Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Now Closed Indefinitely! [Archive]

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disneylover1955

10-16-2010, 02:42 PM

I know the stories is a little old but wow just can't believe only after a year its closed for "annual maintanence" *coughsafteyproblemscough* :rofl:

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida will remain closed indefinitely, theme park officials said on Monday (9-20-2010).

http://images.travelpod.com/users/ricflack/5.1253620532.hollywood-rip-ride-rockit.jpg

Officials insist the maintenance is not related to a Sept. 2 safety warning from Maurer Sohne, the German steel company that makes the ride’s vehicles. The company warned that the coupling that holds the two cars together may not be “fatigue endurable.”

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:AtH673wtp-ki-M:http://www.undercovertourist.com/united-states/florida/orlando/attractions/img/l/universal-studios-florida_hollywood-rip-ride-rockit.jpg&t=1

Universal Orlando said the safety concerns from Maurer Sohne would have been addressed soon after the memo’s release and the ride’s closure was not related to the safety bulletin. However, Maurer Sohne said the repair solution or new design would not be available for two to three months.

Universal closed the attraction last Wednesday and said it was undergoing unrelated maintenance. It said the closure was temporary.
Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said on Monday that the ride’s extended closure was due to the park’s decision to do annual maintenance on the attraction.

“The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was operating safely when we closed it for maintenance and it will be operating safely when we reopen it,” said Schroder. No timeline was given for when the ride might reopen.

"We don't forecast when an attraction will reopen from annual maintenance due to the fluid nature of the maintenance work,” Schroder said.

Rip Ride Rockit opened in August 2009.

http://www.wesh.com/r/25088149/detail.html

HitchHikingGhostFangirl

10-16-2010, 02:46 PM

disneylover1955

10-16-2010, 02:49 PM

:rofl:

Yea right, the closure "arent related to the safety warning"

I'm sorry, but I'd rather hear that is why they closed it, to fix the safety issue, not for this "annual maintenance". It's a year old (not enough since it's was rarely operating to begin with) it shouldn't need "annual maintenance" yet.

Hahahaha I know! I don't mind that its closed for the safety warning but man its been plagued with problems from well before it was built! :rofl:

Silvered

10-16-2010, 03:34 PM

disneylover1955

10-16-2010, 10:33 PM

We were talking (aka making fun of this) in class the other day. It's ridiculous and really, Universal doesn't need more bad PR about this ride. I agree, they should have just said the recall was why they closed it instead of this flip flopping.

Between Unviersal's broken coaster, Sea World's whale eating people and WDW's bus crashes, it's a hazard to visit Orlando parks right now :lol:

Hahahaha its totally true! What's really sad is that this probably gives Universal another reason to think they should never put a roller coaster in since most of the rides they put in never have this many problems and truthfully I just think its the manufacturer and Universal should consider using someone who is a little more in tune with putting up good reliable coasters! :shrug:

mshalloween

10-17-2010, 09:16 AM

Man! I still haven't gotten a chance to get on this.. although in hindsight, that may be a good thing. :lol: :lol:

disneylover1955

10-17-2010, 01:29 PM

Man! I still haven't gotten a chance to get on this.. although in hindsight, that may be a good thing. :lol: :lol:

Hahahaha I know! I was all stoked to ride it but now after seeing this latest issue I don't know if I want too! :rofl:

HitchHikingGhostFangirl

10-17-2010, 01:44 PM

Hahahaha its totally true! What's really sad is that this probably gives Universal another reason to think they should never put a roller coaster in since most of the rides they put in never have this many problems and truthfully I just think its the manufacturer and Universal should consider using someone who is a little more in tune with putting up good reliable coasters! :shrug:

I dont know why it would make them think not to put in any coasters...they have the ones at IOA and they work fine....

They just tried to make it too quickly and obviously went the cheap route and it's showing.

disneylover1955

10-17-2010, 02:10 PM

I dont know why it would make them think not to put in any coasters...they have the ones at IOA and they work fine....

They just tried to make it too quickly and obviously went the cheap route and it's showing.

