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More Clues Lead to the Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Back in October it was confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride will be a coaster – the first in EPCOT‘s history. WOOHOOOO! ( if you didn’t know, we love a coaster here at OAT) There was rumours back in October of the coaster being a ‘first of its kind’ ride system and will launch guests through a tunnel into a 10-story tall show building but today we have more rumours…

Over the last few days there has been a few rumours flying around regarding who is going to be making the coaster which will give us more clues and room to speculate on what type of coaster it will be. There is 2 manufacturer names that have been floating around the GOTG coaster – Mack Rides and Vekoma.

I’m going to start with what we DO know about the GOTG coaster.. We know that there will be a very cool queuing experience, guests will enter through a doorway that will take them into the Welcome Gallery consisting of ramps leading up through the line – it appears to be on multiple levels and will see guests climbing upwards as the queue progresses to reach the elevated load platform, the second queue room is Xander Gallery which then leads to a ‘merge point’ and the first pre-show. The second pre-show (see image below) will see guests undergo some sort of transformation with projections of Rocket, Groot and the Milano Ship. From there the guests will make way to the load area, the coaster will feature a dual – load and unload meaning 2 trains at a time (less waiting woohoo!) Each train can hold 20 guests. The train will then head to the launch tunnel where they will be shot straight into the building behind the old Universal of Energy which is 133ft tall.

The track looks as though it will consist of many tight turns and long straights with projection effects along the way. It does appear to be family friendly and there will be no inversions (boooo) There isn’t a huge amount of information about the story-line so I guess we will just have to patiently wait for that..

So from what we know (or think we know), it looks as though it will be a launch coaster experience and there has recently been some rumours that it would be a Mack Spinning Coaster. (like Cobras Curse at Busch Gardens which is a Mack ride) Disney chose Mack for Slinky Dog Dash so it kind of made sense to opt for them to make the GOTG coaster too however some sources have revealed that it is apparently going to actually be a new Vekoma coaster.

There has been no confirmation on what style of ride it will be but from my research (well, a browse on Wikipedia) Vekoma have never built a spinning coaster. Some of the Vekoma coasters built in Orlando are; Rock ‘n Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios which is a LSM Coaster (launched coaster) Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom, Flight of the Hippogriff in IOA, Flying School in LEGOLAND (suspended family coaster) Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom and Freedom Flyer in Funspot which is also a suspended family coaster, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom and they are making Tron which is coming to Magic Kingdom in 2021. This has led me to thinking what type of coaster we could be getting for GOTG…

Vekoma manufacture a lot of Boomerang coasters which we have not seen in a Disney park as of yet. A Boomerang coaster uses the same track multiple times. For example, the coaster may start by travelling backwards up a slope, it will then hurtle forwards, maybe do a few twists and turns and then you could find yourself travelling backwards again, maybe this time down a slope. Now it looks as though the GOTG coaster is going to be family orientated and family or ‘junior’ boomerang coasters look pretty awesome! Take a look at this family boomerang coaster in Paultons Park which was manufactured by Vekoma:

Vekoma have also made many ‘motorbike roller coasters’ which are.. well the title kind of speaks for itself. 😉 Now I don’t think it the GOTG coaster will be a motorbike style coaster due to TRON: Lightcycle Power Run coming to Magic Kingdom in 2021 (which is also manufactured by Vekoma) as the one in Shanghai is already a motorbike style coaster we can assume that the Magic Kingdom one will be too.

As it appears that the GOTG coaster is going to be a family coaster, the only other Vekoma coaster style I can think of is a Suspended Family Coaster like the Flight of the Hippogriff at Islands of Adventure or Flying School at LEGOLAND Florida:

There is loads of different models of coaster that GOTG could be and it has not yet been confirmed if Vekoma are going to be the ones manufacturing it but I’ve got a hunch and sometimes, just sometimes they’re right. :p

There is still no exact date for when the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction will open but Disney have promised that it will be open in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World which is in 2021.

What style of coaster would you like to see?

Smiles included,

Abby

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The Great LEGO Race opening Spring 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers!

There are many things to look forward to in the coming year at the parks in Orlando, one park in particular which is sometimes overlooked has a preeeeeetty cool new coaster coming in Spring 2018.

At LEGOLAND Florida, under the supervision of their parent company – Merlin Magic Making – Project X roller coaster is being transformed in to ‘The Great LEGO Race’ which is going to be a supercharged virtual reality adventure that puts you in the drivers seat. “Prepare to take on the wildest LEGO race ever imagined when cutting-edge VR technology combines with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction!” 

The experience is the first VR roller coaster designed for kids and will feature a line up from the popular LEGO minifigure mystery assortments and will pit riders in a ‘rollicking race’ against wild, brick built contraptions driven by Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain. Guests will steer LEGO-built vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fuelled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.

 “Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of LEGO world?”

Guests will wear (optional) VR headsets to be able to fully immerse themselves in a world built entirely from LEGO bricks that has been inspired by the way kids play with LEGO toys at home.

The adventure begins as guests approach the ride’s bold new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five LEGO racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders.

