeah!!!

Piece of cake babe! I understand that it's natural to feel a little scared of the unknown and feel intimidated when you see this massive structure up close and personal but relax, really there's nothing to worry about. You've already done so much more than what other people would do (ride chickens I mean) and I know that you're ready to come out of your shell.

Remember you're there to have fun with your son and you've got nothing to fear, really! I know you can handle these rides and I know you'll be begging for more later. Don't let yourself or your son miss out on The Mummy, Spiderman, Harry Potter and all of the coasters at Universal Orlando! They're really some of the best rides in the world if not THE best rides in the world.

In closing I'd like to say that I believe in you and I know you'll come back the conquerer. You've done so much and you've got nothing, and I mean nothing, to worry about. So leave your feathers at home and go out and have a wonderful trip with your son. Go out and make those memories that both of you will never forget. Good Luck Marie and please let me know how everything went. Have fun.

 

[ocean134]

Since it's a while before labor day why don't you try watching the movies? There's a total of 6 right now and by the time you're done you'll have a better understanding of the world of Harry Potter. Just a thought.

BTW, Don't believe everything you read and go and see for yourself. Universal is on par with Disney, IOA is slightly better than anything they have and by all the reviews I keep reading WWOHP brings it up a couple of more notches.

I just returned from my most recent WDW, DCL and Universal/IOA vacation. It was our first visit to Universal and IOA and we were pleasantly pleased with both Universal and IOA. My family and I loved loved loved WWOHP (even those in the group who haven't read the books but have seen the movies). The ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is amazing! If you enjoy rides at all, you will enjoy this one. It was awesome!

 

[chimo2u]

Hi Marie!!!!! I always wondered how your trip went. Sorry to hear that it got postponed but hey, at least you're going now, and escaping that awful Canadian winter for a while.

Hope this post finds you well and in time. I know you said you were leaving soon. 1st I wanted to say that I know you can easily conquer these rides. Trust me when I tell you that I've converted many ride chickens and from what you've told me, you're more than half way there hun. I know you can easily do these just by your accomplishments already and the fact that you're willing to go again.

So, you want a play-by-play of the Hulk huh? ok no problem. (Warning: to all of those DIS'ers reading this that are not Marie, SPOILERS ahead.)

1st of all the Hulk is one of the best coasters in the United States! And even though it's becoming of age, it can still hold it's own with many of the modern coasters opening up cross country. I will say though, from my personal experience, I think it's best to ride anywhere from front row to about a couple of rows after the middle. I'm not a fan of the back rows of Hulk because I find the ride a little to bumpy specially for a steel coaster, when sitting back there. Anyway, the Hulk is a launch coaster meaning that it launches almost from the loading station. It has 7 inversions and is about 3700 feet in length. If I remember correctly, the story behind the Hulk ride is that we're visiting the lab of Dr. Bruce Banner (who is the man that turns into the Hulk when he gets angry) who is always desperately trying to reverse the effects of his condition. As we board the vehicles all systems check in and look good. We start our accend into "The Gamma Tube" which is a tunnel that's facing up. You'll hear the good doctor exclaim: "I think....I think this time it's going to work!" Next you hear the computer (womans voice) say: "warning....coolant levels dropping....warning" Dr. Banner yells: "No!....NO!!......NOOOO!!!!!!!!!" By the time you hear the 3rd "NO!" you're launched out of the gamma tube! You just did 0-40 in about 2 seconds!

The launch feels similar to RnRC but that's where that ends. Just remember the exhale trick I told you about and you'll have a blast! Try to listen so you can hear the Doctor speaking. Remember, it's the 3rd "NO!" and that's your queue to scream your head off because that's what everyone else will be doing.

I'm going to go through the 7 inversions now but just mention them by name. If you've forgotten what they mean, just refer back to the other post where I gave you a play-by-play of Dragon's Challenge. Most coasters all have similar inversions and the Hulk and Dragon's Challenge fall in that category.

Ok where was I? So right after you're launched from the Gamma Tube you'll do a Zero-gravity roll (inversion 1) dive, then up and over onto a massive Cobra Roll. (inversions 2 and 3.) Right after the cobra roll you'll dive and make a loop (inversion 4) and dive into a mist tunnel! From the tunnel you'll bank and go around the Gamma Tube and make a sharp Corkscrew (inversion 5) make a small dive into a smaller loop (inversion 6.) Following 2 sharp turns you'll go into the 1st brake run which slows the coaster down a little bit and then takes it through another Corkscrew (inversion 7.) Right after that you'll make another small dive and up for another sharp turn (or helix.) Don't forget to smile for the camera as the coaster makes one more helix and into the brake run and finally back to the station. Whew! All of that took just about 1 minute and 30 seconds! Yeah!!!

Piece of cake babe! I understand that it's natural to feel a little scared of the unknown and feel intimidated when you see this massive structure up close and personal but relax, really there's nothing to worry about. You've already done so much more than what other people would do (ride chickens I mean) and I know that you're ready to come out of your shell.

Remember you're there to have fun with your son and you've got nothing to fear, really! I know you can handle these rides and I know you'll be begging for more later. Don't let yourself or your son miss out on The Mummy, Spiderman, Harry Potter and all of the coasters at Universal Orlando! They're really some of the best rides in the world if not THE best rides in the world.

In closing I'd like to say that I believe in you and I know you'll come back the conquerer. You've done so much and you've got nothing, and I mean nothing, to worry about. So leave your feathers at home and go out and have a wonderful trip with your son. Go out and make those memories that both of you will never forget. Good Luck Marie and please let me know how everything went. Have fun.

Hi Disney Padawan!! Yes, I am still here.....and I am soooo happy I got your response before I depart tomorrow night!

Thanks for having such faith in me....I will have to bottle it up and bring it with me to remember when I begin to waver from the fear!

I really appreciate the play by play of HULK....one question, when you say the following: "The launch feels similar to RnRC but that's where that ends." is the launch Worse than RnRC??? or is it about the same intensity??? Also, will we lose our glasses off our faces on this ride?? I so want to get over this fear and JUST DO IT....I pray that I keep the faith you have in me!!!

One last question, I promise!! I have been hearing alot of reviews of people who LOVE the rollercoasters, etc.... having a very hard time on Forbidden Journey. I had almost decided to skip it, as I really don't want to get motion sick and feel awful through the whole ride/rest of the day!
What are your thoughts on the intensity of this ride? I already know i will be closing my eyes and peeking through fingers at the scary things that jump out at me (if I manage to get on this ride!).....so what do ya think???

Thanks again for all your help, I really hope I can come back and say thank you, thank you, thank you, I have graduated from Ride Chicken!

With much gratitude to you.....

Marie