Because I Feel Like Smiling

So I'm guessing this is starting to look like something of a trend.
Yesterday was less than glorious, so I'm posting something that makes me feel right with the world: Universal update!

Above and below you will note the progress that's been made thus far on the Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I mean wow. This is going to be a fierce little number. It's interesting to watch the progress at Project Rumble begins to redefine the skyline of Universal--especially since I have a nifty link to a webcam - the picture above was taken from said camera.
These aren't even the highest lifts. It's going to be fierce. I suppose you could find some fault with the physical planning of the coaster; it certainly doesn't fit the Disney qualifications for an immersive theming experience. No one's going to think they're in San Francisco or Amity when they can see a hulking metal structure in the background. But that's not what Universal's about. It's about capitalizing on the thrill experience, and if that means radically changing the scenery--so be it.
That's it for now. Just a ray of sunshine in a day full of law school applications. Phew.

Pretty soon I'll have a review of a book I'm reading for leisure: Disneywar. It's an eye-opening account of Eisner's ascension to the throne and devastating fall from grace. Really interesting.

And on a non-theme park note. Go see Notorious.

A Little Universal Indulgence

Okay, so I'm giving in to one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

Well, maybe not so guilty since I am unashamedly a theme park fanatic.

I ran across this video today, and I couldn't help but squee with joy--just a little.

So I've known about the production of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit for a while, but for anyone not familiar with the concept, here's some info from the ever-helpful Wikipedia:

The roller coaster's vertical lift hill will be 167 feet tall, making it the tallest in the Orlando area. Its design will allow four trains to be on the track at a time and will feature six near-miss encounters and a unique form of vertical loop.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is an "X-Car Coaster," a proprietary design from Maurer Söhne, and will be the largest roller coaster of its kind in the world.The trains consist of two cars, with each car carrying six riders in three rows of two. A large locking lap bar holds riders safely in place. Maurer Söhne expects the attraction to carry approximately 1,850 riders per hour.

The ride vehicles will feature color-changing LEDs for a dynamic appearance, as well as sophisticated audio and video systems for each seat. Guests will be able to select a musical track from one of five genres (classic rock, rap, country, pop and disco) to hear during their experience, a feature similar to another Universal-owned roller coaster, Hollywood Dream: The Ride at sister park Universal Studios Japan. Taking this customization a step further, the ride experience will be filmed, allowing guests to obtain a digital copy of the film, complete with their chosen soundtrack, to add to their webpages or video-sharing sites, such as YouTube.

Universal officials have begun surveying guests to determine which songs should be made available on the attraction. Some of the songs considered thus far include "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" by Judas Priest, "All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow, "Pump It" by The Black Eyed Peas and "Staying Alive" by The BeeGees. Other artists whose songs have been suggested include The Beach Boys, Three Six Mafia and Johnny Cash. While not confirming or denying that these particular songs or artists will appear in the final version of the attraction, it does provide insight into Universal's plans to provide a broad musical experience for its guests.

Now you know the drill, here's the deal with the video. This is Universal's official release of Söhne's design in action, and let me tell you--this is one bad ass coaster. Hang around for (or skip to) the end because it gives you the first-person experience. Just watching that first hill gives me a little thrill of excitement.


You had best believe I will be there at the first available opportunity when it opens Spring 2009.

It's shaping up to be a big year for Universal--leaving the Mouse in the dust. Just check out this article over at Jim HIll: http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2009/01/05/monday-mouse-watch-coasting-through-2009.aspx

I'm ready to Rip Ride Rockit.