Orlando, FL — This week, our “This or That” series will travel to the Universal Orlando® Resort to take a look at two of their high-speed roller coasters. First, we’ll take a ride on The Incredible Hulk Coaster® at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® and then we’ll explore Universal’s newest coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® at Universal Studios Florida®.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
The Incredible Hulk Coaster® debuted on May 28, 1999 in the Marvel Super Hero Island section as one of the opening day attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®. Themed after the popular comic book superhero character, Hulk, guests enter the attraction through the science laboratory of Dr. Bruce Banner.
At 3,700 ft. long, the 2 minute and 15 second ride launches each train (with up to 32 riders) up a lift hill where guests accelerate to 40 mph in approximately two seconds. Reaching a top speed of 67 mph, The Incredible Hulk Coaster® features seven inversions including a zero-g roll, a cobra roll, two vertical loops and two corkscrews.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® debuted on August 19, 2009 in the Production Central section of Universal Studios Florida®. Once the rider has boarded their train, they can select a song to listen to during the ride from a selection of songs, including Limp Bizkit, The Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top and The Charlie Daniels Band.
At 3,800 ft. long, the 1 minute and 37 second ride begins with each train (with up to 12 riders) climbing a 167 ft. vertical lift hill where riders are then dropped back to the ground. Reaching a top speed of 65 mph, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® features 6 near-miss encounters and additional thrills including a record-breaking loop.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit®
Both coasters offer the thrills and excitement that adrenaline junkies look for in an attraction. The Incredible Hulk Coaster® riders are given the option to purchase their ride photos once they disembark; however, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit® riders have the option to purchase a ride video of their experience.
So, which coaster do we prefer? When it comes down to the details, we really enjoy the theming more on The Incredible Hulk Coaster®. Plus, both coasters offer a great experience; however, you just can’t beat the experience of launching out of the gamma-ray accelerator going from 9 to 40 mph in just 2 seconds.
Although every seat offers a great experience, we feel both the front and back rows offer a more thrilling experience. Since the line for the front row tends to be much longer, we recommend asking for the back row unless you don’t mind the wait. Taller riders be warned, if you are taller than 79 inches you will not be allowed to experience Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit®.
Let us know what you think about these two Universal attractions. Which coaster would you choose?
If you missed our previous debate, This or That: “it’s a small world”® vs. Jungle Cruise®, please check it out to see which classic Walt Disney World® attraction we choose.