What Do We Know About the Rumored Jurassic Coaster?
While the
Jurassic Park ride closed in Hollywood and is being transformed into a
Jurassic World attraction, it looks like the one at Universal Orlando will remain open (and unchanged) for the time being. Even though Orlando's River Adventure isn't currently undergoing any changes, that doesn't mean the rest of the land won't be. Pteranodon Flyers has received upgrades so we know for sure it isn't going anywhere for a long time. Over at the old Triceratops Encounter however, lots of work continues, preparing for the arrival of an all-new roller coaster rumored to be coming to the land. Let's dive into all the things we've heard about this secret new attraction known only as project 791!
Green construction walls went up around the old Triceratops Encounter plot and some land clearing has started inside. We've found lots of props from the queue of the old walk-through
for sale at the Prop Shop, including a bag of "Dino Chow" and a Triceratops "poop scoop" shovel. Yours for the low price of only $300! In addition to the work walls, a new Team Member backstage entrance was added behind the Raptor Encounter, so crew can get back there even when demolition equipment is blocking the path downstairs in front of the Discovery Center.
And speaking of the area in front of the Discovery Center, survey markings were discovered on the ground throughout the waterfront space. This fits perfectly with what I have heard about where the rumored coaster will travel. Beginning in the old Triceratops Encounter plot, the ride will snake its way down to the waterfront, passing in front of the Discovery Center, before turning around and making its way back. This would forever change the views from across the lagoon while adding some kinetic energy to that side of the park.
The popular Raptor Encounter meet & greet will be relocated to a new home near the entrance to the Jurassic Park River Adventure to help make room for the new attraction. No word yet on whether the move will be permanent, or is only temporary for construction. Some, or all, of the Jurassic carnival games will be moved, (or removed entirely). A section of the extended queue for River Adventure will be used for the raptor meet and greet.
So what type of coaster will this be? Some of the early rumors had it as a wooden family coaster. Then it was rumored to be the Flying Dinosaur coaster from Universal Studios Japan. Neither of those were correct though, as multiple sources have indicated to me that it will in fact be another launched steel coaster manufactured by Intamin, the same company that is bringing us
the new Potter Coaster. It's my belief that it will be an LSM Blitz Coaster, specifically like the one known as
Taron at
Phantasialand in Germany.
Taron at Phantasialand - Photo by Intamin
Taron is the world's fastest multi-launched roller coaster, the world's longest multi-launched coaster, and it has the most intersecting track points of any coaster of any type in the world (intersecting with itself in 58 places). Opening in 2016, Taron has a similar track style as Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa and Maverick at Ohio's Cedar Point, (as well as some sections of the upcoming Potter Coaster). The coaster train however, is unique, and features a more open seating design.
Some of the intersections on Taron - Photo by Intamin
If a coaster like Taron is the inspiration for a new coaster in Jurassic Park, we are in for an exciting experience. With a length of nearly 4,600 feet and speeds up to 73 miles per hour, a Taron-like coaster at Islands of Adventure could give The Incredible Hulk Coaster a run for its money. Can you imagine if there comes a day when Hulk is the
second fastest ride at the resort? And if they were to keep the intersecting motif of Taron for this new attraction, it's certainly possible they could pack a pretty big punch in the small space of Triceratops Encounter, with many sections of track overlapping.
Taron looks insane! - Photo by Intamin
While the Harry Potter themed roller coaster opening next year may be a more family-friendly experience, I expect the new Jurassic Coaster to be more of a white-knuckle adrenaline junkie type ride. This may be one way that Universal Orlando is listening to the fans that were saddened to see Dragon Challenge go, and are looking for something more thrilling on their vacation. With three full-scale roller coasters and 3 exciting water rides, it certainly looks like the resort is designating Islands of Adventure as their thrill ride park.
Now, the original rumor was that this new ride will be based on Jurassic World, and may have been part of a planned retheme of the entire land, but with the possibility of Jurassic World attractions being planned for the unannounced new park, it's still up in the air whether IOA's Jurassic land remains "Park" or changes to "World." Actual construction on the new coaster isn't expected to start until next year when the Potter Coaster is nearing completion.
