Marvel rides start testing, all around the world
Two highly anticipated Marvel-themed rides — one new and one rebuilt — have begun testing in advance of expected summer openings.
At the Universal Orlando Resort, The Incredible Hulk Coaster is running test trains, following a complete rebuild of the Bolliger & Mabillard track over the winter.
Testing Hulk at @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/OZruMskoYz
— Suzanne Birch (@suzysweets45) May 18, 2016
Last week, Universal revealed new details about the rebuilt coaster, which will feature new trains, a refreshed storyline and new on-board music.
Of course, since this is Universal — home of the tough-in-cheek joke — fans couldn't resist reacting to the testing news with some unsolicited sarcasm:
BREAKING: Hulk testing nearly complete at IoA. Initial results show Hulk did poorly on reading and math but above average on smashing
— Serious Park News (@SeriousParkNews) May 19, 2016
On the other side of the world, at Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney announced that its new Iron Man Experience has started testing, too.
The story begins when Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) decides to bring the Stark Expo to the park. Guests can visit the Expo and explore the latest and greatest innovations from Stark Industries. They’ll go aboard an Iron Wing vehicle, the latest flying transport invented by Stark Industries, and journey through Hong Kong streets and the iconic city harbor as they battle against the evil forces of Hydra alongside Iron Man.
This Star Tours-like simulator ride will be Disney's first Marvel-themed ride at any park. As Theme Park Insiders know, Universal obtained the rights to Marvel characters before Disney bought the comic-book publisher, and Universal retains those rights in perpetuity in Orlando and until the next decade in Japan, which is why Disney-owned Marvel characters appear at Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan but not at Walt Disney World or Tokyo Disney. Disney's clear to use Marvel for attractions in its parks in China, France, and California.
Based on past experience, if everyone goes well with ride tests, it typically takes at least a month or so before you see people riding, assuming everything else in the attraction is ready to go by then. But if any issues are discovered during testing, any opening will be delayed until those issues are resolved.
Not counting math and reading scores, of course.
Replies (6)
The Hulk is Dr. Bruce Banner's alter ego. His reading and math should be fine. He's always mad BTW.
I'd think it would be difficult to fill in the bubbles on the form correctly while you're in a cobra roll.
Nice! That's my cue to go back to HKDL. As soon as it's officially open, I'll get on down there.
Gosh, can you imagine if this were at WDW? The press release might say:
...and journey through historic Winter Park streets and past the iconic Sun Trust building as they battle against the evil forces of Hydra alongside Iron Man.
It doesn't have the same ring, does it?
Typical of the two companies that Universal can dismantle, rebuild, retheme, and open a ride in half the time it takes for Disney to construct an underwhelming Star Tours clone.
Iron Man experience is essentially just the same StarTours ride. Poor.
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Video from MakoMadness