Delirium_Guy

Thanks for posting that link, even thought that video is awful LOL. For anyone that may be heading down to Universal anytime during the next few months, I highly recommend NOT reading or viewing anything about the ride....other than checking out some pictures of the que I left it all as a surprised. I'm VERY glad I did, I was able to appreciate it a lot more :-) - Todd

I haven't had time to do a TR yet, but I was able to make it to the preview of Wizarding World of Harry Potter on Tuesday. Its absolutely wonderful, Universal has really done a tremendous job at bringing the books to life. Forbidden Journey is brilliant, think of it as the next generation Spiderman. I do prefer it to Spiderman, surprisingly. Very immersive, a lot of surprise elements to it and best of all an amazing queue. I'll write up a TR sometime within the next few days, as I drove to Ohio from Orlando yesterday to hit up KI and Holiwood Nights this weekend. - Todd

Yes, its true that they opened the area and ride for Resort Guests yesterday, as they had an obligation to do so. They removed all the construction walls and barriers. Unfortunately, once the preview was over at 10AM, all the walls and barriers went back up. Dragon's Challenge was closed for 2 hours in order to re-route the queue line...reopening as Dueling Dragons. Talk about some surprised and upset people when those walls went back up, Universal is truly is missing out on a tremendous opportunity by not having at least Hogsmeade open this weekend....cause the few thousand or so that went through it spent a very significant amount in those few hours. Buuuut....according to a few people the contract with JK Rowling basically goes along the lines of ALL of NOTHING with regards to opening. The ride itself still has a lot of hiccups to work out, so it could be that Universal just doesn't feel comfortable yet with opening it to the masses that will be swarming the parks this weekend. Seems like, at least for now, it'll be the same procedure as yesterday....take the walls down, put them back up when its over. One never knows though, things are changing on an hourly basis with this thing. Hoping I get to go through it before I head up to Ohio on Wednesday, otherwise I'll be getting back to Orlando just in time for the grand opening. - Todd

Just an update.....team members finally got their preview of Forbidden Journey today from 12PM-4PM. Regardless of what happens, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be opening tomorrow....as it is the first day of the vacation packages that were previously sold. While nothing is set in stone regarding how things are going to go down exactly, rumors are strongly pointing to the area being open to regular guests after the vacation sneak peak is over at 10AM. One of my friend's that works for Universal got to experience the ride today. I requested he not share details, as I'd prefer to be surprised, but he said that the ride is very intense. Also, since it was speculated at one point, it will not be turning guests upside down....even though the ride system is capable of doing so. I'm heading to Islands for opening tomorrow! Hoping to experience it myself, after 3 long years of waiting and anticipating. - Todd, who had his first taste of Pumpkin Juice a few nights ago and LOVED it....can't wait to try Butterbeer!

Well, the height requirement has been set at 48" at this point. The disclaimer on the ride's entrance sign reads: "THIS RIDE SIMULATES DRAMATIC AEROBATICS. THE RIDE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE, STOP, TURN, CLIMB AND DROP." I think its safe to say not to expect Cat in the Hat here :-) - Todd

Indeed! Earlier on many, including myself, wondered if this attraction would have as much impact on people as Spiderman did when it opened. The more we continue to learn about it, I think the answer is going to undoubtedly be yes! It hasn't been confirmed, but there has been a little buzz going around pertaining to certain effects being attached to the cars themselves....which could make for some very startling surprises. I'm quite interested to see exactly how the loading procedure will go down. Some team members got to see the loading area last night for the last night of TM previews, like RingMaster posted, its amazing how well they've hidden the main arm. Just like the other major attractions on property, no loose articles are permitted. With that said, people will want to take pictures of the que so reportedly there are pouches underneath that are big enough to put a few small items in....but interestingly enough not large enough for loose fitting shoes such as flip-flops. Given the ride is floorless and the motions that this system of capable of, that's going to be a challenge to keep your shoes for sure :-) - Todd