Check out the first look at The Great LEGO Race:

Guests must be at least 42 inches tall (1.2m) to ride, or be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 48 inches tall. The VR headsets are designed to fit both adults and children, and can be adjusted for comfort. The VR experience is intended for children 6 and up, and guests can choose to ride without wearing the headset.

What do you think of a VR coaster combined with LEGO characters? LEGOLAND are the third park to feature a VR coaster (after Fun Spot and SeaWorld) so could it be a way forward for coasters?

Smiles Included,

Abby

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The Guardians of the Galaxy Ride at Epcot will be a coaster

Hey Thrill Seekers,

*me dancing* that’s the dance I do whenever a park confirms an actual coaster and not a 3d ride is being built. So thanks to Disney I was able to brush off the old dancing shoes and celebrate.

Yesterday at the EPCOT 35 media event Vice President of Epcot, Melissa Valiquette, confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride will indeed be a coaster making it the first in the parks history.

Theming on this coaster will be key to Disney’s plans to create a storyverse at each of its park, according to the source of all knowledge, the internet, the GOTG coaster will load guests in the former Universe of Energy attraction, launching guests through a tunnel into a 10-story tall show building.

The coaster will reportedly be a first of its kind ride system, but all parks claim this and at the moment we’re not really sure what this means. More info to follow…

However, WE’RE GETTING A NEW COASTER…. YEY!!!

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Theme Parks Announce In-Coaster Dining Plans!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

According to recent reports, one theme park in Orlando is planning to offer their visitors ‘In-Coaster’ dining options!

The Park has stated that more and more people that come to Orlando are not getting enough quality time at the parks due to the inconvenience of having to take a break to eat breakfast, lunch or a snack. They have stated that according to research carried out on one of their most popular roller coasters, visitors can save an additional 22 minutes per day by choosing to eat their meals during their ride on a roller coaster.

Some of the dishes already planned for the menu include the following;

  • Soup of the day
  • Rahmen Noodles
  • Curry and Rice
  • Nachos with Cheese
  • Fish and Chips
  • Burgers
  • Ice Cream
  • Custard

The park in question [currently choosing to remain anonymous for commercial reasons] say that although some people may find it difficult to eat a full meal while riding a coaster we hope in time that this will become part and parcel of visiting a theme park.

When asked what they planned to do for riders that exited the ride covered in food the park official stated “We already have a post dinner schedule for clean up, customer can pay an additional $20 to be hosed down after”

Although this does seem a radical idea and many are sceptical of its success, some have even speculated that their is a 1 in 3 chance of people ‘chundering’ during and after the ride, this aside, we are keen to see this food related freak show in operation.

Official opening is planned for 1st April 2018 – so we will be able to provide more information closer to the time. In the meantime if any of our readers have any idea which park this may happen in please leave a comment below.

Happy munching and Smiles included…

Jamie

Orlando Attraction Tickets

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Best Seats On The Rides

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It’s a worldwide assumption that the best seats on any ride are the ones right at the front. There’s always a longer queue and the lucky ones who get to ride at the front always have an annoyingly smug look on their face.. almost as if they’ve been allowed to sit on a throne.

Universal though, have dropped a bombshell and have stated that the front row isn’t always the best row to experience rides and attractions! Dun dun dun…

They have set out to prove this in a blog on their website giving insider information on the best places to sit on various Universal rides within different categories.

Simulators

Universal is well known for its simulator attractions such as TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Their tip is, the closer you actually are to the screen, the less effective the 3D effects become.  It has been said that the best seats are the ones nearer the back, i’ll bear that in mind!

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Water Rides

The best place to sit on any water ride is always going to depend on how wet you’re willing to get! If you’re a bit hot and sticky or even if you just love the thrill of getting soaked on a ride then the front seats are best and if you want to avoid walking around like a soggy mess then a few rows from the back is the place for you!

Although Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges will get you absolutely soaked wherever you sit!

Dark Rides

On rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and MEN IN BLACK: ALIEN ATTACK it is said that the middle seats are the best as it will give you a good front and centre view of whatever’s going on around you. I’m not too sure on this one I still think the front row for rides like these would be the best.

meninblack

Roller Coasters

Roller Coasters are definitely the most popular when it comes to people wanting to sit at the front. This is understandable as you will get the best views and it will usually entail a smoother ride. On Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit the left side of the car is highly advised for a ‘truly rockin’ experience. Revenge of the Mummy is said to be best enjoyed at the back.

The Incredible Hulk Coasters most popular row is undoubtedly the last row – row 8. It is said that the back of this coaster is the most ‘extreme and exhilarating experience’.

-resources-digitalassets-Incredible Hulk Coaster

Don’t you worry, there is of course coasters where the front row is the best (why would there be a longer queue if it wasn’t). Being an inverted coaster, Dragon Challenges front rows are the best seats in the house.

My favourite seats are either right at the front or right at the back, i’m not really a fan of sitting in the middle, especially on roller coasters.

What’s your preference for different rides?

Smiles Included..

Jess

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Patent Suggests New Disney Ride

Hey Thrill Seekers,

There have been many rumours ‘flying’ around about how Disney are planning to patent a ‘vertical load and launch roller coaster’.