True since 3 of the 4 coasters are created by top roller coaster companies but Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was created by a steel manufacturer and structure specialist who just happens to have the perk of roller coaster designer on their portfolio! :doh: The designer of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Maurer Söhne, has been known for problems with everyone of their coasters in some way or another! I do give them credit for creating some intense and very cool roller coasters :thumbsup: but I think next time Universal should stick with solid roller coaster designers that they have worked with before like Bolliger & Mabillard (who created the Incredible Hulk and Dragon Challenge at IOA), Vekoma (who created Flight of the Hippogriff at IOA, Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom, Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, and Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios (both Paris and WDW)) :shrug:

Phylers

10-17-2010, 05:08 PM

I don't know that I'd blame the designer so much as the theme park gods. Universal has seemed karmically screwed at every turn with the Rip, Ride, Rockit. It was delayed forever, the load times have never been great, and ultimately, it's not really a big draw. Plus, it's got a terrible name (awful, horrible; there's literally no negative adjective that can't be applied to the name).

It's an okay ride, but with even more bad press, you've got to wonder what the conversations have been like amongst the Universal brass. The ride was too expensive to just pull out, but it's hard to imagine getting any benefit from news stories about it being potentially unsafe.

disneylover1955

10-21-2010, 03:19 PM

Another interesting article to read! :idea:

Universal Orlando's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which opened last summer and closed abruptly in September, in close proximity to a bulletin issued by ride manufacturer Maurer Sohne about a problem with its X-car coaster trains, has been sitting virtually deserted ever since. However, there was a small sign of life (maybe...no telling how long it's actually been there): a portable staircase positioned near the track, which you can see in the photo at left. It's in the area where the train has been known to "valley," or get stuck, occasionally on windy days. We've been at Halloween Horror Nights almost every off-peak night and have not seen any work being done, but perhaps the portable staircase is a sign that something is going on.

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width/hash/be/02/rrr.jpg

Universal maintains that the Rockit is down for "routine maintenance," but has not given any indication of a re-opening date. Initially the Rockit appeared on Halloween Horror Nights maps, and rumor has it that the ride was supposed to be open for the event, but it remains shuttered this year (it did not run for HHN in 2009 either, although it was open during the day). It was recently removed from the front of Universal's English language theme park maps and replaced with the Simpsons, although I noticed it still appears on the foreign language versions as of my last visit.

Rip Ride Rockit has been plagued by issues ever since its long-delayed opening (Spring, 2009 turned into Summer, 2009, which eventually ended up as August). It opened to little fanfare after brief Team Member previews; it then went into technical rehersal with the general public and eventually moved into "officially open" status. In the initial days, my husband and I literally waited 2-3 hours for a ride due to frequent breakdowns. The ride had trouble getting up to its maximum capacity, and it never offered Express access like all of the other rides at Universal Studos (even the Simpsons added Express fairly early back when it was new).

Many website views have reported extremely rough rides on the Rockit, to the point of actual discomfort. I've never experienced that myself, despite countless rides, but the reports are too numerous to dismiss.

http://www.examiner.com/theme-parks-in-orlando/universal-orlando-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster-shows-a-small-sign-of-life

mshalloween

10-21-2010, 04:47 PM

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd I'm even more glad I never went on this thing!

Phylers

10-22-2010, 01:36 AM

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd I'm even more glad I never went on this thing!

Eh. I had a rough ride once, but it wasn't as bad as some other rollercoasters (Busch Gardens and Six Flags come to mind). Honestly, the worst part of the H Tri-R was the lousy soundtrack options. They teased a huge, diverse playlist, and there were rumors that you'd be able to upload a song right off your own mp3 player, and we ended up with just 30 songs. 30 mostly lousy songs.

Could you imagine getting stuck in a "valley" only to have the Universal people explain - after freeing you - that "it sometimes happens on windy days?" I'd be too tempted not to ask, "you know what else sometimes happens on windy days? I ask for my money back and call the news.":rolleyes:

mshalloween

10-22-2010, 05:03 AM

Eh. I had a rough ride once, but it wasn't as bad as some other rollercoasters (Busch Gardens and Six Flags come to mind). Honestly, the worst part of the H Tri-R was the lousy soundtrack options. They teased a huge, diverse playlist, and there were rumors that you'd be able to upload a song right off your own mp3 player, and we ended up with just 30 songs. 30 mostly lousy songs.

Could you imagine getting stuck in a "valley" only to have the Universal people explain - after freeing you - that "it sometimes happens on windy days?" I'd be too tempted not to ask, "you know what else sometimes happens on windy days? I ask for my money back and call the news.":rolleyes:

I love the roller coasters at Busch Gardens! Maybe I wouldn't have had a problem on this one, although getting stuck in a valley would NOT make me happy.

Bethan

10-22-2010, 06:08 AM

mshalloween

10-22-2010, 06:17 AM

Which are the "rough" rides at Busch gardens?? I'd like to brace myself!!

