August 14, 201511 yr Rehab coming: http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2015/08/see-which-thrill-ride-at-universal-orlando-is.html?ana=e_orl_bn_breakingnews&u=pB2D54PrJ4m+tf5T51zZ5o6bDaJ&t=1439571321
August 14, 201511 yr I'll have to keep an eye on this when planning my trip next year. Was thinking about the week of Labor Day, but may push it to later in the year depending on how long this takes.
August 14, 201511 yr Hmmm...the storyline is changing....wonder what that could be... Upgrades to the vehicles are a nice enhancement too.
August 14, 201511 yr It's in need of this. The second half of the ride plays like an Arrow - you can physically see awkward transitions in the track ahead (see below - one in the foreground and another in the background, just left of the Pharos Lighthouse). Which is neither good nor bad on its own, but inappropriate for the starring thrill ride at a world class theme park. Defensive riding on a headlining coaster. Here's hoping for an extensive re-tracking of the back half, along with new trains (ideally, without the over-the-shoulder restraints, or at least with the vest arrangement instead.) The first half of the ride is seriously beautiful and iconic and great. The second half feels like Mantis Rougarou where it feels like it was slapped together with no concept of pacing or rider comfort, just knotted into an odd parcel of land.
August 14, 201511 yr When was that video shot? From the looks of things, a fresh coat or 2 of green paint would prevent the rusting seen in that video.
August 14, 201511 yr Just another reason for me to go to Orlando next year :-) If you go after July 1 (ish), you will both have a place to stay, as we will be living in the area!!!
August 14, 201511 yr I'd never of thought I'd ever see the moment when 'rehab' and 'B&M' were in the same sentence.
August 14, 201511 yr Ive heard its getting converted to an LSM launch and getting lapbar only trains Edit and onboard audio aswell
August 14, 201511 yr ^ I don't think that that is unbelievable. With B&M now in the "launched coaster" business, it would make sense that they'd return to Hulk to retrofit the ride with their own technology (and thus, their consistent delivery and quality). New trains are probably also a must. At least new restraints. And again, I feel that at least some of the ride will actually need re-tracked. Not sure how Hulk was left with awkward transitions when I can't think of another instance of that in B&M coasters at the time... What am I missing? ^^ This particular coaster needs it. The rust has also been a continuous issue. The ride is exposed to quite a bit of water and mist. For a long time, the trains were supposedly meant to be replaced by more nimble ones with embedded, color-changing LEDs and more friendly restraints. Coincidentally (or not), at about that time, Universal used the Maurer Sohne X-Car trains that perfectly match that description on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit... and they were awful. Constant technical problems with half the fleet being very, very rough, wheels wearing out... As far as I know, they ended up switching out most or all of them. To be very honest, those trains have probably kept the ride from being appreciated the way it otherwise might've been.
August 15, 201511 yr Just another reason for me to go to Orlando next year :-)If you go after July 1 (ish), you will both have a place to stay, as we will be living in the area!!! Check in with us regularly after you move. Wife and I are talking about it pretty seriously. I am into A/V by trade and she is a massage therapist so the area should be pretty good for work.
August 15, 201511 yr Well Hulk is green, I did see purple track outside of CSF today. I will post a picture shortly. Wonder if they will incorporate purple with green?? **edit Nevermind, forgot Mako has purple track. Sent from a signal coming out of the Vega system.
August 16, 201511 yr ^ I don't think that that is unbelievable. With B&M now in the "launched coaster" business, it would make sense that they'd return to Hulk to retrofit the ride with their own technology (and thus, their consistent delivery and quality). New trains are probably also a must. At least new restraints. And again, I feel that at least some of the ride will actually need re-tracked. Not sure how Hulk was left with awkward transitions when I can't think of another instance of that in B&M coasters at the time... What am I missing? ^^ This particular coaster needs it. The rust has also been a continuous issue. The ride is exposed to quite a bit of water and mist. For a long time, the trains were supposedly meant to be replaced by more nimble ones with embedded, color-changing LEDs and more friendly restraints. Coincidentally (or not), at about that time, Universal used the Maurer Sohne X-Car trains that perfectly match that description on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit... and they were awful. Constant technical problems with half the fleet being very, very rough, wheels wearing out... As far as I know, they ended up switching out most or all of them. To be very honest, those trains have probably kept the ride from being appreciated the way it otherwise might've been. If that track were dark red, instead of green, I would have thought you posted pics of Diamondbacks splashdown track!
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