No "blast off" in sight for new Universal coaster

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Jun 28, 2009 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

During these difficult times for tourism in central Florida,
Universal Orlando is having trouble getting their new roller coaster off the ground. The announcement was made in March of 2008 that Universal Orlando was preparing to build Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit, a ground-breaking thrill ride which would include rider chosen music and the ability for riders to create a video of their experience once it was over. An early estimate suggested the attraction would open in spring of this year, but there is no opening date as of yet.

Sources suggest the delays stem from an issue with a new "anti-rollback" system designed in an attempt to soften the sounds created by preventing the cars from coasting back down the ride's 90 degree ascent. Allegedly, this new system was unsuccessful with the coaster's cars and a standard "rollback" system was installed.

Universal Orlando would seem to benefit greatly from the opening of a new thrill ride. SeaWorld Orlando recently premiered the innovative coaster Manta to rave reviews despite the fact that its construction was announced after Universal Orlando announced the coming of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit. While no one in the tourism industry, whether visitor or employee, wants a thrill ride opened prematurely, Universal must be frustrated that this flight keeps getting grounded.