The popular Bolliger & Mabillard launch coaster will be closed for nearly a year as Universal and its contractors make substantial improvements to the attraction. Universal announced today that the coaster will be getting new ride vehicles as well as "new enhancements to its storyline." We have heard that the park also will be replacing the coaster's launch mechanism and will be adding new in-queue and possibly in-tunnel on-ride effects.
In 2012, Universal substantially refurbished The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride in Islands of Adventure's Marvel Super Hero Island, upgrading to a 4K digital high definition Infitec 3-D projection system, as well adding a new audio system, lighting, and improved sets.
Universal is in the midst of a building binge at its U.S. theme parks, as Islands of Adventure will be opening the Reign of Kong ride in a new Skull Island land next year, and plans are underway to add a major Nintendo presence in the parks. Universal Orlando is also building a new hotel and new water park. In Hollywood, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open next year as the keystone in a $1 billion-plus "Evolution" makeover of the entire Universal City property, which is also slated to include new hotels.
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There was a rumor the Hulk could possibly be changed to Iron Man. Not the Tony Stark version, but the comic book version as they could use that IP. The launch would still work with the back story.
I would anticipate the experience to be much like that of Led Zeppelin from Hard Rock Park. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, because while the total experience was very cool, it was annoying for those just wanting to ride the coaster because you had to sit through the pre-show whether there was a line or not. I wouldn't be surprised if the trains are floorless and equipped with a full sound system, but the actual coaster experience will probably be unchanged after the launch, assuming it's replaced with LSMs/LIMs.
I seriously doubt Universal will re-theme the Incredible Hulk to any other character. In a previous thread post, I suggested Venom, turning the entire land into "Spider-Island" - especially now that Fantastic Four bombed, as they can now get rid of those related characters. ;)
No, I think it will remain Incredible Hulk. However, a full year means they're completely overhauling the ride, which could include parts of the track being replaced, specifically in the roughest areas.
It feels to me like Universal is all about "going big or going home", and this is more proof of that. Kudos to U.
Hulk has been running full boar for over 15 years now, and this year-long hiatus will give them the time to either give all the trains a full rehab or bring on the new floorless trains (more likely). I just don't know why you would mess with a coaster layout that is already a top 10 looper in the world. Put on floorless trains, give the queue a better treatment, swap out the friction wheel launch with LSMs, add some new affects along the way and on-board sound, and you've got more than enough to warrant the rehab time.
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