Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit

[jtsalien]

I agree with BriMan. The original plans were epic. But the end result is disappointing compared to what could have been. I will also always have a bad memory of the coaster since I was there the summer it was supposed to open. I wanted to go on so bad, but sadly it was not open in time because of all of the construction issues.

 

[Vyrus]

When you CAN ride it, its definitely a fun coaster, and for someone scared to ride Hulk or Dragons, this is definitely a baby step in the right direction to get on those coasters.

But is a fun coaster whenever you ARE able to get on it.

 

[Kraken&Manta]

Wither or not Rockit turned out as it was originally planned to be, it's an amazing coaster. And addressing the ride's construction issues, Flying Turns at Knoebels was supposed to open in 2007, and it still hasn't opened. Battlestar was closed for almost a year because of it's problems. Truly, being delayed 3 months isn't the worst that could have happened. And now that most all the problems are fixed, with the only real remaining issue being a single rough train that isn't used commonly, the downtime is getting even lower. And Really, Rockit is an amazing coaster. It's filled with air-time, has great layout, and the music factor adds a whole other level to the ride, it's definitely being Universal's best coaster, in my opinion at least.

It's my 11th favorite steal coaster and 13th favorite coaster, and I really don't think someone with the username "Kraken & Manta" is a Universal fanboy

 

[Vyrus]

Wither or not Rockit turned out as it was originally planned to be, it's an amazing coaster. And addressing the ride's construction issues, Flying Turns at Knoebels was supposed to open in 2007, and it still hasn't opened. Battlestar was closed for almost a year because of it's problems. Truly, being delayed 3 months isn't the worst that could have happened. And now that most all the problems are fixed, with the only real remaining issue being a single rough train that isn't used commonly, the downtime is getting even lower. And Really, Rockit is an amazing coaster. It's filled with air-time, has great layout, and the music factor adds a whole other level to the ride, it's definitely being Universal's best coaster, in my opinion at least.

It's my 11th favorite steal coaster and 13th favorite coaster, and I really don't think someone with the username "Kraken & Manta" is a Universal fanboy

You forgot the biggest issue is that the coaster cannot handle the full slate of 7 trains on the track at the same time that was originally intended.

 

[JokerMan0925]

Was there ever any concept art or anything of what it would've looked like?

 

[Brian G.]

Wither or not Rockit turned out as it was originally planned to be, it's an amazing coaster. And addressing the ride's construction issues, Flying Turns at Knoebels was supposed to open in 2007, and it still hasn't opened. Battlestar was closed for almost a year because of it's problems. Truly, being delayed 3 months isn't the worst that could have happened.

So what you're saying is that since other coasters have had issues, it's ok here? Even if the opening was delayed a few months, it still has had problems since. The problem is UO wanted to rush it out so instead of waiting like the other coasters are doing, it's been plagued with issues.

And now that most all the problems are fixed, with the only real remaining issue being a single rough train that isn't used commonly, the downtime is getting even lower.

Not true. There are still a few major issues with the ride to have it at 100%. Can't say what or why so don't ask.

Everything about the ride has been a let down. It's been screwed up since the get go. Hell, even the marketing was all out of whack. Whatever happened to having access to the ride after US closed down, and to ride it at night? Or run during a concert?

 

[Obi Ubamba]

Not true. There are still a few major issues with the ride to have it at 100%. Can't say what or why so don't ask.

What issues? I dont quite understand what you are saying.....

Everything about the ride has been a let down. It's been screwed up since the get go. Hell, even the marketing was all out of whack. Whatever happened to having access to the ride after US closed down, and to ride it at night? Or run during a concert?

first of all, how was the marketing out of whack? When was it officially announced that the ride would be open after UO closed? From what i recall, those were just rumours. Also, the ride can run during concerts. Its the artists who have a problem with it.

 

[Brian G.]

What issues? I dont quite understand what you are saying.....

There is issues besides a train being rough. I can't divulge as to what since I like to keep my source happy.

first of all, how was the marketing out of whack?

Syd Vinyl was not supposed to be the character you see in all the marketing. You see all those characters in the queue? That was their purpose. Problem is that creative and marketing weren't in sync so they just put whatever out there.

When was it officialy announced that the ride would be open after UO closed? From what i recall, those were just rumours. Also, the ride can run during concerts. Its the artists who have a problem with it.

