The Incredible Hulk coaster is rolling successfully since 1999. It is one of the most intense thrill rides in Orlando, which is saying something, as the city is the theme park capital of the world. The roller coaster is designed and themed to represent the comic book superhero – The Hulk. With psychedelic patterns and neon green lightings, the coaster takes you on twists and turns that is mind-blowing and exhilarating. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Incredible Hulk roller coaster at Universal Orlando, but here’s a quick story to get you started.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Islands of Adventure
The Incredible Hulk is a beloved superhero in the Marvel universe. The comic series began in 1963, but the character was distinctly recognized as the Hulk in 1968 issue of the comic book, with Hulk being in main focus as Dr. Bruce Banner’s alter ego. It showed an enraged and angry side of the rather tame and quiet character, with superhuman strength and power, that can be felt during the incredible hulk coaster as well, where one of Dr. Bruce Banner’s experiment goes wrong, much like the comic books and movie. Here are all the details and information of the incredible hulk coaster Orlando.
The Incredible Hulk Ride at Islands of Adventure
The new look of the incredible hulk coaster features a dramatic entryway with Hulk standing tall in all his glory with a coaster car overhead. He has the same looming, angry look on his face that the Hulk is known for.
The thing I love the most about Universal rides is the story and queue which builds up to a story to get you pumped up and excited about the ride and make it a more immersive and personal experience for the riders. Everyone is well aware of the Incredible Hulk’s journey where Dr. Bruce Banner’s experiment goes wrong with menacing consequences. At the Incredible Hulk coaster, you get to be inside the laboratory where everything started.
The ride was revamped in 2016 after being closed down for almost a year. It now has a new and improved, exciting back story to go with the thrilling ride along with theatrical lighting and the world’s most massive plasma display. You are presented as a volunteer for a new top-secret experiment by General Thaddeus Ross where you are exposed to lethal levels of gamma radiation in an ill effort to create an army of super soldiers. The entire process is termed “Hulk-a-fication,” something that Bruce Banner himself went through.
I enjoyed the whole insight of the laboratory which made the wait worthwhile and rather exciting. We get to see the Gamma core and even some of the subjects who went through the Hulk-a-fication process with ominous ramifications. You are led to the actual ride which is termed “Gamma accelerator.” The last thing you’ll hear before you “Hulk Out” is a female voice saying, “Initiating Gamma Exposure. Hulk Transformation: Accelerating. Do not be afraid.” And then you’ll be blasted off at an incredible speed to get a taste of superhuman strength on a background score by Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy).
From there you go through the most fantastic 2 minutes of your life. The speed catches up from 0 to 40mph within 2 seconds with a tire propelled launch into a 150 feet long tunnel. You will experience zero-g roll, cobra roll over the park’s central lagoon, and seven heart-pounding inversions, two vertical loops where you enter a subterranean tunnel full of mist, two corkscrews, block break and helix. It is one of the best roller coasters where the thrill and acceleration start from the very beginning and carry through the entire ride. The magnificent Universal Studio’s hulk ride adds to the beautiful skyline of the theme park.
Hulk Roller Coaster Location & Basic Information
The incredible hulk coaster is located in the Islands of Adventure and is near the main entrance of the park and the Cabana Bay resort. This Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster offers a smooth ride which is 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. It goes at an astounding speed of 67 mph, with a 105ft. drop at the start of the ride. The length of the track is 3700 feet, and the highest point is 110 feet. Theoretically, the Hulk coaster can accommodate 1920 riders per hour, but of course, that isn’t practical. The visuals are amazing, especially when you are seated at the front of the ride.
The height requirement for this ride is 54 inches and has a very high thrill factor, so it is not for kids. You can use the universal express pass or access the single rider line for the Hulk coaster.
How fast is the Hulk Roller Coaster?
The incredible hulk coaster accelerates from 0 to 40mph within the first 2 seconds of its launch. It quickly gathers speed and gets up to 67mph and stays at the same speed for the entirety of the ride, with a mid-course brake run. You cover 3700 feet of length within 2 minutes! It is incredibly fast, much like the Hulk itself, and gives you an adrenaline pumping experience. This is something you’d want to try out earlier in the day when you are fresh and pumped up.
The Hulk Coaster 2016 Redesign
The incredible hulk coaster was temporarily shut down on September 8th, 2015 for updates and refurbishing. It reopened with some exciting new details and a brand new back story on August 4th, 2016. One area of the Islands of Adventure theme park is dedicated entirely to the Marvel Comics, with the incredible hulk coaster being one of its main thrill rides. Before its makeover, the queue had a different story where the riders entered Dr. Bruce Banner’s laboratory. It had many television screens that showed the Incredible Hulk’s story. Bruce struggled to find a cure and reverse the damage inflicted on him, but in turn, involves the riders in his experiments too. You get to see the generator and gamma core which is still a part of the remodel. The large holes in the walls gave access to the visualization and sounds of the roller coaster as it took its turn with riders.
The ride launched with a panic voiceover by Bruce Banners, hoping for the experiment to work out for the best, but yelling “No No No” in dismay as the gamma-ray accelerator malfunctioned and all hell broke loose. The roller coaster track itself essentially remained the same with a few perks and touch-ups. The launch tunnel is upgraded, with some new track pieces and a new onboard music score.
What is a Ride on the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster Like?
The incredible hulk coaster experience is unlike any other. The sheer exhilaration you feel with the speeding coaster, and all the loops and inversions that come along the way is unmatchable. You will feel like a superhero yourself as you get a taste of superhuman speed and power. It is much like the Hulk, out of control, haphazard, intense and packed with adventures. We also suggest having a go at it at night when the incredible hulk coaster lights up in bright glowing green.
Tips for Enjoying the Incredible Hulk Coaster
Owing to the inversions and speed of the Hulk coaster, you are not allowed to carry any loose items or valuables during the ride. Fortunately, there are free electronic lockers located nearby to drop off your belongings and enjoy the ride without any worries. The incredible hulk coaster should be one of your first rides when the park opens, as the queue keeps getting longer as the day progresses.
Make sure that your pockets are empty and you have secured everything in the lockers as you will be going through metal detectors before going on the ride, which is for everyone’s safety. The Universal Studio’s hulk ride has a separate line for the first row. This is because it is the most desired seat as it offers an outstanding view of the park. If you have the time, do ride it in the first row at least once.
Other Top Coasters at Universal Studios Orlando
Islands of Adventures is home to some of the best thrill rides in the world. Incredible Hulk coaster surely makes to the top of the list when it comes to roller coasters. Besides this, you can ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit which has the same thrill level as the Hulk ride. Revenge of the Mummy is another great ride with fantastic animatronics and a pulse-quickening speed. The transformers and Simpsons ride are not at the same thrill level as the Hulk roller coaster, but they do offer a few heart-pounding moments. The Escape from Gringotts and Forbidden Journey at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter have quite an impressive setup and are very exhilarating and enjoyable.