Wonderland and Universal Ride Comparisons

[Mortlives]

Has anyone been to both? How does Duelling Dragons compare to Wonderland rollercoasters (near miss aside)? Is it bigger, steeper, scarier than Dragonfyre? More extreme than TopGun? How about the Hulk (launch aside)? By Wonderland's ratings are these a 3? 4? 5?

Thanks in advance,
Morticia (who really likes to know what to expect)

 

[CharlesTD]

the rides themselves from what I understand from friends that have been to Universal and Wonderland they are about the same. If you are looking for actual thrill rides I would save your money and go to Cedar Point before going to either Wonderland or US/IOA.

 

[hockey mom]

MY kids have been to both many times and they say there is no comparison at all. Universal/IOA rides are much better. They gave the wonderland rides a 3 and IOA coasters a 5+.

 

[Mortlives]

If you are looking for actual thrill rides I would save your money and go to Cedar Point before going to either Wonderland or US/IOA.

Actually, it's the opposite. I'm trying to make sure the rides I'm asking about aren't too thrilling. I figured if someone who has done them both would say Hulk was no more intense than Dragonfyre or Vortex, I'd be right there. But if Duelling Dragons is Top Gun or better, I'll watch from the sidelines.

 

[maryliz]

Is Duelling Dragons the one with Fire/Ice? DH said that "Fire" is so intense that at one point, your field of vision goes black as if you're about to pass out. The "Ice" side is more tame, so I've heard!

Just remember, the rides are over so quick that you don't even have time to be scared ! Do you like Rock'n'Roller coaster? I find it more intense than Dragonfire or Vortex at PCW. But I love 'em !

MaryLiz

 

[damo]

First of all, the big roller coasters at IOA are made by B&M, the top roller coaster manufacturers in the world. Their coasters are very, very smooth and cannot be compared to the crap coasters that bang you around at Wonderland. I have been on the coasters at IOA many times and have never felt the sensation of blacking out nor has anyone that I know. Hulk has a launch that is much much more intense than the Italian Job launches at Wonderland. All three large coasters at IOA have many inversions and are not for the weak of heart. The drops are really not the intense parts of these coasters.

My advice is to sit in the front row and keep your eyes open. That way your brain is always aware of where your body is going and you will be less likely to get motion sick.

Although the rides look intense, give them a try. They are great rides that really cannot be compared to Wonderland's coasters at all.

Then next year, head out to Cedar point and ride Millenium Force and Dragster!!!

 

[Mortlives]

My advice is to sit in the front row and keep your eyes open. That way your brain is always aware of where your body is going and you will be less likely to get motion sick.

Except, I don't have motion sickness, I'm afraid of heights. I can manage the DragonFyre, and quite liked Tomb Raider and Vortex, but I've never been on Top Gun, and can't imagine anything good would come of me trying it. I like Rock'n'RollerCoaster, but it's in the dark so height is not an issue. Tower of Terror is enclosed, so I can do that handily, I just close my eyes at the top window.

I'm getting the impression that the Universal roller coasters are something I would enjoy more from the ground. Of course, I'm getting the same impression of JPA. Oh, well, kiddy rides'r'us.

 

[marylou]

I too am afraid of hieights and did not have any problems with any of the coasters you mentioned. I don't recall doing Hulk but top gun i don't like because your head gets banged around alot and you lose half the ride trying to protect yourself from injury. Dragon fire, vortex, fire& ice are all great rides. The one I hated the most at Universal was a kiddy ride. They have these swingy things that go out and around on a track and scared the bejesus out of me because I didn't feel "safe" i.e. a decent harness. Would never ever do that one again and it looked pretty tame too which is why I tried it with my 2 year old. He had a great time and i was petrified. All in all I much preferred the 3 D movies.

 

[aengus]

If your fear is only of heights I think you will love both dueling dragons and hulk, neither are famous for the drops, its the inversions and the well thought out track layout that are intense. They are both great coasters!!!!! I guess its they are three great coasters!!! I also have never almost blacked out on dueling dragons nor have I heard of anyone I ever went with. Definitely get on Fire & Ice seperately, they have enough slight differences to give a totally different ride!

 

[Mortlives]

Hmmm.... sounds like they might be doable... What's that thing called -- A "triple threat of extinction?"

 

[damo]

You can do it! Make sure you go and ride the Mummy as well. The drops on it are very small but the ride is loads of fun.

 

[spewey]

Not only are B&M coasters the smoothest around, they are also the safest. I don't know, though, if that will help you with the fear of heights ...

They are serious, world-class coasters, on a whole other level than those at Wonderland (and are - IMHO - as thrilling as anything at Cedar Point). But it is true neither really get their thrills from their height, or drops - Hulk has a great launch, and Dragons is more known for speed and disorienting loops. Universal also has the Mummy, which I love - and it has little height to speak of.

The scariest drops in either park, keep in mind, are on two water rides - JPA and Dudley Do-Right. JPA's really isn't that bad, but Dudley has one of the scariest drops I've ever been on. They are both great rides, though, and you can get good looks at the drops before you decide if they are for you. Of course, regulars know the biggest drop of all - 400 feet - is on Spiderman ...