Universal: Taking in fresh views of VelociCoaster
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster continues to roll toward its grand opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Visitors who have been circling the site to watch testing of the ride vehicles and get new glimpses of the attraction recently have had the chance to see it from a fresh angle: the bridge behind Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The structure first appeared when the original Wizarding World was under construction on a portion of the park’s Lost Continent land.
Since then it has been used sporadically to alleviate Hogsmeade foot traffic jams. The bridge connects from near the Fire Eaters Grill to the lower levels of Jurassic Park. Now it runs beneath the under-construction coaster track multiple times.
(Disclaimer: Two of the last three times I’ve been to IOA, the bridge was closed. Proceed with proper expectations.)
Last week, I was able to walk the bridge while two trains were running on the course, which is a relief for impatient photographers waiting for cars to zoom by. My main take-away was
how it was fun to get “other” IOA lands in the background of the coaster, which is firmly dinosaur-themed and fitting for Jurassic Park.
A favorite fresh view is about midway in the bridge
and looking toward the Incredible Hulk coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, two high-profile rides over in Marvel Super Hero Island. In the future, it would be exhilarating to be
there when VelociCoaster and Hulk are accidentally synchronized. On the left is Mythos restaurant rockwork from Lost Continent, and on the right is part of the plaza behind and below
Jurassic Park Discovery Center.
But a big discussion point is how close the rails come to the back patio area of Three Broomsticks, a restaurant in Wizarding World of Harry
Potter.
Near the end of the ride, the train travels above the water, including a short stretch while upside down, before heading back to the station.
The views from the bridge mostly show off the second half of the ride after the big hill.
VelociCoaster’s rails do go directly over the bridge. There were no human passengers aboard and therefore no risk of falling objects when I took pictures last week. If the bypass remains open during actual operation of the roller coaster, it is presumed that nets will be installed. (You can see them elsewhere on the site already).
Finally, some fast VelociCoaster facts: It’s expected to go 70 mph. Its highest point is 155 feet. There are four inversions and 24 riders per car.
There is not yet an announced opening date from Universal Orlando.