Universal Studios Announces New Coaster For 2009

[ChrisFL]

I'm guessing you will get to pick your own. Otherwise, you could be sitting beside a perfect stranger who picked "Achy, Breaky Heart."

 

[Metro West]

I think I've figured out the whole loop thing. If you look at pictures of Top Thrill Dragster or Kingda Ka...the hill turns outside and you can across the top on the outside and then corkscrew down into the hill again...never going upside down. This would make the loop even more intense than going upside down. I think this is what they are talking about.

Check out this link for a picture of Kingda Ka. http://www.rcdb.com/ig2832.htm?picture=44

Make sense? Thoughts?

 

[riu girl]

Since the restraints aren't over the shoulder, the height restriction may be lower than the other IOA coasters. G-force (a similar ride by the same manufacturer with the same restraint systems) has a height restriction of 52 inches.

Thanks for your input.

 

[phamton]

Make sense? Thoughts?

I think you are probably correct.

 

[DOOM1001]

The loop sounds like something I can't wait to try!!I'm also wondering if it will be a simple chainlift to take you up the tower or maybe something faster like they have in Millenium Force over at Cedar Point where it gets you up that 300ft lift hill amazingly quick.I'm asking since I heard the coaster would be able to have 4 trains running at the same time on the track.Also do you think the Boneyard area will be impacted by the coaster,I couldn't imagine Universal getting rid of their big stage for concerts.

 

[Disney Padawan]

The loop sounds like something I can't wait to try!!I'm also wondering if it will be a simple chainlift to take you up the tower or maybe something faster like they have in Millenium Force over at Cedar Point where it gets you up that 300ft lift hill amazingly quick.I'm asking since I heard the coaster would be able to have 4 trains running at the same time on the track.Also do you think the Boneyard area will be impacted by the coaster,I couldn't imagine Universal getting rid of their big stage for concerts.

I would think it would be a chain lift, specially running 4 vehicles.

Can't wait till this opens!!! I'm glad Universal is getting more attractions, this should really help their attendance.

 

[meryll83]

I think I've figured out the whole loop thing. If you look at pictures of Top Thrill Dragster or Kingda Ka...the hill turns outside and you can across the top on the outside and then corkscrew down into the hill again...never going upside down. This would make the loop even more intense than going upside down. I think this is what they are talking about.

Check out this link for a picture of Kingda Ka. http://www.rcdb.com/ig2832.htm?picture=44

Make sense? Thoughts?

I just hope it's not as high as either of these!
Anyone know how high it's meant to be?

 

[Metro West]

I just hope it's not as high as either of these!
Anyone know how high it's meant to be?

I think the article said 167 feet tall...no where near the height of those. Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall!

 

[damo]

A bit more info from screamscape: sounds like a permanent stage will be built at the boneyard under parts of the coaster and possibly be named something resembling the "Hollywood stage". The letters of the word Hollywood seem to be part of the theming of the coaster according to the concept art. This could lead to more concerts at Universal. Sounds to me like integrating a new stage area could be a very cool theming aspect for the coaster and create a very unique stage! It looks to me like the billboard type of thing you see at the lift will be a giant screen used for music videos or to show what is going on on the stage during concerts.

Also, a bit more info about the seats of the new coaster from the manufacturer's website:

Press Release – September 2007
Maurer’s X-Car now equipped with a new
multi-media seat
Munich. An integrated sound system and a
video camera – these are the new features
added to the spectacular X-Seat of Munich
roller coaster producer Maurer Soehne.
Maurer Soehne’s patented X-Car has been
awarded several prizes for letting riders
experience the fun of inversions and uplifting
forces without disturbing shoulder or additional
leg harnesses.
Core of the X-Car is the X-Seat, the innovative
seat safety system, which also wins through its
excellent ergonomics, its first class design and
extraordinary quality. The amusement ride
professionals based in Munich do not rest on
their laurels but are adding new features to
their extraordinary seat system: the multi-media
version of the X-Set owns an integrated sound
system and a built in video camera.
The multi-media X-Seat’s back rest has been
extended to reach above the height of the
shoulders and is equipped with stereo
loudspeakers. The passengers may individually
choose his favoured music piece and adjust the
volume by using the control panel installed in
the hip bar.
The video option of the multi-media X-Seat has
a camera integrated into the reverse of the
seat’s back rest. It takes an on-ride video of the
passenger. This high-value extra produces a
special kick and creates an unforgettable
experience. When built in together, the sound
and the video system clearly increase the
attraction of each and every X-Car Coaster.

 

[meryll83]

I think the article said 167 feet tall...no where near the height of those. Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall!

Thank goodness!

I thought I read somewhere that RRR was to be the highest coaster in Orlando, but I thought Kraken and the Hulk were around the 199ft mark

 

[Metro West]

Thank goodness!

I thought I read somewhere that RRR was to be the highest coaster in Orlando, but I thought Kraken and the Hulk were around the 199ft mark

Actually...RRR will be the tallest in Orlando. Kraken is 149', Hulk is 110' and Dueling Dragons are 125' each side.

 

[Figment22]

It will be the tallest Orlando coaster but the Sentinel article was wrong here:

Although it will be the tallest coaster in Central Florida and one of the fastest in the state,

Sheikra's 200 ft. tall IIRC. Tampa's not Central Florida?

 

[damo]

It will be the tallest Orlando coaster but the Sentinel article was wrong here:


Sheikra's 200 ft. tall IIRC. Tampa's not Central Florida?

Apparently the Sentinel article was wrong on many accounts but that doesn't seem to be anything new when it comes to the Sentinel and Universal.


There more I look at the concept art and think about it, the more theming I see. It looks to me like the screen on the lift tower will be used for music videos or for concert video during concerts.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Yeah, I noticed that in the concept art. I was trying to make out if it was a still from a Britney Spears performance.

Kinda looks like it.

 

[Metro West]

I was trying to make out if it was a still from a Britney Spears performance. Kinda looks like it.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Finally. They received my letters.

 

[Metro West]

Finally. They received my letters.

Dude...you're killing me with the Britney vision.

 

[dvc_john]

We went to the preview center for the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, and the description of this coaster sounds similiar to one they are building there. (music, videos, etc.)
Maybe once that park opens this spring someone can ride the one there and report back.

 

[damo]

The one at Myrtle Beach, Led Zeppelin – The Ride , is made by B&M with over the shoulder restraints. Riders don't get to choose their own music either. I think it is similar to Rock'n'roller coaster in that the same song is piped into everyone's seats. The ride itself shouldn't be much different than Hulk or Kumba at Busch Gardens. Rockit should be a completely different experience with no over the shoulder restraints.

 

[CPanther95]

Tampa is on the West coast of Florida. I can see them not considering them "central" Florida.