Universal Orlando: Incredible Hulk Coaster Update
After months of seeing it dismantled and completely re-built, The Incredible Hulk coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is slowly roaring back to life! The entire track rebuild was completed on March 23, 2016.
The engineering crew all signed the final piece before it was raised into place. This was an awesome testament to the tireless hours they’ve worked to get to this point.
Hulk getting a full re-track is a first for a B&M coaster, but was definitely needed. The coaster opened at Universal’s IOA in 1999 with rave reviews. The previous version was known for its initial launch sequence that shot passengers from 0-40 mph in two seconds and immediately into two rolls.
Hulk was rarely closed for any routine maintenance, and was becoming a little on the rough side. The new ride is going to contain a completely new track, new supports, along with new paint. The launch tunnel is receiving a major refurbishment as well, including a new black coat of paint, which is changing from the original purple. Universal has been pretty vague with details, but insures a smoother ride and “enhancements to its storyline.” They’ve also said that the experience will feel “more immersive and high-tech.”. The queue will have new theming but more importantly, the coaster will be receiving all new trains! Universal has not revealed what the trains will look like yet, but some speculate that the trains will include the new B&M vest restraints that are currently on Banshee at Kings Island and Valravn at Cedar Point.
The month of April will include preparations for testing, along with electrical work. There is still work inside the launch tunnel and also the ride queue as shown in the video. If everything stays on track, testing should begin in early May, with soft openings and a grand opening in June or early July.
Hulk isn’t the only attraction making waves in 2016 at Universal Orlando. A new attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, is also scheduled to open this summer at IOA between Jurassic Park and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. Skull Island is near completion as vigorous ride testing has already begun. Crews are also currently working on a new Fast and Furious ride over on the studios side that will reside in the area where Beetlejuice was. Another new ride being constructed at Studios is the Ride Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. It will be replacing Twister. We will have more updates on all of these new attractions as construction progresses.
For more information about Universal and their parks, visit their official website by clicking here.
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