Today’s the day, friends. We’re taking a trip to Jurassic Park (well, Universal Orlando to be exact) to ride the brand new VELOCICOASTER!

The official opening date of the Jurassic World inspired attraction isn’t until June 10th. However, Universal Passholders have been given the opportunity to ride the VelociCoaster early. And, it’s a great thing that we’re Annual Passholders, because we get to share a first look at the coaster with YOU!

Universal Orlando has continued preparations for the VelociCoaster with a new sign, released physical requirements, and more.

But, if we’re honest, nothing really prepared us for this “beast” of a coaster! So, buckle up, because this is bound to be a ride like you’ve never seen before!

Queue

The premise of the VelociCoaster is that the attraction is the newest addition to the Jurassic World theme park as Claire Dearing wants to attract more business. It takes place before the Jurassic World movie, and the coaster is inside the park as part of the “more thrills initiative.”

Humans should be able to safely observe raptors in an up-close environment, but Owen Grady warns that this could be a MAJOR disaster. The pre-show includes both Chris Pratt (Owen Grady) and Bryce Dallas Howard (Claire Dearing).

SHOCKER: The raptors break loose out of their containment paddocks to chase the humans on the coaster. But, leading up to that point, Universal has done some amazing world-building with the ride’s queue.

As you continue on through the queue, you’ll learn a little bit more about the velociraptor and pass by one of the tunnels that the ride speeds through. Be sure to watch as the cars pass because you’ll get to see the velociraptors chasing after the ride vehicle!

We're at the VelociCoaster Passholder preview today! We could not contain our excitement to see MR. DNA in the queue! pic.twitter.com/92fUcqoxwJ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) May 2, 2021

Now, things may not go as planned during your journey through Jurassic World, but you’ll still learn a lot about what they intended the experience to be like! In one room through the queue, Dr. Henry Wu will tell you all about their velociraptor training and how they’ve ensured you’re safe while in the park. Be sure to look at the things on display in the room! You’ll spot some items you might recognize from the movies!

You’ll then pass by the velociraptors enclosures and come pretty close to a dino before you even get on the ride. But, don’t worry, this one is secured! And, before you can even second guess your decision to enter the Jurassic World park, you’re being loaded into your ride vehicle!

The Ride

When guests are seated in the ride vehicle, they are asked to use lap bars instead of overhead bars.

At the initial launch, the coaster goes from 0 to 50 mph in 3 seconds as it breaks away from the raptor paddock. Later on, as it approaches the highest peak of the ride, it accelerates from 40 mph to 70 mph in 2.4 seconds!

At one point, riders reach a pinnacle of a 155-foot top hat tower before plummeting downwards at an 80-degree angle. 

Guests are then tossed upside down 4 times with an epic 100-foot-long, “zero-gravity stall.” During the grand finale, there’s a 360-degree barrel-roll inversion or “mosasaurus roll,” where guests feel like they are practically gliding on water at a point just a few feet above the Islands of Adventure lagoon. Then, everyone finally escapes the raptors at the end of the attraction (yay!) after experiencing 12 seconds of airtime.

If you’re heading to Universal Orlando this summer, the VelociCoaster is an absolute MUST. Universal, hats off to you! And, you can stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Universal entertainment and news coming soon!

Here’s everything you need to know about the VelociCoaster!

Will you be going to Universal Orlando to ride the VelociCoaster this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

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