Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Expected to open Weekend 28th May
Universal’s state-of-the-art mind blowing new attraction will be based within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This mysterious new ride has been cloaked in secrecy but will not disappoint Harry Potter fans. Universal has confirmed the ride wil be based on scenes from the Harry Potter films and will be a robo-arm controlled ride-through. Rumours suggest a broomstick ride. Universal claim the new ride will be thrilling but ”couldn’t be further away from a roller coaster”.
Expected to open weekend 28th May
Dragon Challenge Review
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure is scheduled to open Spring 2010.
Dragon Challenge is the worlds only dueling inverted coaster.
Universal’s Dueling Dragons roller coaster is being transformed into Dragon Challenge and will be based on the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
The original theming of the queue area through the claustrophobic castle passages of Dueling Dragons was incredible and I am sure Universal will not disappoint Harry Potter fans with their attention to detail.
Choose your dragon, either the ferocious Hungarian Horntail or the aggressive Chinese Fireball. The laden dragons are weighed before the tournament to ensure the timing of the duels provide the near miss experience. The dragons climb the lift hill and then split into two opposing rides reaching speeds of 55mph. The roller coasters duel each other 5 times passing within 18″ in places and narrowly missing castle walls. Enjoy the feeling of gliding towards the ground and then suddenly swooping up into another inversion on this magical rollercoaster.
Five inversions, corkscrew, immelmann loop, cobra roll, vertical loops, near misses with dueling coaster, worth waiting for front row seats.
Dueling Dragons is my favorite coaster in Orlando, ridden both dragons many times, still don’t have a favorite. I am addicted to the smooth exhilarating speed and thrilling ride of these unmissable coasters.
Dragon Challenge is 125ft high with drop of 115ft. Awesome 2 minutes 25 seconds unique roller coaster, not to be missed.
Expected to open weekend 28th May
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Review
Universal Studios, Orlando
Eagerly awaited unique interactive roller coaster the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opened August 2009. Universal Orlando claims their latest attraction to be the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world.
Choose your song and record your own music video (which you can edit and buy at end of ride) whilst riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Use a personal touch pad located in the lap bar to select your track, over 30 song choices ranging from rock, pop, country, punk and club.
Vertical lift hill 167ft tall will be the tallest in Orlando area followed by vertical loops, sideways loops, crowd surfer and 540 degree helix. Features worlds first non-inverted loop which will keep riders upright at the top of the loop. Top speed 65mph, 3 minutes of first-ever thrills, a must for thrill seekers.
I love coasters but was daunted by the thought of the 16 second climb up the vertical lift hill but after one ride I was addicted. The first drop was followed by a series of different loops and twists and the coaster smoothly rocked along the track. I found the Rip Ride Rockit not as aggressive a ride as The Hulk and Dueling Dragons but this coaster is lots of fun especially front row.
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Kraken Roller Coaster Review
SeaWorld, Orlando
Located in Seaworld Orlando Kraken is a steel floorless rollercoaster based on a legendary sea monster. Exceptional, smooth and exhilarating reaching top speed of 65mph and producing G-forces of 3.9.
Built by Bolliger + Mabillard, Kraken will satisfy even experienced roller coaster enthusiasts.
Once securely fastened in pedestal style seats (sit on your shoes if they are not tied on your feet) the floor disappears and Kraken rises 149ft up the first lift hill and then plunges 144ft, awesome.
7 Inversions, zero-gravity roll, cobra roll, 119ft vertical loop and diving loops, riding the Kraken roller coaster is an unforgettable experience. I was anxious whilst waiting to board Kraken for the first time but it was so addictive I had to go straight back on it again. I liked the speed, the swooping into subterranean tunnels and the smoothness of this dynamic rollercoaster. The floorless element also added to the feeling of being out of control whilst rationally you know you are safe.
One of my favorite rides in Orlando, 3 minutes 39 seconds of incredible thrills, not to be missed.
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Revenge Of The Mummy The Ride Review
Universal Studios, Orlando
Feel as if you are in the movies on Revenge Of The Mummy The Ride located in Universal Studios, Orlando. This multi- sensory psychological thrill ride plunges riders into darkness to face fire, mummies and scarab beetles.
Indoor steel roller coaster reaching speeds of 45mph due to a Linear Induction Launch system. The mine cars hurtles riders forwards backwards and upwards, high speed twists and turns, fun in the dark as you don’t know what to expect next.
Worth a couple of rides on this fun coaster for the special effects.
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Manta Roller Coaster Review
SeaWorld, Orlando
Perhaps the closest experience of flying we will ever have, Manta is unlike any other roller coaster ride. Manta is a steel flying coaster swooping and diving over the lagoon below.
Built by Bolliger + Mabillard for SeaWorld Orlando Manta was launched Spring 2009. Designed to simulate the underwater flight of a Manta ray the wings of this unique coaster skim the waves of the lagoon.