Space Mountain at DLRP is my worst enemy, I always come off with a huge headache. I think it was partly due to my long hair which I put up so I couldn't put my head right back. I've cut my hair since so I should be better with it.

Note: I'm talking about BG Tampa Bay, not the one in Virginia. I haven't been there in forever!

In my opinion, the only really "rough" roller coaster is Gwazi, which is a wooden one. However, pretty much all wooden roller coasters are rough.

Montu is one of my favorite roller coasters of all time. It's an inverted one.

Kumba is a stand up roller coaster and also awesome.

Sheikra is the newest of the "big" roller coasters and it's quite a bit different from other coasters I've been on. Instead of 4 seats across and 8 back, it's 8 across and 3 back. It's floorless. The main attraction to Sheikra is a 90-degree drop at the beginning that they dangle you over.

There are a couple other smaller roller coasters that aren't as great (Scorpion is pretty old and mostly unexciting, Cheetah Chase is a family roller coaster.. I think that's it for now).

Of course, these are just my opinions. :) I'm sure others might have different experiences.

SherKhan72

10-22-2010, 08:43 AM

I've never ridden Rip Ride Rockit but my brother Phino has and he liked it. But with the "Annual Maintenance" going on, I think I'll never be able to ride it, which is absolutely fine by me, lol.

Note: I'm talking about BG Tampa Bay, not the one in Virginia. I haven't been there in forever!

In my opinion, the only really "rough" roller coaster is Gwazi, which is a wooden one. However, pretty much all wooden roller coasters are rough.

Montu is one of my favorite roller coasters of all time. It's an inverted one.

Kumba is a stand up roller coaster and also awesome.

Sheikra is the newest of the "big" roller coasters and it's quite a bit different from other coasters I've been on. Instead of 4 seats across and 8 back, it's 8 across and 3 back. It's floorless. The main attraction to Sheikra is a 90-degree drop at the beginning that they dangle you over.

There are a couple other smaller roller coasters that aren't as great (Scorpion is pretty old and mostly unexciting, Cheetah Chase is a family roller coaster.. I think that's it for now).

Of course, these are just my opinions. :) I'm sure others might have different experiences.

My brother and I have been to the one in Williamsburg, VA and it's not bad, their theme is more European. The costers over there are cool, my favorite is Apollo's Chariot. Alpengheist is pretty cool and a rough ride, I loved it, lol. The Big Bad Wolf was (it's being or been torned down) the first hanging roller coster, rough and slow, lol, not bad though. Griffon is the same as Sheikra but it was floorless before Sheikra and it's about 10 feet taller before the first drop. Of course, they have others but those are the most noted ones, heheheheh.

HitchHikingGhostFangirl

10-27-2010, 05:39 PM

According to the news, it opened back up today.

So who wants to ride it???

Yea, I'll definitely be passing.

disneylover1955

10-27-2010, 06:00 PM

According to the news, it opened back up today.

So who wants to ride it???

Yea, I'll definitely be passing.
I read a story about that today! I think its so funny how it was closed for 6 weeks! :idea: Hopefully everything is fixed! :rofl:

mshalloween

12-10-2010, 11:21 AM

So funnily enough, my sister wants me to take her to Universal the week after Christmas and she is really looking forward to riding this ride. Ughhhhhhh.....

Bethan

12-10-2010, 04:24 PM

In my opinion, the only really "rough" roller coaster is Gwazi, which is a wooden one. However, pretty much all wooden roller coasters are rough.

I went on Gwazi first thing in the morning....not good at all!

We also went on RRR, and it wasn't as smooth as I was expecting! For a new steel roller coaster I was hoping it would have been a little less jumpy, and the music choice was really poor. I ended up with some rubbish 'cause I didn't pick in time.

HitchHikingGhostFangirl

12-10-2010, 04:54 PM

So funnily enough, my sister wants me to take her to Universal the week after Christmas and she is really looking forward to riding this ride. Ughhhhhhh.....

I am so sorry for you! I still have no desire to ride it.

I went on Gwazi first thing in the morning....not good at all!

We also went on RRR, and it wasn't as smooth as I was expecting! For a new steel roller coaster I was hoping it would have been a little less jumpy, and the music choice was really poor. I ended up with some rubbish 'cause I didn't pick in time.

Gwazi...went on that once, never again. Hurt my neck.

RRR = It's the poor man's Rockin' Roller Coaster :rofl:

SPLzero

12-10-2010, 06:47 PM

I went on Gwazi first thing in the morning....not good at all!

