[Jarsh]

The midcourse was only off because it was the first run. It will probably be used once it's up and running for the public.

[Jonathan]

Looks awesome but I suspect you will see the trim and mid-course activated eventually.

Anyone know why B&M does such heavy speed control on all their hypers? Is it for the benefit of the riders or stress on the track? Seems like it must be one or the other. Especially irritating if its the former.

[Jarsh]

I'm guessing it's for the "benefit" of the riders to reduce discomfort. They probably design them to hit a g-force sweet spot and while they can go over that level without issue, they don't want to run the risk of potentially harming the GP (bruised thighs, potential ejection, etc) like you see on Intamins.

That would also explain why they are speed controlled and not constant.

[coasterbruh]

I'm just loving all of the rollercoaster designers on Facebook slamming there negative thoughts on this coaster. I for like it, it's going to be an airtime monster. That's all that matter to me.

Hahahaha airtime monster????? I think that's a stretch . . .

[Axel]

5 On Your Side takes a Pre-Opening Ride on Mako

http://www.ksdk.com/news/nation-now/exclusive-preopening-ride-of-mako-orlandos-tallest-fastest-coaster/235501371



"...Unlike Cedar Point, Six Flags, and other regional parks, where crazy coasters are the draw, more casual ride fans typically visit Florida's destination parks. Mako's extreme height, speed, and airtime are a Shamu-and-a-half leap greater than Space Mountain. Uninformed guests might be in for the ride of their lives if they wander onto the hypercoaster. But consider that the ride does not include any upside-down elements. There are coasters that are considerably taller and go much faster than SeaWorld's thrill machine. In my experience, Mako's 200-foot height is a sweet spot. It's more than enough to get pulses racing and senses heightened (and, um, rumps rising), but not so much as to cause tunnel vision, grayouts, or other unpleasant side effects. And the rock-solid ride is remarkably smooth. There is none of the shudder, vibrations, or any other sensations that mar less graceful coasters. It's just 2.5 minutes of pure exhilaration (or trepidation, depending on your thrill threshold)."

[coasterbruh]

OH NO!!! They pushed Mako back a year???

[Axel]

^ just for you...

[coasterbruh]

That was awfully nice of them!

[pproteinc]

Anybody headed to Sweden next year?? Ikaros is coming to Grona Lund in April 2017



[youtube]https://youtu.be/FNS7MSd9ddc[/youtube]

http://coasterhub.com/archives/16812

Looks like a version of Falcon's Fury.

[Jonathan]

Interesting because that park already has 2 drop towers. Makes sense though given how constrained they are on space.

[tarheel1231]

Deleted

[coasterbruh]

ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!!!!!

[pproteinc]

Interesting because that park already has 2 drop towers. Makes sense though given how constrained they are on space.

Ok I knew I wasn't crazy. I knew of one drop ride but I did not know they had two. Obviously this one will have the face down experience and one of them have the old feel like Drop Zone what's the difference with the second one there already?

[Jonathan]

One of them is an Intamin free fall tower that has the standup tilting Acrophobia style seats on two sides and regular seats on two sides. The other is an S&S double shot.

[coasterbruh]

Today Universal released more details on what they are calling their 3rd theme park . . .

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED WATER THEME PARK TO OPEN IN 2017

Volcano Bay to Become Universal Orlando’s Third Theme Park,
A One-of-A-Kind Paradise Filled with Adventure-Drenched Thrills, Relaxing Indulgence and Rejuvenation

International Tickets On Sale Soon for Travel Dates Beginning June 1, 2017



ORLANDO, Fla. (June 21, 2016) – A lush, tropical oasis unfolds before you, instantly transporting you to a little-known Pacific isle. In the distance, a colossal volcano rises above a sparkling beach, boasting majestic waterfalls by day and blazing lava by night.

Welcome to Universal’s Volcano Bay– a radically-innovative water theme park opening next year at Universal Orlando Resort. Spanning 28 fully immersive acres, Universal Orlando’s third theme park will be an entirely new kind of water theme park experience, giving guests even more to enjoy on their vacation.

At Volcano Bay, guests will discover a place like no other, filled with incredible thrills and relaxing indulgences. This one-of-a-kind park will combine exhilarating experiences with hassle-free convenience so families can get the most out of their vacation together. They won’t have to stand in long lines or wrestle with tubes before diving into the unique attractions found throughout the park. They can enjoy a variety of experiences, ranging from winding rivers and private, two-story cabanas to family raft rides and twisting body slides that launch guests above the water.

