Uncovering the Secrets of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster: A Thrilling Ride Through History and Fun Facts
Roller coasters are always a great way to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping, but the Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando takes things to a whole new level. Combining top-notch coaster thrills with jaw-dropping theming and clever nods to the iconic Jurassic movies, this ride is truly a must-do for any thrill-seeker. But did you know there’s even more to this ride than meets the eye? From the ride’s history to hidden secrets and fun facts, get ready to uncover all the exciting details of this world-renowned roller coaster.
The History Behind the VelociCoaster
Before it became the thrilling roller coaster it is today, the space occupied by the VelociCoaster was home to two other attractions – the Triceratops Encounter and the Raptor Encounter. The Triceratops Encounter was one of Islands of Adventure’s opening-day attractions, an immersive walk-through experience that took you through different facilities in Jurassic Park. The Raptor Encounter, where visitors could get up close and personal with a velociraptor, eventually took over the space after it closed in 2010.
The VelociCoaster also occupies part of the space where Island Skipper Tours used to dock. This water taxi would take guests from Port of Entry to Jurassic Park, and it was a popular way to get to the back of the park. But now, this walkway leads to the entrance of the VelociCoaster, offering a beautiful view of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and lagoon.
Queue Theming of Jurassic World VelociCoaster
As you make your way through the queue, you’ll notice various nods to the Jurassic World movies. The ride itself takes place in the timeline of the first film, as evident by the advertisements for different attractions in Jurassic World, including ones that have yet to come. This adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation as you wait in line.
One of the first things you’ll see upon entering the queue is a monument featuring three raptors to give people an idea of the size of these dinosaurs from millions of years ago. This impressive statue also exists in Universal Studios Beijing’s Jurassic World. Moving on to the next guest queue area, you will see the next nod from the Jurassic World series of movies – Blue, Charlie, Echo, and Delta. Then, as you walk more through the queue, you’ll also get to see the roller coaster launch at a speed of 70 mph, thanks to a cool glass illusion effect.
But perhaps the most thrilling part of the queue is the Raptor Training Room, where you’ll receive a briefing from Dr. Henry Wu about the velociraptors in Jurassic World. Here, you’ll also find a display case with fun Easter eggs and nods to the Jurassic World movies, including books from fan-favorite characters Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ian Malcolm.
VelociCoaster Raptor Nursery
The Raptor Nursery is another highlight of the queue, where you’ll come face-to-face with animatronic versions of Charlie and Delta. These impressive creatures will snarl, twitch their eyes, and even shake their cages to add an extra level of immersion and thrill to your experience. It’s truly a sight to behold and one of the most unforgettable parts of the ride.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster Fun Facts:
Aside from its history and theming, there are also many fun facts about the VelociCoaster that make it an even more exciting ride. Did you know that it reaches a speed of 70 mph in its second launch and has a drop at an 80° angle? You’ll also experience a barrel roll at 53 mph – all while being chased by velociraptors!
Another interesting tidbit is that the two statues at the entrance of the ride are actually a nod to another former attraction at Islands of Adventure – Dueling Dragons. The two velociraptors are even named after the two dragons from the ride, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for long-time Universal Orlando visitors.
Conclusion
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster is not just a roller coaster – it’s an adrenaline-pumping journey through history and fun facts. From its origins as two former attractions to its impressive theming and nods to the movies, this ride is a must-do for any thrill-seeker. Whether you’re a fan of the Jurassic franchise or just looking for an unforgettable roller coaster experience, the VelociCoaster will not disappoint. So next time you visit Universal Orlando, be sure to take a ride on this wild and exciting journey through time!
How does the VelociCoaster compare to other roller coasters you’ve ridden in terms of theming and overall experience?