We also went on RRR, and it wasn't as smooth as I was expecting! For a new steel roller coaster I was hoping it would have been a little less jumpy, and the music choice was really poor. I ended up with some rubbish 'cause I didn't pick in time.

If I knew I could have sent you the list of "hidden" tracks you could pick from on RRR

Phylers

12-11-2010, 01:26 AM

So funnily enough, my sister wants me to take her to Universal the week after Christmas and she is really looking forward to riding this ride. Ughhhhhhh.....

I knock it, but it's not like it's an awful ride. It's worth doing once, y'know?

If I knew I could have sent you the list of "hidden" tracks you could pick from on RRR

You have a list? Hook a brother up! (Please!:pray:)

No joke, I've begged off riding on occasion due to the lousy soundtrack choices. I don't so much mind that it's on the rougher side, but when the theme is "music," it just smacks of poor planning to have such a limited and unimpressive soundtrack.

Edit: Is it this list (http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/20/hidden-songs-confirmed-on-rip-ride-rockit-coaster/)? Once again, Google makes me a fool. :lol:

I'm kind of mad that all this time I could have been listening to the freaking Smithereens (I woo!-ed)! Or "Movin' Right Along" by Kermit and Fozzie! :yikes:

Silvered

12-11-2010, 01:32 AM

You have a list? Hook a brother up! (Please!:pray:)

No joke, I've begged off riding on occasion due to the lousy soundtrack choices. I don't so much mind that it's on the rougher side, but when the theme is "music," it just smacks of poor planning to have such a limited and unimpressive soundtrack.

And a sister! :pray:

I haven't ridden it yet but I do want to ride it once just so I can say I have. I just don't get over to Universal very often and when I do, it's usually to go to Harry Potter to pick up something for someone :lol: Like I have to go back this month to get chocolate frogs for my cousins because I promised them for Christmas.

Bethan

12-11-2010, 04:21 AM

If I knew I could have sent you the list of "hidden" tracks you could pick from on RRR

Aww typical haha. I just saw the list Phylers posted and a bit of Muse going round would have been awesome! Maybe next time lol.

And a sister! :pray:

I haven't ridden it yet but I do want to ride it once just so I can say I have. I just don't get over to Universal very often and when I do, it's usually to go to Harry Potter to pick up something for someone :lol: Like I have to go back this month to get chocolate frogs for my cousins because I promised them for Christmas.

I picked up some chocolate frogs and jelly beans for xmas presents!! I was worried about getting the choc frogs from Universal and then carrying them round all day in the heat so decided not to buy them there, but they had them in the Airport shop and when I saw them I had to have them!

mshalloween

12-11-2010, 08:06 AM

I knock it, but it's not like it's an awful ride. It's worth doing once, y'know?

You have a list? Hook a brother up! (Please!:pray:)

No joke, I've begged off riding on occasion due to the lousy soundtrack choices. I don't so much mind that it's on the rougher side, but when the theme is "music," it just smacks of poor planning to have such a limited and unimpressive soundtrack.

Edit: Is it this list (http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/20/hidden-songs-confirmed-on-rip-ride-rockit-coaster/)? Once again, Google makes me a fool. :lol:

I'm kind of mad that all this time I could have been listening to the freaking Smithereens (I woo!-ed)! Or "Movin' Right Along" by Kermit and Fozzie! :yikes:

Thanks for that list! That actually makes me a little bit more excited to ride this, as I know I won't be able to talk my sister out of it. She'll be floored to find out there are hidden songs.

disneylover1955

12-11-2010, 04:19 PM

So funnily enough, my sister wants me to take her to Universal the week after Christmas and she is really looking forward to riding this ride. Ughhhhhhh.....

Have fun with that! :rofl:

---------- Post added at 02:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:18 PM ----------

RRR = It's the poor man's Rockin' Roller Coaster :rofl:
Totally true! :rofl:

Scarletwebslingr

12-30-2010, 05:08 PM

I rode it yesterday. The anticipation while ascending the 90 degree incline is great and the first and swivel are fun but after that the ride goes dry. Menial hills longer on cue to the music... it just gets awkward after the first half.

mshalloween

01-03-2011, 08:05 AM

I thought you'd all like to know that I did, in fact, ride the Rockit (twice) last week and survived to tell the tale. It was fun but certainly not my favorite coaster. Now The Mummy... that one's in my top 5 for sure :)

disneylover1955

01-05-2011, 01:10 PM