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 August 17 Share Posted August 17 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...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted August 22 Share Posted August 22 I think Universal is shooting themselves in the foot with this move... https://blogmickey.com/2025/08/harry-potter-battle-ministry-mine-cart-madness-express-pass/ Be prepared to wait 3+ hours for Ministry now. Same for Mine Cart Madness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted August 22 Share Posted August 22 48 minutes ago, Diamondback_Is_King said: I think Universal is shooting themselves in the foot with this move... https://blogmickey.com/2025/08/harry-potter-battle-ministry-mine-cart-madness-express-pass/ Be prepared to wait 3+ hours for Ministry now. Same for Mine Cart Madness Although, if they expand my after 4p Express benefits for my AP to Epic, I could get behind this change 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted August 22 Share Posted August 22 7 minutes ago, jzarley said: Although, if they expand my after 4p Express benefits for my AP to Epic, I could get behind this change Locals would be happy enough to have a season pass to Epic so that they don't have to drop $120+ every time they want to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted August 23 Share Posted August 23 2 hours ago, Diamondback_Is_King said: Locals would be happy enough to have a season pass to Epic so that they don't have to drop $120+ every time they want to go I’m one of those locals! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB1 Posted August 24 Author Share Posted August 24 ^I’m down there enough to be a local, once every month-2 months and spending 120-170 for an epic ticket each time has not been the best experience. I’m hoping they drop an ap for USO IOA EPIC for 2026 soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted August 24 Share Posted August 24 3 hours ago, BB1 said: ^I’m down there enough to be a local, once every month-2 months and spending 120-170 for an epic ticket each time has not been the best experience. I’m hoping they drop an ap for USO IOA EPIC for 2026 soon! Me too! I’ve heard rumors that it will happen sooner rather than later, but we shall see I guess. I’m really wondering how much the add-on for Epic will be? My current FL resident Premiere AP (parks only—no Volcano Bay) is roughly $70/month—so if the $35 per park/month average holds I’m hoping that adding Epic will up it to around $105/month (which is comparable to a monthly FL resident Incredipass level AP at WDW for the 4 theme parks-no water parks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB1 Posted August 24 Author Share Posted August 24 27 minutes ago, jzarley said: Me too! I’ve heard rumors that it will happen sooner rather than later, but we shall see I guess. I’m really wondering how much the add-on for Epic will be? My current FL resident Premiere AP (parks only—no Volcano Bay) is roughly $70/month—so if the $35 per park/month average holds I’m hoping that adding Epic will up it to around $105/month (which is comparable to a monthly FL resident Incredipass level AP at WDW for the 4 theme parks-no water parks). Ironically enough non FL residency is only $10.00 more for the 2 park no volcano bay per month. I’ve been estimating that it would probably knock my monthly price up by 30 bucks minimum which to be honest is still not terrible. Disney, however, in all of their magnificence requires non FL residents to fork out the money upfront. Renewal this year at least was somewhat cheaper! (By 300 bucks after taxes) At this point I would just rather see UOR put something in writing that hey you’re getting this in 2026 which I expected for them to make that announcement for AP appreciation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 I’ll be down there this weekend for the debut of this year’s HHN. I’ll report back about it. No Epic this time. I’m only gone for the weekend and I’ve already done it twice. I think I’m going to wait until it’s available as an AP add on for my next visit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB1 Posted August 25 Author Share Posted August 25 ^Current plans are for the 11th-14th of Sept then the 3-5th of Oct and probably another on the 17th-19th of Oct at this point. Every Friday in October has been approved way in advance so I’ll have plenty of time. I’m going to shoot for a day at epic each time just to get some time in but I’m hoping they have something special for Halloween in Darkmoor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 Interesting to see that Universal is offering new "Deathly Afraid" necklaces equivalent to the Cedar Fair/Six Flags "No Boo" lanyards for HHN this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 5 minutes ago, Timchat2 said: Interesting to see that Universal is offering new "Deathly Afraid" necklaces equivalent to the Cedar Fair/Six Flags "No Boo" lanyards for HHN this year. That is interesting. I think that you should only go to HHN if you want to be scared. I maybe understand if it's your vacation, but HHN is meant for horror fans. I don't enjoy being scared that much, so that's why I never went to HHN. I do go to the Haunt though, but that is on a totally lower level than HHN. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Losantiville Mining Co. Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 It looked like it said the Deathly Afraid necklaces would only be sold in limited quantities. Hopefully that number is low on a night-per-night basis. Maybe Six Flags should try limiting their No-Boo sales as well and replace the lost NBN profits with another item that doesn't conflict with the purpose of the event. Halloween Horror Nights is one of the biggest and best haunt events for a reason. I hope this is not a sign that Universal will try to make it more family-friendly in the future. The strollers are already bad enough on the midways during Haunt at Kings Island, I can't imagine the literal horror of seeing them at HHN. (I don't understand why strollers are still allowed in Haunt mazes in the first place. Big bags aren't allowed, there's no reason why strollers should be allowed to enter a queue, let alone the event itself.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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