Haven't seen anyone post any updates here recently, however previews of Wizarding World of Harry Potter have been taking place this week with both Team Members and those attending the 2010 Pow Wow getting to experience parts of the new area. A few things: * Forbidden Journey was NOT open for any of these events, however they were allowed to tour the que line. I've heard rumblings that they are having several issues regarding the ride system at this time....though a soft opening could still take place relatively soon with the ride operating at limited capacity. As far as what those problems are, we may never really know, but its being said that there have been serious programming issues with some of the vehicles as well as issues getting audio to work on some of them as well. With Grand Opening now less than one month away, I hope that any issues start to iron themselves out....otherwise we'll be looking at a repeat of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Not only that, but Universal has been selling Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages that are slated to begin on May 28th! Seeing first hand how the Kuka system operates at Epcot, its hard to imagine this thing because its on such a larger scale than the standard Kuka arms. Also, OTSR's on this and from what people are saying they are very tight and confined...a lot of people aren't fitting in the test seat located out front. * I'm disappointed in hearing more and more about Dragons Challenge.....as it seems they have possibly ruined one of my all time favorite que lines. I've been through the lower half of the que (from about where the large double doors are that you could hear the dragons behind) since they closed the ride back in February....there is absolutely NO theming from that point all the way to the loading area. * It would seem that the star of the entire area is Hogsmeade. The shops are tiny, very very tiny, but extremely detailed. Lots of debate about Ollivander's at the moment and how the wand choosing will work. So far for the previews, they've let groups of about 20 people in and ONE person has a wand choose them. It seems more and more that Ollivander's will be marketed more as an attraction to the area than shopping experience. Of course, everyone will have the opportunity to purchase a wand upon exiting the shop. * Everyone is raving about Butterbeer and anything coming out of the Three Broomsticks * The entire area and Hogwarts is absolutely stunning at night. Over at orlandounited.com several have posted detailed reviews of each of the shops within Hogsmeade. I recommend going over and taking a peek! Video of HP Actors Touring WWoHP - Todd

I definitely agree. I've always been incredibly impressed with the ride system found in Revenge of the Mummy....and riding it on a regular basis you learn that its actually pretty darn reliable. Honestly, I have no issue with the Italian Job coasters....fine little rides they are. Too bad their respective parks let them go to hell. I was so excited about the Sea World San Diego project. While it is NOT happening in 2011 to the best of my knowledge, lets keep our fingers crossed that its back on the books. Next year's big capital goes to Discovery Cove, Tampa, Williamsburg and Aquatica....though Aquatica may be pushed back a year. FYI, regarding Tampa's project, it appears to be an Intamin....someone discovered it on the blueprints and the Intamin name has been circulating for several months prior to construction beginning. Either way, solid looking ride! - Todd

That is incorrect. I have been able to get a bit of history regarding SeaWorld Ohio through work. While the Park was successful and popular, it unfortunately was an extremely expensive operation....more so than the other two SW Parks. A lot of this had to do with the costs they took on transporting animals back and forth during the winter months. It was Busch that was looking to sell the park and pull out of Ohio. I was quite surprised to see how many people from the Ohio park became transplants in Orlando...many are still with the company. - Todd

I realize that. Just pointing out that at one point, it already was an additional cost and people continued to ride it. If anything, they took the financial hit when they began to include it in the POP. I don't see that this would take a major toll on their attendance, so all those people are still going to be paying as they normally would have....then a little extra if they want to take a spin on LTD. You're right though, Lakemont has a very Stricker-esq feel to it. I really enjoyed the time I spentthere , though it is hard to believe it was 11 years ago and LTD had just opened!! - Todd

If I remember correctly, hopefully Interpreter will chime in when he returns, when the ride re-opened in 1999 they were charging additional for it. I don't remember how much, but I definitely remember paying in addition to my POP. Its my understanding that it was only recently that they began including it in POP. Either way, if this means helping to ensure the ride continues to operate then I have no problem with it! It's not like Lakemont is ripping people off, $9.95 for an all day wristband? $2.50 is not really such a big deal....a Coke at Kings Island cost more - Todd

$5 kids ticket, with 100% going to fund non-profit groups working on conservation efforts. I think this is awesome! http://www.seaworldparksblog.com/explore/blog/seaworld-cares-and-you-too-can-make-difference-world-we-share - Todd

Right now rumors are saying possibly by June, but we all know how plans can change. Also of interest in one of the updates at BGTGuide, another trademark was uncovered.....Cheetakah. Jack Hannah also let it slip up, intentional or not, in one of his presentations at the Park last week that BGT would indeed be getting a new cheetah exhibit next year. Just a little more to go with the rumored theme and name. - Todd

I'll have to check out the vending machines at Epcot over the weekend, I typically go for fountain drinks over bottles so I'm not remembering what the price is.....I still want to say the vending machine prices are no more than $2.50, but for some reason $2 for a bottle is sticking out in my mind. Either way, still cheaper than KI. I'm with you though, if I'm going to be paying out the money for an in-park meal at KI or any other CF Park for that matter, I'm going to be going for something that I know I'll semi-enjoy...i.e Skyline, Panda Express! I'm certainly not going to pay for the crap that they serve up in Festhaus thats been sitting out for what taste like hours. I have no issue paying a little more if I know the quality is there, perfect example would be Dollywood. The food is excellent! I always drop a quite a bit in that Park everytime I go because of that. - Todd

Actually, you couldn't be further from the truth. As someone who visits a Disney park at least once a week, I assure you the prices are more reasonable than Cedar Fair. For example.....a 32oz Coke at any of the quick service restaurants only costs $2.39 on Disney property. Prices are well over $3 at KI, KD, Carowinds and so forth. Another example at the Electric Umbrella at Epcot....Cheeseburger served with french fries is $6.39, with generous portions I might add. The point is, its incredibly easy to eat for $10 or less at any of the Disney theme parks. Can't say I've had that luck on my last few visits to KI, much less enjoyed the food I paid the price for. - Todd

