Why Universal’s Newest Ride is Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before

We don’t know about you, but we cannot WAIT for Universal’s upcoming VelociCoaster!

©Universal

Along with the additional promo images for the completed attraction), Universal Orlando has also announced that the VelociCoaster will be opening in Islands of Adventure on June 10th. That may be exciting enough as it is, but this coaster is going to be like nothing you’ve ever seen before in the parks. Curious? Read on…if you dare.

Universal Studios has been doing a pretty big Jurassic World overhaul as it is around the world. Universal Hollywood first saw its Jurassic World water ride with the return of actors from the franchise. And, then Universal Beijing announced that it would be creating an entire Jurassic World section of the park to place guests inside the fan-favorite films.

©Universal

Universal Orlando, on the other hand, has been a bit behind on its game with the parks still remaining in the Jurassic Park phase without the introduction of the newer sequel set of films. However, that’s all changing with the debut of the highly anticipated VelociCoaster. Universal may be known for its awesome set of coasters, but the VelociCoaster will be like no other.

©Universal

Specifically, the actual ride-through and track of the coaster is what makes it so unique to other rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster or Revenge of the Mummy. When guests hop onto the VelociCoaster, they will become the prey as they are “chased” by raptors when they break loose from their paddock containment. Plenty of close encounters with the raptors and near misses of the rockwork and other elements will ensue.

©Universal

But, the ride vehicles themselves will hit 70 mph in 2.4 seconds as they coast around the track and soar at the top of a 155-foot top hat tower. Just to put things in perspective, Rip Ride Rockit is just 12 feet taller and Expedition Everest is only about 45 feet taller. And, the VelociCoaster has no mountains to cover up exactly how high you are in the air as you look over the entirety of Jurassic Park.

©Universal

Despite the fact you plummet downwards from the peak at an 80-degree angle, that’s not even the most epic part. Guests will be tossed upside down 4 times with the most notable time during a 100-foot-long, “zero-gravity stall.” So, basically you are weightlessly dangling in an inversion, which will feel like you are just hanging about for a LONG time. In reality, it will only be a few seconds. But, when raptors are on the loose, seconds can feel like hours!

©Universal

The grand finale, though, is possibly the most excited part. Universal has created a NEW experience for guests with the “mosasaurus roll,” nicknamed after the massive water dinosaur seen in Jurassic World. Riders will be spun around on a 360-degree barrel-roll inversion just a few feet above the Islands of Adventure lagoon. Guests will feel like they’re practically gliding on the water before they finally escape the raptors on the loose at the end of the attraction.

©Universal

Throughout the ride, guests will have 12 seconds of airtime where they feel like they are practically floating out of their seats. Part of this is due to the fact the ride is using lap bars instead over the overhead, pull-down bars. Of course, the attraction is completely safe with nothing to worry about — other than the raptors catching up with you!

©Universal

We can’t disregard the fact that the track also twists and turns all the way around the parks, even making its way near Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Along with the experience itself, we haven’t seen a coaster stretch all the way around the park in this capacity previously!

VelociCoaster Construction

Most tracks are pretty stationary in one section of the park, whether it’s the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley. Yet, VelociCoaster even LOOKS like you are running away from the raptors, cutting corners and looping around wherever you can manage around the park.

VelociCoaster Track

It really dives into the reality that “Jurassic World” isn’t just one section of the theme park to raptors. And, we LOVE that level of storytelling that Universal has put into the construction and ride-through, not to mention the premise of the actual attraction. You can snag a sneak peek at the VelociCoaster in action below!

When it officially opens in Universal Orlando, we’ll be sure to give you a look at EVERYTHING the VelociCoaster brings to the table this summer. Stay tuned with All Ears for more Universal news!

All THREE Universal Orlando parks have reached capacity again today!

Will you be riding the VelociCoaster in June? Let us know in the comments below!

Trending Now

Rachel Franko has been going to Disney Parks since she was a baby, and her love of Disney has only grown into a SLIGHT obsession since! She's been writing for AllEars since 2019 and loves sharing the magic with all the readers. When she's not writing, you can catch her heading to Disney and Universal Studios with a heart full of dreams and a backpack full of themed ears!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One Reply to “Why Universal’s Newest Ride is Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before”

  1. If you ever see me riding this. Someone please yell at me “You have completely lost your mind!!!!!” Bring me back to reality!!!!!!! I will probably look like I am in a state of horrified shock when I get off!!!! It may take a long time to recover!!!! Maybe I never will!!!!!