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Universal Orlando (Studios/IOA/Epic Universe) : General Discussion

They are currently imroving much of there hardware and bringing in some automated systems on some rides, there are also reports that many rides are going to get a little TLC other than there hardware improvements. With the Hulk possibley getting the glowing track that was originally proposed.

In other news Hulk stalled on Tuesday, but reopened th following day.
 
Plastic Person said:
That's a rather extreme measure! As for Dragon Challenge duelling once again, apparently the relevant equipment to measure the trains to assist with that happening have long since been removed, so I wouldn't put too much stock in that rumour, unfortunately.
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Is that to weigh the trains so they duel perfectly in the loop? Even if it couldn't weight the trains, if you sent the trains out together you'd still get a reasonable duelling effect.
 
I don't think there's any relevant equipment to remove? I'm sure I read that it's all done in the ride's PLC, using the current that the lift motor draws to work out the weight and adjust accordingly :p
 
Construction update on Kong (spoiler tags due to heavy image usage):

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More images can be found at OPTN.
 
A few more Kong photos from earlier this week on Orlando Theme Park News:

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Looking good! It does seem to be progressing well but I suppose we have no idea how much work they may or may not have done inside the building. Although unlikely I'm praying they get a move on and try for a soft opening in September! :p

:)
 
The team on Orlando United reckon it will be summer 2016 before it opens. I'm over there in September too and I've asked the question on there and they said no chance for September softs.
 
It's a very unusual situation, from what well informed people are saying, it is still not known what exactly what is being built. A motorised based transit, a slot car or a tracked ride. There are no signs of internal construction, which I imagine will start shortly. There are also rumours going about that the ride itself has been significantly shortened, then lengthened, then shortened. And it's still not been officially announced, although they have made it completely obvious what it's going to be.

I for one think it going to go up pretty quickly, especially if it's going to be a motorised vehicle based, which I think it is hence why there are no signs of track of any sort. So probably a holiday season time opening is still a good possibility.
 
Plastic Person said:
Latest word is that the cars are trackless, and wireless, but will play host to a 'driver' component of some sort.
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That would make sense, I think Antarctica at Seaworld was almost developed and tested entirely offsite in a warehouse. So all we know the ride itself could be making good progress and almost ready, and all that leaves is the internal theming and the giant kong, which also can be made offsite.

One thing that worries me with trackless rides, (I've only been on Antarctica) is that the car movements are restrictive. A lot of spinning and some judders, but it will be interesting if they do do trackless how they make it more thrilling.
 
According to Teebin on OU the ride vehicle will be similar tech to this



Also rumour has it that Creature Technology are making the AA for Kong, if so it could be quite spectacular

http://www.creaturetechnology.com/

Taken from their website

"Watch this space! Before long The Creature Technology Company will be in a position to announce the next exciting project in the works. All we can tell you now is that it is big. It is spectacular. And it is animatronic. But I guess you kind of figured that already..."
 
Plastic Person said:
Latest word is that the cars are trackless, and wireless, but will play host to a 'driver' component of some sort.
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Somewhat like the Great Movie ride at HS then, except completely unguided. Which would be good as that is an excellent concept.
 
Metal detectors have been introduced for a number of days now, and from general consensus it's not going down well.

Hulk photos
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Dragons Challenge

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So just to run through all those photos, new queues have been placed at the entrance of each ride, in an airport style system once you have been checked ups can proceed to the main queue. The new queues have caused a more problems in Hogsmeade where space war already small.

Another problem is that you can no longer take a camera through the queue, even with family members who don't want to ride. Which is a shame for Dragons Challenge which has an amazing queue, another thing is that you can no longer use the queue cut after you've ridden it.

I'd imagine soon they will be placed in more of a permanent place, possible getting more scanners, as they are causing a bottleneck. But when people are used to them they soon will get used to not allowed anything and probably wouldn't need much of a pre queue.

Photos from Serth Kerbersky, Touring Plans
 
Are coasters dispatching with empty airgates because of this? I'd be surprised if they can get people through the scanners quick enough to match the throughput of Dueling Dragons. Jesus...
 
Dragons challenge is walk on even on busy times anyway, so with that respect it's just adding a little waiting. But that ride itself is a bit of a mystery, Universal have managed to turn the most popular coaster in the two parks with queues over an hour, to a walk on coaster.
 
I can only imagine this is the sudden reaction to the gun being in brought into the Hollywood park. Although why they don't just have one set of detectors at the entrance I don't know.
 
I think it's more of a reaction to people deliberately throwing from rides, they seem pretty determined to that people take absolutely nothing onto the ride
 
Dar said:
I can only imagine this is the sudden reaction to the gun being in brought into the Hollywood park. Although why they
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I think a couple of these metal detectors pre dated that incident.

DiogoJ42 said:
Hat the hell man? What next, TSA pat downs and nude body scanners?!?
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They certainly are a little OTT on safety. But then again they do have people wanting to cause harm by throwing coins and what not, which is crazy. But think they try and remove common sense out of the equation. Like all stations are enclosed with gates at the front of rides or gates that only allow entry to your seat.

They Have also done pat downs quite often, especially at Mardi Gras, where they usually get, let's call them fruity clientele, because of this they also ban all liquid going into the park, with only empty bottles being permitted. With the aim of stopping alcohol being brought into the park.
 
This is utter stupidity. Not looking forward to this in September and if it is an annoyance I shall be giving feedback accordingly.

:)
 
Sam said:
Are coasters dispatching with empty airgates because of this? I'd be surprised if they can get people through the scanners quick enough to match the throughput of Dueling Dragons. Jesus...
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Please note that this attraction has not been known as Dueling Dragons since 2009.

Many thanks.

;)
 
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