Here’s what you need to know about Volcano Bay:

An Innovative Water Theme Park Experience:
Volcano Bay will redefine the queue experience so guests can focus entirely on having fun and spending time together. Guests won’t even have to carry their own rafts up the slides.

18 Unique Attractions in Four Imaginatively-Themed Areas:
Volcano Bay will offer 18 unique attractions ranging from daring to serene. They’ll be divided across four primary park areas where there’s something for everyone, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below – and a state-of-the-art marquee attraction that will be revealed at a later date. Additional details on the park’s attractions can be found on the last page.

An Award-Winning Team of Creators:
A place like this could only be brought to life by Universal Creative – the same team behind ground-breaking theme park experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. The team researched water parks and tropical resorts around the world to help redefine the water park experience and shape their vision for Volcano Bay.

Easy-to-Access, Resort-Like Amenities Throughout the Park:
Each area of the park will offer its own easy-to-access, resort-like amenities, such as concierge locations and lockers, so guests won’t have to stroll out of their way to get what they need. There will also be highly-themed restaurants and bars located throughout the park offering signature food and beverage options and impressive volcano views. Even more unique features of the park will be announced later.

Convenient Location On-Site at Universal Orlando:
Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando, adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The water theme park is just a short walk or ride away from Universal Orlando’s two additional theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk.

International Tickets On Sale Soon:
Universal Orlando will soon introduce a brand-new, 3-Park Explorer ticket for guests where they can plan to experience the highly-anticipated Volcano Bay for travel dates beginning June 1, 2017. Tickets will soon be available through international web sites and travel professionals, and additional ticket options will be announced later.

This is just the beginning, and more exciting details about Volcano Bay will be released over time. Stay tuned for additional information by visiting http://www.UniversalOrlando.com and following Universal Orlando’s blog.

Lets take a look at what is to come in a more informal, off the cuff manner from Dale Mason, Vice President and Executive Art Director for Universal Creative . . .

The goal was lofty: how can we create a water park unlike any else in the world?

We started with a challenge to ourselves: what if we took everything we know about crafting amazing theme park experiences and designing luxurious resorts, and we used it to create a one-of-a-kind water theme park.

That was the beginning of Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort.

To help shape our vision, we traveled around the world visiting water parks and tropical resorts. We went to Bali, the Middle East, Europe and all across the United States. And from there, we started designing what we wanted Volcano Bay to be.

One of our first goals was to eliminate hassles for guests so they can focus on the fun. So we found a way to get rid of long lines. We made it so you don’t have to carry your tube. We spread amenities like dining throughout the park, so you don’t have to hike up to the front of the park for a bite to eat. And we brought the mindset of designing a world-class resort to create a water paradise.

Spanning 28 acres, Volcano Bay will transport you to a lush, tropical oasis inspired by the Pacific isles. Every step while you’re here can be filled with thrills, indulgence or rejuvenation.

Thrill seekers can enjoy unique experiences like surprising drop slides and our white-water action river. Or if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you’ll be able to enjoy our soothing winding river, serene beaches and two-story private cabanas.

Volcano Bay is made up of four incredibly themed areas with Polynesian influences ranging from Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. Here’s what you’ll find in each area.



Krakatau:

At the heart of the park, you’ll see the 200-foot-tall volcano called Krakatau. By day, you’ll see its majestic waterfalls. And by night, the volcano will illuminate with blazing lava.

Three distinctive body slides are found at the rear of the volcano, and each starts off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath you:

Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where you’ll fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
Secret Attraction: I can’t talk about this one yet, but it’ll be like nothing else in the park.

Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village is a perfect place to soak in the sun and relax on the sandy shores. It includes:

Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where you can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

River Village:
River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences and features:

Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and a journey through the cave of starlight.
Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across a dual wall.
Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.

Rainforest Village:
Rainforest Village features an incredible assortment of attractions for thrill-seekers, including:

Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride”, sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge you into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch you four- or six-feet above the water at the end.
TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where you’ll have to hang tight in your inner tube amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where you can swim and relax.

I am so excited for guests to come to Volcano Bay, and this is just the beginning.