Magic Kingdom - Parade Changes

The Walt Disney World web site has now confirmed SpectroMagic will cease performing and the Disney Dreams Come True parade will change to just two performances a day. These temporary changes are happening to enable repairs to be carried out to the Liberty Square Bridge which both parades currently use. SpectroMagic will make its last performance on August 14th but should be back again on August 30th. The Disney Dreams Come True Parade will be performing twice a day for the same period.

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Wet 'n Wild - New Slide for 2009

Latest reports have indicated that Wet 'n Wild have had a very good summer business wise, and because of this are planning a new water slide for 2009. The only problem is the fact that the park has very little space remaining to build new attractions, so in order to accommodate the new slide Universal must unfortunately remove one. The unlucky victim will be the Bubba Tub, so if you must ride it get down there as soon as possible, as it may not be there next year.

Wet 'n Wild haven't released any details on the type of water slide it will be throwing up for next year.

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Hollywood Studios - New Roller Coaster on the Way?

Disney's Hollywood Studios have been strongly linked with a new roller coaster for the past year, possibly with a Monster's Inc. theme, and it seems as though these rumours may actually be true.

The Director of Monsters Inc. was caught saying to MTV in a recent interview that a sequel to the hit film is not currently being developed as a lot of his teams resources are currently being poured into the upcoming Monster's Inc. ride at Walt Disney Resort! Possible locations for the ride include the new Pixar Place area, and dates as early as 2011 are being touted around in preparation for Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary celebrations.

It must be said that Disney have not confirmed the ride.

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Hollywood Studios - Rock n Roller Coaster Exterior Refurbishment

WDW Magic has photos of the ongoing exterior refurbishment of Rock n Roller Coaster in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The car at the main entry sign has been removed for some much needed tlc, while the left side of the entrance has been walled off for the time being.

On the same page WDW Magic has a construction photo of the new Cars meet n greet area Disney are bringing into the Studios. This is of course the former site of the much loved Al's Toy Barn.

And finally, if you carry on scrolling down the same page you'll see the strange sight of the Muppets Balloon undergoing some refurbishment on the ground.

Nice to see Disney keeping on top of their attractions.

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Epcot - Stormstruck Opens at Innoventions

Epcot has just opened a new mini attraction at Innoventions called Stormstruck. The exhibit attempts to teach guests about hurricane preparation, and has had some good reviews so far. Get down to Epcot and check it out.

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General News - Screamscape Cypress Gardens Ticket Giveaway

For the next four weeks, every week, Screamscape will be giving away a free pair of tickets to Cypress Gardens. To get into the draw you have to answer three trivia questions. And here they are:

QUESTION 1: How tall is the Great Orlando Wheel supposed to be?

QUESTION 2: What is the name of the new waterslide that opened at SeaWorld in Texas this summer?

QUESTION 3: What new hurricane themed attraction will open at Epcot in late August?

For more info check out Screamscape.com

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Universal Studios Orlando - Hollywood Rip, Ride, RockIt Layout Confirmation

According to Screamscape the new Universal coaster will definitely pass through the "Firehouse" façade, which is situated to the right of the Tribune building façade.

Many people feel this is shaping up to be one of the best coasters going into Orlando in a long time. Only time will tell if it can fulfill its obvious potential.

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Magic Kingdom - Hall of Presidents Changes

We've heard The Hall of Presidents is set for some major refurbishment starting on 1 November 2008. The show is rumoured to be changing completely, and will end up taking on a new format when it reopens around the beginning of July next year.

The current show lasts around 15-20 minutes, ideal in the middle of one of Orlando's trademark thunderstorms. It'll be interesting to see if Disney keep the length the same when it takes on its new format.

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WDW Resort - Upcoming Extra Magic Hours

Check out all the Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World for the coming months here.

If you're planning on a vacation, or are already heading over to Orlando and staying in one of the Disney themed hotels then taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours is a must.

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WDW Resort - Crocs Are Everywhere!

According to a recent Walt Disney World visitor, they have heavily increased the amount of crocs in their range. We are of course talking about the incredibly popular footwear here, not the cuddly reptile creatures.

DoingFlorida has a picture of the new range now on sale.

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Special Islands of Adventure Report - The Incredible Hulk Review

Random facts:

• The ride is partially built over water, with the track being illuminated green at night.
• The launch uses friction tyres to propel the train from 0-40 mph in just 2 seconds.
• Universal had to build a separate power generating plant to accommodate the ride.

If you've ever seen any form of Islands of Adventure advertising, be it on the TV, on a leaflet or on a brochure, there's no doubt The Incredible Hulk roller coaster will have somehow been featured. As you enter the park it's virtually impossible to miss this monster of a ride as it looms over the lake before you. Usually extremely crowded, not only due to its reputation, but also because of its location at the front of the park, it's recommended to get here either very early or wait till later on if you want to avoid the crowds.

After reaching the end of the well themed queueing area, you're invited to board the comfortable trains. The trains are very similar to Busch Gardens' Kumba, but that's pretty much where the similarities end. As the train leaves the station and enters the enclosed tube, you realise this is no normal lift hill, and you're in for a truly unforgettable ride. Suddenly something goes 'wrong', and in a matter of seconds you're flying towards the zero g roll situated over 100 feet above the lake below you. Soon enough you're heading into the huge (and I mean HUGE) cobra roll, shortly followed by the equally intimidating vertical loop. This has to be one of the best starts to a roller coaster anywhere.

