You may be wondering: Hulk vs VelociCoaster, which is better at Islands of Adventure?
Universal Orlando Resort truly has some great attractions under their belt that keeps us coming back again and again for the chase of thrills and adrenaline.
Today we are chatting about two of their juggernaut coasters, Hulk vs VelociCoaster located in Islands of Adventure, in this article.
Marvel has been a staple in theme parks for years now.
Even so much that one of the first stops for Islands of Adventure for guests is Marvel Superhero Island.
You’ll find some familiar heroes here along with their various attractions, with the main draw being Hulk. Similar to a Jurassic Park over across the lagoon.
The land is immersive and has so many wonderful things to do and see.
However, when you see the rush of guests at your early park entry first thing in the morning, chances are they are going straight to VelociCoaster.
But out of these two coasters, Hulk vs VelociCoaster, what makes them stand out among the rest?
And which of the two coasters are the best?
Let’s buckle up, pull the yellow rope and get started on the battle of Hulk and VelociCoaster.
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VelociCoaster vs Hulk at a Glance:
- Hulk opened in May of 1999 while VelociCoaster opened in June of 2021
- VelociCoaster reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour while The Incredible Hulk reaches speeds of 67 miles per hour
- The Hulk has 7 inversions while VelociCoaster has 4 inversions
Overall, VelociCoaster has a slight edge over The Hulk so keep reading to see why!
Hulk vs VelociCoaster: History of VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort
VelociCoaster was a true mysterious sleeper hit for Universal Orlando.
This project hit the ground running during the global pandemic with very little news or warning about what it was or what was to come.
It started with the closure of the Triceratops Encounter, which sat there for almost 10 years.
With that, the only real attractions in the land were Jurassic Park River Adventure, Raptor Encounter and a vastly immersive play area for children including the Pteranodon Flyers attraction for kids.
Permits were filed as far back as 2018 to commence demolition of Triceratops Encounter, making fans buzz that something new was coming.
Universal felt it was time to replace it at long last and reached out to a familiar partner, Intamin, to help them craft their coaster.
They previously worked with them on Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure.
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Construction of VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando
Shortly after demolition was completed, construction walls went up in January 2019. But the ball was dropped when the documents of the project were leaked online.
Construction continued through spring 2019 with land clearing and a bridge being torn down in the area.
The first track pieces, for what everyone knew was a coaster, arrived in June and were stored away from the area.
Fans were quick to find out that Universal Trademarked “VelociCoaster,” the name of the still unannounced coaster, which was still going by the name “Project 791.”
Construction continued through the early months of 2020 with concrete being poured as well as track and supports being delivered to the site.
VelociCoaster: Rough Challenges
However, the pandemic happened and stalled construction briefly.
Fans compared the construction schedule to Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom due to the fact that these projects started roughly at the same time.
Tron was set to open as part of the resort’s 50th celebration.
Both paused during the pandemic. But to put it in perspective, the WDW 50th celebration ran from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023. Tron Lightcycle Run just opened April 4, 2023.
VelociCoaster’s construction started up again quickly and at a very fast pace after its pandemic stall.
Almost all construction had been completed when Universal was given the all clear to reopen.
During the entire process, the park refused acknowledgement that the coaster was being built at all.
Even when the top hat element, the tallest point, was completed.
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VelociCoaster Comes to Life at Universal Orlando
Once the tallest point of the coaster was topped and completed in early July 2020, in September the park officially announced the coaster as the tallest and fastest launch coaster in Orlando.
Construction walls were finally taken down in February 2021, and it opened to great success and acclaim in June 2021.
It actually took over the title of being the fastest coaster at the park, replacing the Hulk coaster.
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Backstory of VelociCoaster
The guest is transported from Islands of Adventure into Jurassic World, as seen in the second trilogy of the same name.
Claire Dearing, Manager of Jurassic World, comes up with the idea. One that is completely safe and a fun attraction where guests can race alongside the raptors in their paddock.
If you can picture how swimmers use shark cages to swim alongside sharks in the ocean, this was the idea she had in mind.
Similar to the Indominus Rex from the film, this coaster is meant to spark interest again in Jurassic World and bring customers in.
Because the queue plays a big factor into the story, let’s move on to it.
Queue of VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando
You start the queue at the lower level of the Discovery Center, being greeted by two raptor statues.
Going further in, you will see another bigger raptor statue with the coaster going over the top hat hill in the background.
Guests enter a room with six windows where you see one of the coasters go by with some raptors following rapidly behind.
Filing into the next room, Dr. Henry Wu gives a video presentation regarding the park and the dinosaurs’ care.
Moving along, you enter an examination room where you see two raptors muzzled in place to prep for a check-up.
Once you place your items in lockers in the next room, you will pass by posters of attractions in Jurassic World. Some real and some fake.
Going up the stairs, you will see Claire, who explains what you are about to experience.
She introduces Owen Grady, an animal behavior specialist who trained the raptors you are about to run with. While she expected him to back her up, he actually chides you for doing it.
