Rip, Ride, Rockit!

[Hedy]

You should be in luck.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/07/universal-studios-hollywood-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster-opening.html

Park employees should be testing next week (unlike the actual crew members and engineers that have been seen on it), according to the Sentinel, so a soft opening should begin after a day or two of that.

The only dreadful news is that the ride is slated to open with just two of the cars running. These are tiny, 12 passenger cars. Wait times will likely be in the HOURS with that kind of capacity. I expect capacity to scale quickly, but this is NOT going to be a ride that you want to hit in the late afternoon UNLESS you're staying on-site.

So it's still possible it may be when I'm there. Sakes alive though, this has been one drawn out announcement.

 

[Mad Hattered]

They put the "rings" on the lift hill today so it's getting closer!!

 

[damo]

They put the "rings" on the lift hill today so it's getting closer!!

Hopefully the banner is up tomorrow.

 

[keishashadow]

Gee that's really quite heartbreaking coming from a local.

Some of us with a short window to ride it are still a bit hopeful.

while i understand the need for safety & thorough construction, testing, last i checked the U site it said 'summer'

Shhh!!! July 27, 2009

from ur lips, or anytime between 7/28 & 7/31 would work for mehave ur people call my people

new AP email in my box today, touting the ride front & center, maybe an omen?

 

[sditty]

We just back on Monday night and we were also told by a TM that ownership had not been turned over to them yet and that is why it was only engineers and such that had ridden it so far. He also that they were told by management that a soft opening would be happening but he did not know when and that upon official opening there would not be any express. I asked him if that was permenant or just for awhile and he said they told him no final decision had been made but definitely for awhile. So just thought I would throw in my 2 cents worth of rumors from a TM.

 

[macraven]

it is normal not to have the express line when a premier ride opens.

the express line would open later.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I will be going to Universal the week of 8/9. My doc already has told me (once again) no coasters for me, heck no rides that will jerk me period. So while it may be open when I am there, it won't do me any good...
My DD's might want to get there early enough to wait on the line, while I shop..... around the shops that is....

 

[Metro West]

I will be going to Universal the week of 8/9. My doc already has told me (once again) no coasters for me, heck no rides that will jerk me period. So while it may be open when I am there, it won't do me any good...

My doctor told me the same thing so you aren't alone.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

My doctor told me the same thing so you aren't alone.

you wanna do a meet with me while I am there. I will be in Orlando 8/9-16th.. I know you live near there.. we can "look" at the rides together I am thinking I can do ET

 

[Metro West]

you wanna do a meet with me while I am there. I will be in Orlando 8/9-16th.. I know you live near there.. we can "look" at the rides together I am thinking I can do ET

I could only meet on a weekend day and it would have to be early...I can't stand the heat with the meds I'm on. I'll be glad when fall arrives.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I could only meet on a weekend day and it would have to be early...I can't stand the heat with the meds I'm on. I'll be glad when fall arrives.

what about Sat 8/15...9am
if that is good, maybe anyone else that will be there during that time frame might want to join????????

 

[Metro West]

what about Sat 8/15...9am
if that is good, maybe anyone else that will be there during that time frame might want to join????????

Yeah...that'll wiork and I'll stay as long as I can. Send me a PM so I don't forget.

Sorry for the hijack...and now back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Not a hijack.. it is open to all that will be there during that time frame. This is a Rip Ride Rocket thread.. and we are some that cannot ride rides.. so for all that cannot ride rides & will be in Universal Studios on Sat 8/15 would you like to join us. I do have 2 DD's that ride. Not sure if they will both be with me at that point... maybe we can get a mini meet... the NON-Rip-Ride-Rocket Riders.....(only for this meet though.. I will get on there )

 

[CEO]

it is normal not to have the express line when a premier ride opens.

the express line would open later.

I don't know about that. Most of the recent additions -- Simpsons, Mummy -- opened with Express available. Now that the park actually sells Express, it would actually detract from sales if the most popular ride was NOT available.

And the signs on the ride ALREADY have three entrances (stand by, Express, single rider). Naturaly they can cover up "Express" but it seems unlikely (unless the limited capacity noted in the Sentinel proves true).

And don't get excited about the single-rider option. As anyone who has seen the slow crawl on the single-rider at Everest, rides that load two-across are crummy single-rider options (since they usually just pair up odd-numbered parties).

 

[macraven]

the express lines were not open the first few days on those rides.
the express lines were there, but not used those first few days.

for a few of them, i was staying on site and all had to use the regular line when it opened.

 

[msminniemouse]

the express lines were not open the first few days on those rides.
the express lines were there, but not used those first few days.

for a few of them, i was staying on site and all had to use the regular line when it opened.

About how long after it has been open, do they have express option available?

 

[Metro West]

About how long after it has been open, do they have express option available?

Not to be vague but it depends on how loading is going and how many people are getting to ride it. I would guess two to three weeks maybe?

 

[CEO]

the express lines were not open the first few days on those rides.
the express lines were there, but not used those first few days.

for a few of them, i was staying on site and all had to use the regular line when it opened.

Macraven, are you referring to the soft openings/technical rehearsals? If so, yes, they only use the standby queue (at least through the first few days of soft opening runs). However, the day they have the official grand opening with all of the invited media and the park maps list it as an actual attraction (and not "coming soon") they both should have opened with the Express queues in tact.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

And don't get excited about the single-rider option. As anyone who has seen the slow crawl on the single-rider at Everest, rides that load two-across are crummy single-rider options (since they usually just pair up odd-numbered parties).

20 mins in the single riders line > 75 for the regular line.

 

[MelanieC]

Still impatiently tapping fingers.