UniversalParksBlog News for June 15, 2021
Universal theme parks continue to tweak their pandemic rules as infection totals wane. But that’s not the story that matters this week!
Photo: entertainmentrocks.com
Yes, a dinosaur-sized roller coaster has arrived in Orlando. We’re all ready to bask in its splendor. We will talk about the VelociCoaster in the latest UniversalParksBlog News!
The New Alpha of Florida Roller Coasters
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
For a while, we had no idea when the VelociCoaster would debut at Universal Orlando Resort. The pandemic delayed all plans for the roller coaster’s debut. Then again, we didn’t even have confirmation of its existence until the past few months. Universal park officials had their fun with the VelociCoaster.
For more than a year, they feigned ignorance even though fans could see the progress. Once Universal finally acknowledged the project, they got serious, though. The past few months have included a marketing onslaught.
Finally, the fateful day arrived when the VelociCoaster opened to the public. Universal published a POV of the ride experience:
Meanwhile, several theme park influencers like Super Enthused participated in a media event alongside Kenan Thompson. Here are some highlights:
That’s all well and good, but let’s talk about what VelociCoaster really is. Universal has crafted a unique double-launch roller coaster.
At one point, guests will zoom down the tracks at 70 miles per hour. More impressively, you’ll reach that speed in only 2.4 seconds! You’ll also speed through a 360-degree barrel roll and come to a complete stop at various points. That’s where the second launch comes into play.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal bills the VelociCoaster as the fastest, tallest launch coaster in Florida, with a tower top soaring 155 feet into the air.
This dinosaur has plenty of bite. It’s instantly the best roller coaster in the area, which is no small feat.
Universal Changes Several Policies
Photo:yahoo.com
As I mentioned last time, Universal Orlando Resort has altered several of its pandemic-related policies. The parks no longer require face makes, even indoors. Management has loosened the rules for employees as well.
Universal workers at outdoor stations don’t need to wear masks as long as they’re vaccinated. There’s no word on how Universal is enforcing this, but regular guests are on the honor system. I think it’s likely that the same is true of employees.
Photo:Orlandoweekly.com
The parks have also altered social distancing and attraction tactics. Virtually all social distancing signs have vanished.
At applicable line queues and shows, Universal seats guests on every row with no spacing requirements. It’s as if the pandemic never happened. Similarly, rides fill to capacity rather than skipping seats to maintain social distancing.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
The change seems most noticeable in line queues where guests fill rooms to watch pre-show videos. These can get quite crowded, which some guests find rather unsettling after spending a year apart from others.
Universal officials encourage guests to wear face coverings and perform personal social distancing if that makes them feel safer.
Photo: Fine Art America
Meanwhile, at Universal Studios Hollywood, temperature checks have gone forever.
Similarly, the state’s reopening guidelines for June 15th suggest that face masks won’t be required. Universal will drop all ride restrictions and increase capacity, too.
Still, Universal knows that the pandemic isn’t over. It’s best for business that everyone gets vaccinated.
So, the park is currently hosting a pop-up vaccination site. It started on June 13th and will continue through June 24th, operating from noon through 6 p.m.
Universal is working with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson on the project. Ergo, those are the options you have for shots at the event.
Photo: OrlandoParkStop
PS: Participants receive free Voodoo Donuts!
The Brightline Campaign
Photo: Miami New Times
Are you familiar with Brightline? This new-ish intercity rail service crisscrosses Florida, with several stations under construction. Brightline’s high-speed rail service is capable of speeds of 125 miles per hour, although that hasn’t happened yet.
Thus far, the company has rolled out at slower speeds, but it’s still delivered guests to their destinations faster than if they had driven. The beauty of trains is that they can take direct paths that are often unavailable to cars.
Photo: sun-sentinel.com
Orlando’s government has already agreed to build out the infrastructure for a Brightline station at Orlando International Airport.
Disney and Brightline have agreed to another one at Disney Springs. As you might expect, Universal wants to get in on this action.
Photo: TravelSavvy
Park officials have spoken with Brightline about an I-Drive corridor, one that would effectively link Universal to several parts of Florida via train.
You can appreciate the myriad benefits of such logistics. Someone in Miami could feasibly hop a train and be at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They wouldn’t need to drive or take a plane to do so. Instead, a relatively inexpensive train ticket would deliver them to their destination.
A Brightline station would undeniably increase traffic at Universal to the point that some have speculated that Epic Universe’s location allows for this.
Alas, Brightline hasn’t acted that interested in Universal’s plans. This caused a Universal spokesperson to make the following announcement:
“At the moment, there is significant disagreement about what is right for our community — with us and many others believing the International Drive corridor needs to be part of the plan.”
This story is still developing. However, the ball appears to be in Universal’s court. Brightline is playing hardball because it knows the parks need this station.
Universal Parks Updates
Photo: Universal
Remember last December when Universal tested contactless security stations at the parks? Those tests involved similar technology to what Walt Disney World has since added its parks. However, Universal has entered another testing phase.
This time, the parks are trying out a competitor’s scanner system, which means Universal and Disney could feasibly have different security stations in place. Since the parties usually liaise about best practices, this turn of events would be a bit surprising.
Either way, contactless scanners make life oh so much easier for those of us visiting the parks. So, we want one of these systems to become permanent!
In international park news, Universal Studios Japan finally reopened on June 1st, albeit with a caveat. It’s only open on weekdays for the time being.
Also, I mentioned last time that Universal Studios Beijing might open on June 1st. That…didn’t happen. The most recent indication suggests a July 5th debut. I promise to post new ride videos as soon as I have some.
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
In other news, you may have heard that Universal Studios Hollywood suffered a fire. That definitely happened.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department indicates that a Conex cargo box caught fire. You can see the outcome here:
Universal Studios Fire. Near Minions attraction. pic.twitter.com/WhTBAnUitV
— M Ryan Traylor (@theADTraylor) June 2, 2021
Thankfully, Universal indicates that the damage was virtually non-existent and definitely didn’t impact any attractions.
The park opened on time the next day, too. It was an exciting night for park officials, though.
Thanks for visiting UniversalParksBlog.com! Want to go to Universal? For a FREE quote on your next Universal vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from Let’s Adventure Travel will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Universal/Instagram
