Hoeter Posted July 19 Share Posted July 19 I'm down here currently in Orlando and visited the Studios and Islands the last two days - didn't do Epic this time around but look forward to doing this in the future. My last visit was in 2009, most things were different, but some were the same as I remember, especially ET, The Simpsons, and Men in Black, Spider-Man, and The Incredible Hulk. Had high expectations for VelociCoaster going in based on what I've heard from other people who've ridden; Maverick at Cedar Point is one of my favorite rides, so I'm sure that it wouldn't disappoint. I got three rides in - two on Thursday right at open in the front row and back row, and one yesterday at open in Row 2. Front row was fun but for me, the best ride out of the three was in the very back, especially after that second launch into the top hat. Tried to get a night ride last night however lightning kept the ride down - lo and behold, from the time it took me to walk from the back of the park to CityWalk, it began operation. My opinion, blows Maverick out of the water. Hagrid's was another ride I heard about but didn't really research before I went, fun little ride, especially the drop track. Got my credit on Rip Ride Rockit, but found it to be a tad too rough, especially for a steel coaster. I'm no Harry Potter fan but the theming for Hagrids, and the sections over in Islands and the Studios were top notch. Hogwarts Express was phenomenal and was well presented. Based on my experiences on Gringotts, Hagrid's, and VelociCoaster, Intamin didn't disappoint - here's to hoping Six Flags/Cedar Fair start to put more of their rides in. I'll be at Busch Gardens Tampa Monday or Tuesday, especially looking forward to comparing Iron Gwazi to Steel Vengeance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted July 20 Share Posted July 20 On 7/19/2025 at 7:30 AM, Hoeter said: I'll be at Busch Gardens Tampa Monday or Tuesday, especially looking forward to comparing Iron Gwazi to Steel Vengeance. Iron Gwazi is my all-time fav, so I'm sure you'll love it. Ride it in the back row, it's the best. Front is good as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoeter Posted July 22 Share Posted July 22 ^ They assigned us Row 10, which is second from back - amazing ride, even better than Steel Vengeance. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted July 23 Share Posted July 23 22 hours ago, Hoeter said: ^ They assigned us Row 10, which is second from back - amazing ride, even better than Steel Vengeance. I rank Iron Gwazi #2 on my overall favorites list—with Steel Vengeance still holding at #1 (and I used to work for what was then SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment so my admiration for SV outweighs even that bias ) I give Steel Vengeance the edge because I think the visuals are better—since the track is compressed into a smaller area and the in & outs through the structure add to the excitement. But, granted, it’s a *very* close #1 & #2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoeter Posted July 23 Share Posted July 23 It’s very close for me but the death roll and the wave turn over the station, highlights of the ride IMO and it pushed it slightly ahead for me. Both excellent rides and both are relentless. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted July 23 Share Posted July 23 ^ totally agree—both are fantastic What I’ve always found most amazing is that RMC was able to transform two of the most God-awful wood coasters into those incredible machines! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted July 23 Share Posted July 23 The reason I like Iron Gwazi better than SteVe is because of its pacing. Steel Vengeance is great, and it is so amazing until it hits the breaks, which the ride becomes good instead of amazing. It starts slowing down a bit, and the elements under the track seem a little repetitive. But Iron Gwazi has no mid-course, so it can tear through the layout like a freaking monster without stopping until hitting the brakes. That is why I like Iron Gwazi better. Now time to get back on topic! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rip Ride Rocket as some of you may know closes on August 18. People have been speculating on what could replace RRR. Permits show and Intamin launch coaster of some kind, but the theme of the ride is unknown. Construction walls over in New York by the old Ghostbusters firehouse (just past Jimmy Fallon) have gone up, and some interesting signage has been posted on the wall by Universal. The first sign that is a reference to Ghostbusters that says they are "restoring Historic Engine 89 Firehouse". This sign was the first one and was for about a week or two. But then two more signs came up just a couple of days ago! The second one is a reference to Back to the Future. Finally the last one is a little unclear. There's a phone number posted on the sign and the area code 213 is LA. But what gives it away for me is the font and color of the writing. This sign definitely teases Fast and Furious. So this is all fine, but what does it actually all mean? Universal teased 3 IP's, so which one will replace Rockit? Will there be multiple attractions in that Rockit plot? I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Also work on the ground has already begun, and they have been working behind Rockit and just to the right of Hard Rock Cafe. What are your thoughts? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losantiville Mining Co. Posted July 23 Share Posted July 23 The first two are definitely references to Ghostbusters/New York City IMO. I don't think the second one is referring to BTTF, especially considering both signs refer to Midtown (Manhattan) and the area around it is already themed to NYC. The only notable transit service in Hill Valley was the passenger train seen in Part 3: and, I guess the DeLorean if you count time travel as transit. The third sign, IIRC, is a reference to one of Universal's higher-ups (maybe a Universal Destinations & Experiences exec?). The LA area code is odd, but it could be a typo or an irregularity to keep guests from calling a phone number already in use. The area code for Manhattan is 212. Is it like Universal to leave typos up for extended periods of time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted July 24 Share Posted July 24 12 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said: The first two are definitely references to Ghostbusters/New York City IMO. I don't think the second one is referring to BTTF, especially considering both signs refer to Midtown (Manhattan) and the area around it is already themed to NYC. The only notable transit service in Hill Valley was the passenger train seen in Part 3: and, I guess the DeLorean if you count time travel as transit. The third sign, IIRC, is a reference to one of Universal's higher-ups (maybe a Universal Destinations & Experiences exec?). The LA area code is odd, but it could be a typo or an irregularity to keep guests from calling a phone number already in use. The area code for Manhattan is 212. Is it like Universal to leave typos up for extended periods of time? Glad to hear your opinion! I'm almost 100% sure that it wasn't a typo. It's really too early to tell what might be coming next 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted Sunday at 08:04 PM Share Posted Sunday at 08:04 PM Went to IOA, Studios, and Epic last week. 1 day at Studios, 2 days at Epic, and 3 days at IOA. It was a very fun time and I enjoyed being back in Studios and Islands. Epic was fun, but we faced A LOT of issues with breakdowns, especially the second day at Epic. Neither shows worked the first day, and Le Cirque Arcanus got cancelled when we were in it the second day. We got lucky with Ministry and it didn't breakdown while we were in line. In a way, I feel like Epic Universe is very hyped and maybe potentially doesn't meet the hype. It was good, just wasn't as great as I originally thought. They definitely need more rides, like at least 7 more things to be complete. Stardust Racers was AMAZING, and I think it's better than Velocicoaster! Monsters was a little underwhelming at first. It was kinda confusing without any real storyline. Just a bunch of animatronics in a big building. But as I rode it more, I liked it more. And because the capacity is good because there are so many cars, it's clear when they try to hide something because they put you on your back and have you look at the ceiling. I know I sound a little negative toward Epic, but it really was great! It just needs more things to spread people out. That's just my brief report, if you have more questions feel free to ask! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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