After little to no major attractions opened in the last bunch of years (and no the re-theme of Earthquake to Disaster doesn’t count), Universal finally jumped back into the Orlando roller coaster wars.
Universal Studios is about to build a new signature ride: a high-tech roller coaster full of lights, music, loops, twists and turns — and a quick trip over the heads of people walking through the nearby CityWalk entertainment district.
The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is planned to be big, bright and brash enough to become the new visual symbol for the theme park when the coaster opens in about a year. Universal Orlando officials said Tuesday that it also will feature enough digital technology to appeal directly to what they refer to as the “YouTube culture.”
Universal Orlando officials said the coaster will rise 167 feet into the air and feature numerous loops and corkscrew turns. Rockit — the first big, outdoor thrill ride for Universal Studios — is set to open in spring 2009.
I shuddered when I read the part about the “YouTube culture”, I can just imagine how the planning meeting went.
“What’s hip to the kids these days?”
“My daughter is into this Youtube-thing.”
“Great! Work that into a ride somehow.”
New ‘Rockit’ high-tech roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Orlando in 2009
My wife (and Find Paradise Flickr group member) Christine, took this amazing picture while we were zipping along the “Tomorrowland’s Transit Authority” (the Peoplemover) over at Disney World the other day. It’s one of those rides I can ride over and over and never get tired of, probably because it’s usually line-less and it’s a great way to rest your feet after a long day of theme parking.
It seems two Mike Ditka Resorts are opening in Orlando, FL (well one is a resort and the other seems to be a condo-tel). Visiting each each resort website (Lighthouse Key, Runaway Beach Club) offers the usual information, amenities, accommodations. The big thing I’m noticing is that a majority of the pictures seem to be using the magic of computer animation. Also each website has the following near the bottom of each page “The use of Mike Ditka’s name is not to imply that he has ownership interest in the hotel and is used in pursuant to a licensing arrangement.”, so out of all the people in the world, the owners of these resort licensed Mike Ditka’s name? I’m sure he’s a great person and all, and a great coach, but…Mike Ditka? That’ll drive the folks to sunny Florida.
Rumor is that the narration on the popular Animal Kingdom ride has been changed slightly to remove bits from the fictional warden and British doctor’s chatter. Now it seems the “drivers” will be allowed to flex their acting muscle a bit more. Which personally I don’t mind, I always thought the “plot” for the Kilimanjaro Safari’s weren’t really needed. We’re driving around looking at animals for god sake, why do we need a faux adventure/rescue plot?
Disney safari tale alters a tad [Orlando Sentinel]