A good motto :-) I'd recommend giving the backseat on Mummy a whirl, though, it has some awesome airtime in there and is still very just as smooth as the front! - Todd

Great review of the ride, glad that you enjoyed so much. Do yourself a favor, don't ride any other place than the front if you want to keep that positive impression :-) The backrow of either of the two cars gets quite rough in places, which combined with the shaking and shuffling that *some* of the trains do around the track makes it a bit unpleasant. The moving load platform has helped capacity TREMENDOUSLY and they have been running 5 trains on a regular basis now. The entire covered part of the queue has only been taking about 35 minutes to get through and up to the load platform. Oh....I recommend trying Bring Me to Life by Evanescence....its a GREAT track for the ride! - Todd

Have you been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg? If you thought KD, Carowinds and SFoG were nice, you'd fall in love with Busch. There is a reason it gets voted most beautiful park in the country year after year. As for Mindbender, its an absolute backseat ride for me! Great pops of airtime! I gotta agree with KI Man though, SFoT's Shockwave is killer and my preference to Mindbender. KI Man, interesting comparison between Goliath and Diamondback. I have never had any ejector air on Diamondback, except from the 4th hill in the front seat. Everytime I ride it, I keep getting told I'm catching it on bad days :-/ Goliath definitely has sustained air on everyhill. I've had rides on it that were more floaty, but I've had some fantastic rides with awesome ejector air as well.....these B&M's tend to be quite moody! - Todd, also a huuuuge Acrophobia fan

The square area is actually the Sky Ride loading area, with the former monorail station on the left side of that same building. Sky Ride will remain in operation, however the new coaster will share the same building for loading. I hope we get another Manta-esq queue! I'm interested in seeing what the smaller straight sections are gonna be like around this area and I'm very anxious to see how this is going to change the overall appearance in the plaza. What I like about the outward run towards Rhino Rally and the return run is how the track has several crossovers.....I keep thinking about how Maverick's trains interact with one another....should be interesting. - Todd

Color me impressed! You've managed to already put a negative spin on a ride that we still know NOTHING about at this point! Given that no profile view of the layout is available, you've managed to determine the ride is boring simply from an overhead view. Sheesh. - Todd I agree with DaveStroem. Judging by the left/right turn ratio, I'm relatively certain it'll be boring too. You are such a jerk, buddy! I'm gonna remember that when you want to come crash my apartment again on your next Orlando adventure I dunno, you may be right though, the left/right turn ratio *is* starting to make this baby look a little dull. Combine that with those straight sections that Dave pointed out, which no doubt will be completely flat and do absolutely nothing whatsoever.....we DO have a complete snoozer on our hands! - Todd

Color me impressed! You've managed to already put a negative spin on a ride that we still know NOTHING about at this point! Given that no profile view of the layout is available, you've managed to determine the ride is boring simply from an overhead view. Sheesh. - Todd

Especially because Busch Gardens is themed to Africa and Aquatica is themed to Australia... It's not even an option that the new coaster would be kangaroo themed. Absolutely! I agree with ya on that. I'm sure they are for Aquatica, as I said it meshes quite well with the next phase of expansion....which will actually see the re-location of the Park's exit road. This one will be a bit more than one new attraction. - Todd

Awesome TR, giga! Glad to see you enjoyed SFoG so much! It is my favorite Six Flags, by far. I think the Park is just gorgeous and I enjoy the ride lineup. Goliath is, hands down the best of the B&M hypers. Now that you guys experienced it, maybe you'll understand why I was so completely underwhelmed with Diamondback last year while everyone was raving. Goliath and I305 are my style rides, oh add Georgia Cyclone to that list! Sorry that you were disappointed with Mindbender though :-/ Where did you ride? - Todd

This is sad to hear coming from you, Jesse....it's also a testament that enough is enough. Wake up, Cedar Fair, wake up. Its pathetic that in park prices are far greater in Kings Island or any of the other CF parks than it is at the big players here in Orlando. I eat frequently in the Parks here and have no issue paying the money for it because the food is usually fresh and GOOD. After my KI experience last year at Hank's Back Porch Bar....I don't think I've ever been served anything so disgusting and overpriced at any park I've ever been to. Unfortunately, earlier in the season last year, I had a similiar experience at Rivertown Potato Works. I definitely won't be making the mistake again when I visit in June, I'll quite happily leave the park to find lunch and dinner. - Todd

Guess The Crypt isn't the only ride experiencing downtown... Ha! Ooops! Corrected! Unlike Crypt though, if the river portion is down you still already experienced the bulk of the attraction. The driver takes the road to the right, which everyone always insists that he do but never does, and heads straight to the unloading dock! - Todd