So what exactly changed on Ripsaw Falls?

[HauntedMansionFan]

The title of this thread pretty much sums it up. I know that during it's recent refurb that they rebuilt the drop, some have claimed that it isn't so arched, some have claimed that it is more intense, etc, etc. So what exactly changed about the drop? Anyone? Bueller? Ferris Bueller?

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Nobody knows?

 

[phamton]

Here's some pictures that my youngest son took of the new and improved Ripsaw Falls.

Go to: http://www.ioacentral.com/ Then click on "April 4, 2004 Universal Orlando Resort Update." The click on page 8 and 9. I tried to do a direct link but he has a block on direct links there.

It is not steeper or longer. The work carried out was to just change the track, not the drop. So it is smoother, faster and the logs are secured to the track, losing the airborne feeling. The drop used to have more of a curve which "pushed" the guests out from their seat, but now, the drop plunges straight down.

They gave it some new paint, and you don't get quite as wet as before. The ride felt pretty much the same as before for me. The only difference I can think of is when the boat reaches the bottom of the hill, it is now smoother. I know you used to get quite a jolt when you hit the bottom, and I heard some people complaining of hitting their faces with the back of the sit in front. That seems to be gone now .

 

[robvia]

Great. Now why can't they do something about BTTF since everyone complains about being tossed around like rocks in a tumbler?

Just make it do gentle turns like Soaring Over California and forget about the shaking, because it's not fun.

 

[damo]

Originally posted by robvia
Great. Now why can't they do something about BTTF since everyone complains about being tossed around like rocks in a tumbler?

Just make it do gentle turns like Soaring Over California and forget about the shaking, because it's not fun.

Ya, what he said!!!

 

[Antonia]

What's BTTF??

 

[gschmerl]

Originally posted by Antonia
What's BTTF??

That would be Back To The Future in US. It's VERY jerky--not good if you have a bad back.

 

[highlander447]

And if u don't have a bad back u may have when u get off

 

[Prince Eric1]

and maybe a headache from getting your head bumped into the side of the car several times, and maybe severe motine sickness. This is one ride desperately in need of a revamp. This and Body Wars at Disney make my wife and I seriously ill.

 

[Selina]

Totally agree. BTTF and Body Wars made me very ill. I had to lay down for 2 hours - no ride made me feel so sick and completely shaken up inside. What's so sad is the rides could be really good.

 

[themepark]

I just wanted to add that I agree about BTTF (and Body Wars). And sadly, BTTF is a good ride in concept. The way you are led in and seated in the DeLorean is very cool. It gives you the idea that you are the only ones on the ride. And I do love the BTTF movies so I was very excited about riding this for the first time. I have now ridden it 3 times total and will never ride it again. The last time, I rode in the back of the car and my head pounded into the back of the seat for the whole ride plus something was pulling my hair. I was miserable. All I could think the entire time was "when will this be over" and "please don't let me puke at least until the ride is over." I didn't get sick but felt bad for the rest of the day.

Back on topic...I love Ripsaw Falls and can't wait to ride it again next month. It was still closed when I was there in March.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Originally posted by themepark
I just wanted to add that I agree about BTTF (and Body Wars). And sadly, BTTF is a good ride in concept. The way you are led in and seated in the DeLorean is very cool. It gives you the idea that you are the only ones on the ride. And I do love the BTTF movies so I was very excited about riding this for the first time. I have now ridden it 3 times total and will never ride it again. The last time, I rode in the back of the car and my head pounded into the back of the seat for the whole ride plus something was pulling my hair. I was miserable. All I could think the entire time was "when will this be over" and "please don't let me puke at least until the ride is over." I didn't get sick but felt bad for the rest of the day.

Back on topic...I love Ripsaw Falls and can't wait to ride it again next month. It was still closed when I was there in March.

Lori... I have to agree 100% with you... me & the kids do not ride this because of the head banging... Universal really needs to update this .... or at least fix it. There is no reason for that to happen. If the seats were higher and padded.... not just attached to the wall it would help. The worst seats are the back outside ones...not only do you bang the back..but the side as well

 

[SpideyHulk24]

I usually take tylenol before riding. Seriously. I agree it's painful, but I enjoy it too much!...the attraction, that is.

 

[ksdave]

Hey, DM, have any of the employees ever mentioned to management about all of the complaints on these boards about BTTF? I don't do the ride either due to the severe motions. If they backed it off about 25%, I could probably do it. But the way it is right now, I just can't do it.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by ksdave
Hey, DM, have any of the employees ever mentioned to management about all of the complaints on these boards about BTTF? I don't do the ride either due to the severe motions. If they backed it off about 25%, I could probably do it. But the way it is right now, I just can't do it.

That I don't know. I do agree that BTTF does need a revamp, and hopefully it gets one soon.

 

[degrapevine]

I really like the movie and theming of the BTTF ride,
but I agree that the back seats (especially the outside ones) give you a pounding.
Whenever we ride this ride, during the preshow,
I position myself right by the automatic doors
so I can run inside as soon as they open and get in the front seat.
My husband always (love that guy!) takes the outside seat
so I can sit in one of the middle two seats.
If you can get in one of those two seats, the ride isn't so bad.
I wish there was a way to make it not so jarring.
Why doesn't Spiderman make you feel that way?
It's essentially a simulator ride, just a moving one.
I guess 10 years (a guess?) of technology advancement makes a big difference.
Anyway, if you're prone to back or neck problems,
you should avoid BTTF (as the signs read).
(Too bad there isn't a stationary seat option!)
For myself, the chicken dance portion of Jimmy Neutron
is the worst ... all that bouncing is killer for "amply endowed" women!
(I've learned to wrap my arms tightly across my chest
right before it starts ... that helps alot!)

 

[WeirdEyes]

We have ridden BTTF many, many times. We are ALWAYS stuck on the back row. When we go in July, we have vowed that we will get on the front row or die! I am willing to bribe someone if I have to.

I always take Bonine before I head to the parks. I get motion sickness and still get a little quesy riding BTTF even after taking the Bonine. I usually only ride it once during our visits. My son is a HUGE BTTF fan though and he rides it at least 10 times.