He warns you to be vigilant, as animals that dangerous and humans shouldn’t be so close.
You can see footage of the raptors in their cages being attempted to be controlled. Eventually, you move on to the loading station.
Universal Orlando VelociCoaster Roller Coaster Stats
This steel launch coaster was manufactured by Intamin and designed by Universal Creative.
- Model: LSM Launch Coaster
- Height: 155 feet
- Drop: 140 feet
- Track Length: 4,700 feet
- Time: 3 Minutes
- Inversions: 4
- Speed: 70 MPH
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Hulk vs VelociCoaster: History of The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Orlando
Hulk Coaster is a bit more seasoned and has a longer time to settle down its roots, being one of the opening day attractions for Islands of Adventure.
The coaster has certainly earned its place and respect in the park’s history, being the first B&M coaster to feature a Marvel superhero and to have a launch coaster design.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the coaster.
History of The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Plans for Islands of Adventure started as early as 1991 and by 1993, it was decided that one of the major lands for the park would be based on Marvel Comic books.
Each land in Islands of Adventure is based on a story or books, so it was a perfect fit.
The weight of being an awesome coaster was placed on the shoulders of the Hulk, who would have no issue bearing it.
A big part of the creation of the ride was to simulate being shot out of a cannon. Prototypes were worked on with Universal Creative and MTS systems in 1995 through 1996.
It was eventually achieved as work began on the park in 1997. The supports were done by superior rigging but the project was in B&M’s hands.
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Construction of The Incredible Hulk at Universal
Construction wasn’t covered as in depth during its heyday due to that time being the slow rise of social media and technology vs VelociCoaster.
But everything went smoothly as the Incredible Hulk coaster debuted with the park on May 28, 1999.
It should be noted that complaints from guests stated that the ride was rough, rocking them around and giving them headaches.
In August 2015, refurbishments went into place extensively.
Changes that Happened on the Hulk Roller Coaster at Islands of Adventure
This included a change in the storyline, which we will dive into, along with the entrance, queue line, replacing sections of track, the trains being enhanced with on board audio and lighting effects.
The old tracks and trains that were replaced were destroyed.
Metal detectors were added in April 2015 and guests were required to stow all belongings in lockers across from the attraction prior to entering.
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Queue and Backstory of The Incredible Hulk Coaster
This roller coaster’s entrance has you walk under a statue of the Hulk holding one of the ride vehicles over his head.
The coaster tracks he is holding are original to the coaster prior to the refurbishment.
Guests enter the dangerous experimental laboratory of General Thaddeus Ross, who was head of the Gamma bomb project that created the hulk.
He has since been obsessed with the hulk and Bruce Banner, who are one and the same, and constantly hunts them down.
You will be next as test subjects for Ross’s experiment!
As you go through the lab, the center holds a gamma ray that glows and goes off occasionally.
TV screens show test subjects getting exposed to the radiation and the effects and results of the experimentation on them, turning them into hulk-like creatures.
Universal Orlando The Incredible Hulk Coaster Roller Coaster Stats
This steel launched coaster was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard and designed by Werner Stengel, who has done work on numerous world record-breaking coasters for decades.
- Model: Custom Sitting Coaster
- Launch System: Tire Propelled Launch
- Height: 110 feet
- Drop: 104.9 feet
- Track Length: 3,700 feet
- Inversions: 7
- Time: 2 minutes and 15 seconds
- G Force: 4
- Speed: 67 miles per hour
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My Final Thoughts on the Hulk vs VelociCoaster Battle!
We cannot deny that between Hulk vs VelociCoaster, these two coasters are absolute juggernauts and must-do’s for locals and visitors alike.
But which is the better of the two?
Hulk Roller Coaster Stats
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard
- Launch System: Tire Propelled Launch
- Height: 110 feet
- Drop: 104.9 feet
- Track Length: 3,700 feet
- Time: 2 minutes and 15 seconds
- Inversions: 7
- Speed: 67 miles per hour
VelociCoaster Roller Coaster Stats
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Launch System: LSM Launch Coaster
- Height: 155 feet
- Drop: 140 feet
- Track Length: 4,700 feet
- Time: 3 Minutes
- Inversions: 4
- Speed: 70 miles per hour
We have to acknowledge the roots that Hulk placed to help put Islands of Adventure on the map, and that the coaster is still a big draw to the park.
It had been in the top 50 steel coasters for Golden Ticket every year between 1999-2012.
It essentially walked so VelociCoaster could run with the raptors as one of the first launch coasters.
VelociCoaster broke down the door and has rarely, if at all, had a complaint from guests or riders.
Many a visit have I been at opening hour, watching guests race between getting to Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster.
It has ranked Top Steel Roller Coaster every year so far with Golden Ticket since it opened, but it’s still a baby compared to Hulk. It is a must-do and truly beloved.
But when it comes to which is better, Hulk vs VelociCoaster? I will leave that up to you. Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
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(Original Article Date: September 25, 2023 /Updated by Editor on February 17, 2024