ORLANDO, Fla. — Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But the theme park is open to folks getting a closer look. More construction walls have been removed from the site of the roller coaster, and there are a few fresh — and up-close — angles for visitors to explore.
The themed paddocks — numbered 1 through 5 — that run along the side of the attraction now offer views for possible future riders through sturdy bars and metal plates with round cutouts. Roller-coaster enthusiasts and theme-park bloggers gathered there Tuesday, cameras ready.
What they saw: the occasional testing of (empty) trains gliding by, as close as 15 feet from the sidewalk; clear views of several high and twisting maneuvers, lots of landscaping (even a faux jungle needs to look leafy) and jagged rock work, a waterfall and, near paddocks 1 and 2, the flat area where the vehicle prepares to launch into the top hat structure that appears to be the thrill ride’s signature move.
Universal Orlando has not announced a grand-opening date, although it has settled on “summer” as an answer as to when to expect VelociCoaster to be available to the public. Glimpses of progress give hope to coaster watchers.
First, up-close impressions: It looks smooth and fairly silent, what with no screaming passengers on board. From solid ground it didn’t look to be going as fast as the advertised 70 mph, but the attraction is still in testing phase, and observers could not see the acceleration point leading up to the hill.
The viewing is riveting from other paddocks, located across the walkway from the entrance to the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. But visitors can get a feel for the height and scope of the ride and a look at a waterfall.
There are five roller coasters in the works at Florida theme parks, all without announced opening dates. In addition to IOA’s VelociCoaster, Walt Disney World is working on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot and Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Magic Kingdom. SeaWorld Orlando is preparing its Ice Breaker and sister park Busch Gardens Tampa has Iron Gwazi coming up; both parks say the “anticipated opening” for the rides is in 2021.
The scene around VelociCoaster, which has had limited runs with people aboard, hasn’t changed much lately. There is more foliage and maybe fewer pieces of heavy machinery. Workers were on site Tuesday, including some on the bridge that once acted as a bypass for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The new ride is built on the waterfront in the Jurassic Park section of the theme park. It stretches from the edge of Toon Lagoon to the backside of Wizarding World, near the outdoor dining for its Three Broomsticks restaurant. But it can be seen from multiple IOA locations, including waterside pavilions running behind Lost Continent, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and Port of Entry.
Among VelociCoaster’s elements are the 155-foot top hat, four inversions, a 100-foot “zero-G stall,” launches, a barrel roll and a stretch over water, according to RCDB.com.
Another hopeful sign: Dinosaur-heavy VelociCoaster merchandise has started appearing in the theme park. Look for T-shirts, mugs, pins and, for the fan who has everything, VelociCoaster socks.
____
