Getting Your Fix of Film Rides in Florida
Every year, families and couples flock to Orlando in Florida from all around the globe in order to sample to semi-Caribbean climate and visit some of the renowned landmarks, usually revolving around a walking, talking, big-eared mouse.
In terms of rides, themes are usually incorporated to heighten the entertainment and to attract a wide range of potential customers. Rides themed after popular films are in abundance around Universal Studios in particular, found at Universal Orlando Resort, a different “magical kingdom” where visitors can literally ‘ride the films’.
E.T. Adventure
With Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the E.T. Adventure ride at Universal Studios has never been so hot. Having operated since 1990, the ride is considered a classic and invokes a strong sense of nostalgia in all who set foot in its queue. Set on a massive float resembling Elliot’s bicycle from the film, visitors travel through a fantasy world, exploring the weird and wonderful universe before them.
Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
Keeping in line with the fast-paced action movie, The Mummy features a fascinating walk through a meticulous set design which emanates a deep Ancient Egyptian feel before arriving at the main station. The ride takes place on a single float which moves slowly through an introduction, featuring visual elements which may frighten younger audiences, before dropping into a rapid descent, plunging into the darkness before stopping abruptly. After a second the ride continues by falling backwards, effectively giving customers an extra thrill.
Incredible Hulk Coaster
Big, green and menacing; the Hulk Coaster, found in Universal’s Isle of Adventures park, lives up to its film counterpart, firing its riders up, through a make-shift gamma scope, out into the open where they face a deadly series of twists and turns, jerking them about in every direction, epitomising the frenzied attitude of the Hulk. Having opened in 1999, the coaster is a popular one with customers and features a bunch of special effects to enhance the experience through lighting and scintillating speeds.
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Adventurers are truly tested with this fun river raft ride through Jurassic Park where dinosaurs roam behind every turn. The ride moves slowly through a jungle river whilst mechanical dinosaurs dot the shores beside the boats. Towards the end, the ride begins to move faster as it enters the raptor area which features a lot of wreckage styled props. A giant T-Rex lunges at the boats as it plunges down one final drop, causing a splash which is sure to encourage visitors to bring a suitable change of clothes. Great for families, the ride uses 1.5 million gallons of water and is sure to appease all ages.
Men in Black: Alien Attack
Stepping into the shoes of Agent J, visitors are able to help fight off invading aliens from other planets and protect the Earth in this fun, arcade-esque ride which gives riders small computerised laser guns which they must fire at colourful targets during the ride, accumulating points. The ride travels through various movie-related sets featuring intense battles and is perfect fun for the entire family.
Although you might automatically think “California” when looking for film thrills, tourists who crave Universal tickets, their particular brand of filmmaking and wish to be part of the magic would do well to see the incredible world that they have built in Orlando.