The roller coaster cars are suspended below the track and riders are treated to a smooth fantastical journey in a horizontal position. Once riders are securely harnessed in to their seats the coaster car maneuvers them into a superhero position. Riders face down head first as the coaster climbs the first lift hill and then takes ’flight’ gliding 113ft on the first drop. Diving close to the lagoon below, a spray of water is triggered as the coaster passes, narrowly missing waterfalls and surrounding scenery the Manta experience is unforgettable and intense.
Manta is 140ft high and 3359ft length of track.
4 Inversions, pretzel loop, in-line roll, 2 corkscrews Manta reaches speeds of 60mph. Choose a seat at the back to feel the strongest G-forces. The pretzel loop on the back seat is extremely intense, I did not want to experience the back row more than once! Definitely the strongest G-forces I have felt on a roller coaster. I would recommend front row for your first ride on Manta if you prefer a more comfortable graceful ride and dislike the view of other riders feet.
As you would expect with a world-class attraction in Orlando’s SeaWorld the pre-ride waiting area is worth a look even if you do not want to ride the Manta Roller Coaster. Floor to ceiling aquariums filled with leopard rays, shark rays, sea dragons and Octopus. Over 3000 animals and fish in themed underwater habitats.
Exhilarating 2 minutes 30 seconds breath-taking ride, not to be missed if you like extreme rides.
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith Review
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando
The Rock ‘n’ Roller roller coaster starring Aerosmith in Disney’s Hollywood studios is an enclosed steel roller coaster and a must if you like high speed thrills.
Great atmosphere whilst queuing in the Aerosmith memorabilia area with their soundtrack pumping out specially recorded tracks. Go through the Aerosmith recording studio and finally into the dimly lit boarding area. First time riders anxiously watch riders board their stretch limo cars before take off. Keep your head back in the head rest and enjoy Aerosmith through the on-board audio system.The countdown 3-2-1 and then the cars are blasted from 0-100kmph in 2.8 seconds.
The feeling of speed is incredible, instinctively I forced my feet into the base of the car, subconsciously looking for the breaks. The LSM launch system which uses electro magnets to propel the coaster is very effective. Riders feel G-forces of 4.5 as they enter the first inversion, more than an astronaut feels on a shuttle launch.
The intense high speed launch leading into the first 360 degree loop is my favorite part of this roller coaster.
3 Inversions 2 roll-overs, corkscrew, this is a high energy ride in a neon-lit smoke filled atmosphere. Enough light from the lighting rig to see some of the track ahead and the soundtrack co-ordinates to different segments of the ride.
The Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster is 80ft high and after launch zooms smoothly at 57mph.
Awesome 1 minute 22 second adrenalin fueled ride, you will want to jump straight back on to experience it again.
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The Hulk Roller Coaster Review
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Located near the entrance in Orlando’s Islands of Adventure The Hulk Roller Coaster is definitely worth waiting 40 minutes to experience an adrenaline packed 2 minutes 15 seconds of terrifying fun. The intense roar of the parks flagship coaster and the screams of the riders add to the anticipation whilst waiting in the boarding area.
My favourite part of The Hulk is the launch which propels riders from 0-40 mph in 2 seconds.
The Hulk was manufactured by Bolliger + Mabillard and the launch lift hill was especially commissioned. The launch requires as much thrust as a US Air-Force F16 jet, awesome and intense.
This green steel coaster feels fast at 67mph, not the tallest at 110ft but I loved the launch and the dips into the fog filled subterranean tunnels.
Intense G-forces, 7 inversions, cobra roll over the water, vertical loop, corkscrew, definitely in my top 5 favorite coasters.
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Dueling Dragons (Fire) Roller Coaster Review
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Even this HD video cannot prepare you for this incredible steel roller coaster. Dual tracked suspended dueling coaster the fire ride is 3200 ft long and the drop is 115 ft. I am scared of heights but after this exhilarating ride I am addicted to the combination of speed and excitement. Definitely worth waiting an extra 20 minutes to get front row seats.
The Fire and Ice dragon coasters dual each other 5 times, feels incredibly close at times (18″). Have ridden both coasters many times but hard to pick a favorite. One enthusiast managed to ride Dueling Dragons 64 times in one day, presuming he had an Express Pass!
In awe at the level of detail Universal lavished on the dragons castle. I went in October when the queues where minimal and confined to the final boarding area. Can imagine the wait in the peak times stretching back through the claustrophobic creepy corridors to the castle entrance, however this is one amazing ride which should not be missed.
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Dueling Dragons (Ice) roller coaster review
Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando
Awesome dueling roller coaster located in Islands of Adventure, Orlando. Choose between Fire and Ice, this dual tracked coaster passes each other (within 18″) 5 times. Exhilarating coaster (sit on your flip flops or lose them) which reaches 55mph is one of my favourite rides in Orlando.
Five inversions, corkscrew, vertical loops, worth getting there early and avoid the queues to get front row seats. 125ft high, 2 minutes 25 seconds pure adrenalin rush, one ride will not satisfy if you are into big thrill rides.
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(12 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
(6 votes, average: 4.17 out of 5)