Just because it wasn't officially announced doesn't mean it was in the woodworks. It was supposed to. Why else put all those pretty lights on the train? You think they would go all out to make it all pretty at night for nothing? The track was supposed to have a luminance to it as well, but that got cut as well. The track was supposed to be closer to CityWalk with the loop actually going over the lagoon and there was supposed to be 2 different track sections after the Loop. Trust me when I say this, whatever I say about this ride, it's comes from a legit source.

The point of my question however was more rhetorical. All these things were supposed to happen, but have never come to fruition.

I do have some hope however that the long awaited "Holiday" layover comes this year.

 

[Kraken&Manta]

The point I'm trying to say is that it's a solid coaster. It may not be anywhere near what it was supposed to be, but it is still a very good coaster, and in my opinion, Universal's best.

 

[universal_fanatic]

Syd Vinyl was not supposed to be the character you see in all the marketing. You see all those characters in the queue? That was their purpose. Problem is that creative and marketing weren't in sync so they just put whatever out there.

Oh Syd...
Worst. Marketing Icon. Ever.

 

[zbob1992]

I see why they didn't have it go out into the Citywalk lagoon because it would have been a logistical nightmare. They would have had to drain the lagoon to build the supports and then close off the parts of Citywalk where they were doing construction and also when I was at Gradbash it ran all night regardless of concerts.

 

[White Rabbit]

Another reason for it not reaching into the Citywalk lagoon would have been because of the procedures that would have had to of been in place in case of a valleyed train over the water. A lot of requirements are in place for roller coasters that go over water. One requirement is that the coaster track must be able to be reached in case of a highly unlikely situation in which the train would to valley on the track. If a coaster goes over water, that means that the water must be able to drain itself, and emergency vehicles must be able to reach the stuck train. This was the case when Hulk was built. Universal knew it wanted to go over water, but had to have a procedure in place just in case a train were to valley, so they built a raised platform where the track was, as seen here: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rVr8n1lWXWA/0.jpg. That entire platform can be drained (and has been), and there is a platform that can be raised out of the water, and connect with the pathway on MSHI, to allow emergency vehicles into the area, if needed. This prevents from having to drain the entire lagoon. Dragons lagoon is the same way, it has the ability to be completely drained. If Rockit went over water, a platform would have had to of been built, able to drain, and have an emergency platform somewhere, which would also interfere with the hotel water taxis. Too avoid all that, they just kept in on the land, which was a money saving decision I'm sure.

 

[Vyrus]

This coaster has major issues still as I agree with Briman, I may not have his sources, but I have some technical knowledge that I've got a decent idea on what some of the problems are.

If they are planning a HUGE refurb sometime this year, lets just hope they get all of the problems fixed sooner rather than later.

 

[jtsalien]

The charters in the queue never did make much sense to me. I would have loved to see the story developed further even though it is just a coaster.

 

[violarum]

I have an idea that will make this coaster match the studios theme a bit better rather than just what it currently is:

Basically the entire queue experience will be somewhat akin to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's; to the left of the Hollywood Bowl plaza will be a standard looking (with small rock-themed accents; think Hard Rock) office building that sizes up about two thirds of the way of the Neutron soundstage using the same accents at the end of the corners (purple and gold with a solid creme color). The front of the building reaches about halfway between the current entrance and the main road. The entrance will be decorated with an art deco font saying something along the lines of "Universal Music Group", and next to it will be a small facade with the rock-themed logo saying just, "Featuring ROCKIT coaster!" (The actual ride would drop the HRR part and just be ROCKIT)

As one would enter, the main lobby would be in the shape of a circle, and all around there will be dazzling lights with the main logo (including RockIt's logo) on the ceiling so that people are drawn to look up. The line then splits into the standard order of three (standard, singles, express) and they wind around the office area with a couple of sound studios. The three queues will then meet up in a sort of meeting room wherein there stands the entire crew done, of course, with the Musion effect; they then give an updated spiel (thank the lord for no more "Let's hit it! Hasta!!!") and instruct how to choose the songs. This room is where the extended queue is currently located, and it will have a tinted window looking upwards to catch a glimpse of the Rockits as they zoom over. After this, they say to go upstairs to board your MVR (Music Video Rockit).

The main pavilion is kept with its red rock theme, except the general public cannot see this area and it will all be indoors (A/C installation will ensue; guests outside would still see this official-looking building). Generic rock music pumps as you board your Rockit and the front of the entire pavilion is themed to a concert stage with some faux video cameras as well as a lot of stage lights. In the middle, there is an arch leading to a dark tunnel through which the vehicle will travel to reach the main lift tower. This tunnel will be lit with lots of lights and will match the theme of the rings which will also have stage lights.

