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New Universal coaster hits the right notes |
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Nov 13, 2009 at 04:49 PM |
You can make your own musical selections at Rip Ride Rockit during the turbulent ride
By Juliana A. Torres
Staff Writer
Universal Studios’ newest roller coaster, the Rip Ride Rockit, is designed to make riders feel like they are stars in a music video, from choosing a song track that will define their ride through music-themed twists and turns to viewing the final video amidst congratulatory cheering.
Stereo speakers around the headrest of each seat blast a choice of 30 different songs – from Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top and The Crystal Method to MC Hammer, No Doubt and Kenny Chesney – during the ride. The songs, previewed during the wait in line and selected as riders strap into the coaster, are grouped in five different genres: classic rock and metal, rap and hip-hop, club and electronic, pop and disco or country.
The coaster, built without shoulder restraints, boasts speeds up to 65 mph, an initial 17-story lift off at 90 degrees and a total of 3,800 feet of steel track.
Mike West, executive producer at Universal Creative Studio, said the idea for the coaster came when the park – already featuring television and movie-themed rides – decided to venture into the music industry.
“We really wanted to add a thrill-ride coaster to Universal Studios,” he said.
West said that with so many songs to choose from, the possibilities become endless.
“You could literally ride the roller coaster 30 different times and have 30 different experiences based on the music you select,” West said. “It’s a matter of exploring different sounds, the beat and feel and movement of the rollercoaster.”
The coaster plays up the concept that riders are stars in their own music videos. Universal employees stand, cheer and congratulate riders on the success of the video shoot as they exit the coaster. Of course, they then have an opportunity to view production-quality video of themselves recorded from six on-board cameras built along the track.
“Now you can not only tell people about it, you can show them,” West said. “It’s the first coaster ever to be able to capture experience, the whole experience.”
Riders can buy DVDs or the video in a format that can be e-mailed.
The roller coaster features three unique maneuvers. The ride flips into a loop shaped like a treble clef symbol. The maneuver called “Double Take” is the world’s largest non-inverted loop at 136 feet tall.
A first-time maneuver called “Jump Cut” will give you an experience of negative-gravity, usually achieved when coasters drop down and then quickly over a hump, but in Rip Ride Rockit the point of weightlessness happens in a spiral.
West said so far, the roller coaster has been a “huge success,” with riders getting off the coaster and getting right back in line.
“We think it’s one of the coolest experiences you can ever have. It’s certainly the most technological roller coaster we’ve ever created,” he said. “The thrill of it is riding it over and over.” |
