Who says reboots are never as good as the original?
The Incredible Hulk roller coaster is back and better than ever at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure theme park. After months of extensive renovations, the monstrously popular thrill ride is in a testing phase and prepping for its re-opening date that, according to representatives from the Universal Orlando creative department, will be … soon.
“This is an example of how we can take an existing attraction and reboot it with great results,” said Vice President of Universal Creative Thierry Coup during a media event. “It’s The Hulk 2.0.”
Attractions like The Hulk are vital to Orlando’s $60 billion tourism industry, and renovating older rides for a “like-new” experience will bring all the attention and attendance without having to budget for a brand new build.
The Hulk’s entire ride system, from the winding track to the giant support struts, have been changed to provide all the drops and g-forces with a smoother ride experience. Even the ride cars are new. Other improvements include a redesigned queue and a new soundtrack by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.
“We wanted a more sleek, modern look — nothing is painted green,” said Universal Creative Senior Attraction Designer Greg Hall of the line queue experience. “The colors actually come from the effects and the lighting.”
The centerpiece of the queue features the largest plasma display in the world. The plasma is meant to represent the gamma radiation cord that ultimately will turn guests into their own mean green Hulking machines. Unless of course, they’re saved at the last minute.
Yes, I rode. Yes, it was amazing. No, I didn’t turn into a giant angry beast.
Now if only the commute to work was that smooth.