Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

Soft opening for Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit this weekend?

July 2, 2009, 8:29 PM · One of our go-to Universal Orlando insiders says the word going around the park is that the long-delayed Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster might be opened to visitors on a "soft opening" basis as early as this weekend.

Universal's been testing the ride with water dummies this week and witnesses report a much swifter, smoother ride than they've seen on test runs in the past. Universal's replaced track and support systems on the ride to get it operational and the next step would be runs with real passengers.

Expect runs with employees first. But if those go well, hey, folks who just happen to be hanging around the ride entrance when ops are ready to make another test run might get their chance.

(And if that is you, full reports will be expected from you, back here on TPI!)

Replies (5)

susig17
Susan Jackson
July 5, 2009 at 9:32 AM · No soft opening this weekend. At least not while I was there. They were still doing some testing however.
anonymous
72.189.59.25
July 5, 2009 at 5:56 PM · i work at uo and the ride is far from done may be next week or 2 that need to fishn the lift by puting on the billboard on the sides
anonymous
68.200.185.104
July 6, 2009 at 8:41 AM · I spotted the rip ride rocket testing with employees today july 6 which means it is opening in about 1 week at latest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here I come rocket!
williamnclark
William Clark
July 6, 2009 at 12:03 PM · I'll be one of those hanging around Rip looking to ride. As of yesterday June 5 welders were still working on the track. A single empty car went up over the first lift hill and stopped at the first braking station. It runs silently. Video screens are installed in the queue and are operating and the marquee is up.
Universal is going to have to get those 2 cranes out of there first though before anyone can ride I would think. You still may or may not get a ride come early August. The next time I'm over there I will take a few pictures and send them along. That may give you a better idea of where they're at.
anonymous
81.154.88.20
July 6, 2009 at 1:41 PM · we was in orlando from 20th june-4th july. on 1st july, on our third visit to universal, around 10.30 pm, when coming back from dinner at hard rock, we saw a consistant battery of tests, with all lights on, at full speed, etc. it looks excellent, and also passing by, it gives of no sound.
we felt that it cannot be long till it opens. it agree that the tests should be very thorough, and safety is of paramount, but can anybody confirm, that if only 12 people can ride in any one vehicle at a time? does this mean that waiting will take a long time, or are there a lot of cars which will run at various intervals?
bit peeved we missed this, as we were certain when we were there last summer, this would be complete.
barry morrison.

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