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

This will be based on the Hollywood attraction that opened in June this year, which features an immersive tunnel, which is also what the main part of the kong attraction is.
 
I don't doubt that, but it starts to get a bit samey.
I originally though the same to be honest, but after riding Spiderman and Transformers within about half an hour of each other, they are completely different experiences. Both amazing in their own right. Transformers edging it mind.

I could never get tired of rides like that. They do take some beating...
 
Yawn, no interest in this and slightly annoyed that Universal are closing another ride at extremely short notice.

Far more interested in the likely upcoming Nintendo and Harry Potter stage three developments although I don't think these annoucements are at all imminent. I'd love to see Universal invest in a new non-dark ride coaster at some point as well just for a bit of variety.

:)
 
Yawn, no interest in this and slightly annoyed that Universal are closing another ride at extremely short notice.

Far more interested in the likely upcoming Nintendo and Harry Potter stage three developments although I don't think these annoucements are at all imminent. I'd love to see Universal invest in a new non-dark ride coaster at some point as well just for a bit of variety.

:)

I think its going to be 2020 at the earliest before Harry Potter stage three, but that will open right in time to compete with Star Wars at Disney.

I don't see another open air coaster coming soon, except maybe a Mario Kart themed Kiddie coaster, proably will replace the exisiting kids coaster though.

But yes I also have no interest in Fast & Furious but I kinda liked the Disaster flooded subway ride! I think it pretty much is the last of the "how movies are made" experiences at Uni Orlando, except for the make up show. DVD extras seem to have killed off this theme. I hope Uni California doesn't add too much more like that though as it is a working studios and needs to keep the behind the scenes theme.
 
Just an update on some Nintendo land rumours from Orlando United. The land is currently due to open in 2018 although it is possible that this could be pushed back as plans are extremely detailed. It's thought that it will replace the current Kidzone area altough ET will likely be saved.

Expect a very interactive Mario Kart E-ticket ride and other D-ticket level rides that are likely to come close to E-ticket level, one of these will be a Zelda ride.

I cannot wait for this, I'd imagine there will be some form of annoucement in the next 12 months!

:)
 
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Orlando Attractions Magazine have posted this. Nice to see Universal treating the Hulk trains with respect... by chucking them in a scrapheap.

:cry:
 
What is the Hulk? What I did notice at IOA the other week though was a beautfiul large green steel monument dominating the skyline, quite an artistic icon!

;)
 
I assume the Hulk had three trains (maybe four if they kept a spare?) each eight cars long. Hopefully they might have saved one of the trains, or at least one of the front cars.

Anyway, Behind the Thrills have a photo showing some track that has just been removed:

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I noticed a fair amount of yellow markings on the track when there.

:)
 
When we were there last month there was a train dismantled in that area (the ride was still open at this time). Not sure whether it was on 2 or 3 trains at the time
 
I assume the Hulk had three trains (maybe four if they kept a spare?) each eight cars long. Hopefully they might have saved one of the trains, or at least one of the front cars.

Anyway, Behind the Thrills have a photo showing some track that has just been removed:

wpid-wp-1443445563485.jpg


I noticed a fair amount of yellow markings on the track when there.

:)
Whilst you were there Rob, did you hear it testing?
 
In regard to Hulk, I read that even after Disney acquired Marvel Unviersal were allowed to retain the rights to certain Marvel cartoon characters for theme park use as long as the rides were refreshed/updated. We've already seen Spider-Man improvements in 2013. So perhaps this isnt out of choice per se.
 
When I saw the photo of the trains in the scrapyard a little of me died inside. To just think how many people have sat in them seats and enjoyed a thrilling ride and now looking at them, especially the one that is upside down. :( Maybe I can relate more to it as when I first went Florida I was too small to go on the rollercoasters and when I went back again I was tall enough - and Hulk was one of the first rollercoasters I went on in Florida.

Would make a good collection piece...I'm off to Florida to collect the front row of the train - wonder how much it would cost to transport over here...:p
 
It's a train, scrap it.

The ride is what is important, unless you want to sell it to people who have more money than sense.
 
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Oh wow, not often you see B&M track scrapped! Suppose that is confirmation that there will be some totally new track if we still needed it.

:)
 
I wonder if the launch was putting unexpected strain on the track? Not too much, but enough to add up over nearly 16 years of almost constant running?
 
I'd imagine the track has had a fair amount of strain put on it, more so than most other B&M coasters around the world. 12 month operation since the day it opened must take its toll. I can't imagine another B&M has been worked so hard.

There were lots of reports of the Hulk getting somewhat rough so Universal must have thought enough is enough and are getting it back to how it should be.

:)
 
It's hard to believe they are just scrapping those parts. With such an iconic coaster, there will be no shortage of enthusiasts who would gladly buy a piece of it. If the park was smart, they could have held a charity auction and got some good publicity.
 
Universal tend not to do that. When JAWS closed - they just closed it off. If they sold the set pieces from that, they'd have made a fortune - but they didn't even have a final sending off ceremony. I guess they just want to get it away from the public memory as quickly as possible.
 
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