Islands of Adventure have truly done themselves proud with the first 30 seconds of The Incredible Hulk. A 40mph launch is nothing compared to a lot of coasters around today, but the way that the train flies out of the dark tube and into the sun drenched zero g roll is simply remarkable. Additionally cobra rolls are usually nothing special, but the sheer size and superb location over the lake make the Hulks special, and the vertical loop likewise.

The big question is... after this breath-taking first half can The Incredible Hulk keep things rolling in the second. Sadly the answer is no. Now by no means is the second half of the ride bad, no not at all. BUT, after the unbelievable first 30 seconds you've just been subject to, you do feel a little let down by the second half of the ride. It does have its moments; immediately after the vertical loop the train enters a mist-filled tunnel followed by a fairly intense helix around the enclosed lift hill, but after these elements there's not a lot else to shout about.

After the helix the train dips into a small corkscrew, followed by an average sized vertical loop. After a few more turns the train enters a mid course brake run, before hitting another tight corkscrew, followed by a couple more turns before winding back up in the station. For some reason the second half is uncharacteristically rough for a B&M coaster, perhaps due to the unusually tight layout.

The Incredible Hulk is a superb coaster, there's absolutely no doubt about that. You'll find it tough to find an opening sequence to a coaster anywhere that can match The Hulks, and while the second half isn't exactly superb, it doesn't take away from how good a roller coaster this is. If you're anywhere near Orlando, you would be absolutely crazy to miss this.


Overall score: 9/10

Pro's

• Best start to a coaster anywhere
• Theming is excellent
• First 4 inversions are taken superbly
• The location in the park, over the lake is top notch

Con's

• Second half not a scratch on the first
• Gets a little rough towards the end

Photos courtesy of CoasterForce.com

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Universal Studios Orlando - Official Press Release for Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit

In a follow up to the layout pictures released a couple of days ago, RCDB has got hold of the press release from Universal:

Title: Worldwide Highest Vertical Lift: Record-Breaking, Multi-Sensory Roller Coaster
Subtitle: Maurer builds an exclusive coaster for Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.
Date: 8/1/2008

"Munich, Orlando FL. - The worldwide highest vertical lift, one of the highest loops and the most superb video, light and sound technology – a roller coaster of the superlative kind is due to open in spring 2009 in Orlando FL. "Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit" combines the ideas of the Universal entertainment professionals with the technical know-how of the roller coaster manufacturer Maurer Rides Munich.

"Rockit" – the roller coaster short name defines the program: While boarding the guests can choose what kind of music will accompany them on their fast-paced ride over the tracks. In the process the roller coaster manages the fine balancing-act between the superlative and the family ride. With 7 X-Car Tandems with 12 seats each Rockit has an extraordinary high capacity of 1850 pph.

Vertical Lift as an Eyecatcher
The roller coaster is already an eyecatcher from a distance – and that means something at Universal Orlando Resort, that is not exactly poor on attractions. The worldwide highest Vertical Lift emerges with a height of 50 m (165 feet) and is trimmed with the highest of security for worst cast scenario. The unique and extremely comfortable evacuating system is ground activated at the push of a button and allows the guests a cushy board-off on the ground.

Full of Electronics
"Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit" is the biggest X-Car Coaster built by Maurer Rides. The elongated layout with much airtime and suspenseful steep-curves hijacks the passengers with fantastic moments, surprises and just as many thrills. The sound system for the custom-made music is built-in at head level. Also included - the video camera that records an on-ride movie during the whole ride. The guests can take the movie home once the ride is over.
Further highlight is the special theming of the ride vehicles with high-capacity LED’s that are individually controlled.

Rockit Orlando is due to open in spring 2009."

Things are looking good over in Universal Studios, and 2009 seems to be shaping up to be a good year to visit Orlando.

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WDW Resort - Ticket Prices Rise

Yesterday Walt Disney World brought in their new ticket prices for the season. Here are the new changes:

• One day, non hopper Disney theme park ticket = increase of $4
• Multi day ticket with park hopper option = increase of roughly $5

The car park fee has also increased by $1, from $11 to $12.

The trend nowadays seems to be that the theme parks change (increase) their prices in the summer months every year. SeaWorld let their new prices go into action at the end of June, while Universal are set to release their new prices any day now.

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SeaWorld Orlando - More Construction Photos of Manta

Johnnyupsidedown has more construction photos of the new Manta flying coaster going into SeaWorld. The site seems to be developing quickly, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if new track starting arriving in the very near future.

SeaWorld Orlando's new coaster is due to open sometime in 2009, although an official date is yet to be released. There are rumours of June floating around, which would be fairly late in the season for a major new attraction to open in Orlando.

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Islands of Adventure - Wizarding World of Harry Potter Pushed Back to 2010

The unofficial concensus was that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be ready by late 2009. However, signs have appeared around the construction area in Islands of Adventure saying it will be opening in 2010. To reinforce this, on the official site, it now claims: "Harry Potter "Theme Park within a Theme Park" will open in 2010".

Photos of the signs, along with other construction photos, can be found on Orlando Rocks.

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Universal Studios Orlando - New Layout Pictures for Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit

Screamscape has brand new pictures showing the layout for the upcoming Universal Studios coaster Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. It certainly looks impressive, and I think many people are under rating how large this coaster will be.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is set to open in Spring 2009.

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Busch Gardens Africa - Howl-O-Scream Rumours

Rumour has it Howl-O-Scream won't include a 3D house this year. The good news is the old 3D haunt space will still be used. Busch Gardens are also thinking about bringing Catch Your Breath back under a new name and theme. Unfortunately The Hunted, Masters & Monsters and Pharaoh’s Revenge reportedly will not return this year.

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