Disney have always been quick to patent loads of idea’s that their clever ‘imagineers’ create. Lots of people have been keeping an eye on what Disney are planning for its next patent which was filed a few years back for a vertical load and launch coaster. Since the U.S Patent and Trademark Office published it back in September it has got everyone’s ears pricked and we are all watching Disney’s every move.

Basically, from what we know, the patent will allow for improvement on existing flying coaster technologies which will be done by adding multi-level loading bays for visitors to enter the ride from different levels. The cart will be stationed vertically making it heaps easier to position yourself ready for the ride.

“The flying roller coaster is a relatively new ride for amusement parks, and ride designers have faced several challenges including how to load and unload the vehicles and then place the passengers/riders in a prone or flying position.”

There are quite a few flying coasters around a great example being Manta at SeaWorld – guests board this coaster by sitting down in a seat, restraint harnesses come down and then the seat is pulled up resulting with it being parallel to the track.

soarin

Some issues that have been raised in a snippet from the patent:

First, the loading and unloading positions can be quite uncomfortable as some existing designs require the passengers to lie down in the vehicle. Second, many flying roller coasters have vehicles with complex actuator assemblies that are used to position the vehicles or seats in a flying position after passenger loading is completed. This increases manufacturing and maintenance costs for these rides. Third, all of the passengers load the vehicles or cars of the coaster train from a single station (or single horizontal platform) — such an arrangement fails to provide any privacy for the vehicle passengers during loading and unloading. For example, each passenger has to share the pre-ride experience with a large number of people (i.e., the entire capacity of the train rather than just those in your family or group that may be entering a car or vehicle to experience a ride).

The patent hints at the coaster being launched vertically from the get go. Instead of having to lay down to get in position for a flying coaster ride Disney seem to be re-designing the whole experience. Riders would be required to just sit down in the seat and lean back against the (hopefully a padded) back of the seat. Sounds a lot more comfortable to me than sitting down, being flung forwards or backwards to get in position.

The patent documents also stated that

“Also, the loading can be much more private or intimate for those entering each vehicle as each vehicle is provided its own loading platform,”

There has also been lots of speculation around this new patent such as does this mean a new attraction? Are they going to incorporate it into a existing attraction? Who knows! Unfortunately we are just as much in the dark as you are until Disney officially announces anything.

Disney have not yet announced anything to support the rumours regarding this particular patent and a lot of Disney patents are never acted upon but this idea seems to good to just chuck in a pile don’t you think?

Smiles Included…

Jess

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Top 10 New Attractions For 2012

Below are the 10 most anticipated new USA theme park rides set to open in 2012.

In no particular order –

  • Universal Studios Florida will replace Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast motion simulator ride with a digital upgrade themed to “Despicable Me,” for which a movie sequel is already in the works.
  • The Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom drop tower at Six Flags Magic Mountain will be attached to both sides of the park’s 415-foot-tall Superman: Escape from Krypton coaster tower. The new thrill ride will rank as the world¿s tallest (400 feet) and fastest (85 mph) drop tower.
  • Hersheypark will add a first-of-its-kind $25-million steel roller coaster in 2012 that will be the tallest, fastest and longest at the Pennsylvania theme park. The 200-foot-tall Skyrush coaster will feature a near-vertical 85-degree first drop followed by four high-speed banking turns and five airtime hills at speeds reaching 75 mph.
  • SeaWorld San Diego will add the $10 million-plus Manta roller coaster in 2012 that marks the U.S. debut of a highly anticipated prototype ride. SeaWorld San Diego’s 30-foot-tall Manta will feature dual launch zones, a 54-foot drop into a subterranean trench and a dramatic wing dip into a shallow lake over a 2,800-foot-long track. Launched from a tunnel filled with manta ray projections, the inversion-less family coaster will reach a top speed of 43 mph and pull 4 Gs during the two-minute trip.
  • The Superman: Ultimate Flight launch coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will rocket riders at 60 miles per hour through a towering 150-foot-high inversion and a pair of vertical twists.
  • The Verbolten multi-launch roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg will take riders on a high-speed drive along the German autobahn before detouring through the forbidden Black Forest. The themed family coaster will feature two launch zones and an indoor section of the ride with special effects and a free-fall platform.
  • Six Flags Great America (X-Flight) and Dollywood (Wild Eagle) will both add similar wing coasters by Bolliger & Mabillard in 2012. With riders sitting on either side of a 3,000-foot-long track in a winged formation, both coasters will feature multiple inversions and high-speed drops.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood will add a Transformers dark ride featuring 3-D high-definition footage with special effects and robotics.
  • The Magic Kingdom will transform Fantasyland into a magical fairy tale forest with character meet-and-greet areas, a themed restaurant and several new attractions, including the Little Mermaid dark ride.
  • Cars Land, the 12-acre themed land under construction at Disney California Adventure, will feature three new rides set amid a faithful re-creation of the isolated red rock desert town populated by Lightning McQueen and other animated vehicles in the Pixar movie “Cars.”