The ride's lift tower will be themed to look like an office building (think lots of glass), but there is a twist: behind the glass are giant LED's that make a huge screen and project the Rockits' tail of fire behind them as they rise, and the track will be repainted to a more muted purple that matches the purple and gold accents on all the soundstages (no one likes a red eyesore?); think along the lines of Hollywood Dream, but with the supports keeping their current color. The ride continues like this. The structure holding the first and second brake runs will hold a facade that will be an extension of the New York facades (more facades will be added all around the park; this being one of them). Because of this, these brake runs will be akin to the tunnel in the very beginning of the ride, only the vehicle's built-in lights will be reflected using long mirrors angled to shine at the riders' bodies. As the ride does the fly-over element, it will pass over the main office building over the windows described earlier. The trench area will include another tunnel, with the exterior of it being themed to the original HRRR curved-red-roof and creme-colored-'spikes' theme.

So, yes, no, maybe so?

 

[BBPH]

These original plans, was there any concept art or anything etc i never knew about this

 

[mantaguy]

I have an idea that will make this coaster match the studios theme a bit better rather than just what it currently is:

Basically the entire queue experience will be somewhat akin to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's; to the left of the Hollywood Bowl plaza will be a standard looking (with small rock-themed accents; think Hard Rock) office building that sizes up about two thirds of the way of the Neutron soundstage using the same accents at the end of the corners (purple and gold with a solid creme color). The front of the building reaches about halfway between the current entrance and the main road. The entrance will be decorated with an art deco font saying something along the lines of "Universal Music Group", and next to it will be a small facade with the rock-themed logo saying just, "Featuring ROCKIT coaster!" (The actual ride would drop the HRR part and just be ROCKIT)

As one would enter, the main lobby would be in the shape of a circle, and all around there will be dazzling lights with the main logo (including RockIt's logo) on the ceiling so that people are drawn to look up. The line then splits into the standard order of three (standard, singles, express) and they wind around the office area with a couple of sound studios. The three queues will then meet up in a sort of meeting room wherein there stands the entire crew done, of course, with the Musion effect; they then give an updated spiel (thank the lord for no more "Let's hit it! Hasta!!!") and instruct how to choose the songs. This room is where the extended queue is currently located, and it will have a tinted window looking upwards to catch a glimpse of the Rockits as they zoom over. After this, they say to go upstairs to board your MVR (Music Video Rockit).

The main pavilion is kept with its red rock theme, except the general public cannot see this area and it will all be indoors (A/C installation will ensue; guests outside would still see this official-looking building). Generic rock music pumps as you board your Rockit and the front of the entire pavilion is themed to a concert stage with some faux video cameras as well as a lot of stage lights. In the middle, there is an arch leading to a dark tunnel through which the vehicle will travel to reach the main lift tower. This tunnel will be lit with lots of lights and will match the theme of the rings which will also have stage lights.

The ride's lift tower will be themed to look like an office building (think lots of glass), but there is a twist: behind the glass are giant LED's that make a huge screen and project the Rockits' tail of fire behind them as they rise, and the track will be repainted to a more muted purple that matches the purple and gold accents on all the soundstages (no one likes a red eyesore?); think along the lines of Hollywood Dream, but with the supports keeping their current color. The ride continues like this. The structure holding the first and second brake runs will hold a facade that will be an extension of the New York facades (more facades will be added all around the park; this being one of them). Because of this, these brake runs will be akin to the tunnel in the very beginning of the ride, only the vehicle's built-in lights will be reflected using long mirrors angled to shine at the riders' bodies. As the ride does the fly-over element, it will pass over the main office building over the windows described earlier. The trench area will include another tunnel, with the exterior of it being themed to the original HRRR curved-red-roof and creme-colored-'spikes' theme.

So, yes, no, maybe so?

I love the idea, you obviously put a lot of thought into this, I just doubt it would ever get done. Personally I completely agree with matching the theme more closely to the rest of the park and everything. Maybe, just maybe they will do something to make the ride more of an "attraction" instead of just a ride, but I doubt they would go all out like this. I wish they had just made a better ride to begin with!

 

[jtsalien]

I don't expect anything to elaborate in the future. But having it be more of an attraction would be awesome.

 

[TSSD]

Those are great ideas, V!ola, a lot better than what Uni has now!

 

[Cwoolboy]

Went there over the weekend and got to ROCKIT a good 5 times over 2 days. Got the rough train once, I came off with a splitting headache. I was NOT happy. I'll say it again, UNI needs to do SOMETHING ABOUT THAT DAMNED TRAIN!!!!