For the first time in seven or eight years I won't be at EMC World (Not my call, it's the economy) which means you'll be having fun without me.
And after a long day of numerous sessions, some of which are yet to be announced, -cough-, what fun to be had. This year's Wednesday night event is at the Universal Orlando Park, not the Islands of Adventure as in previous years.
While I always enjoyed the water rides at IOA the move to Universal opens up more options for those who's idea of a good time doesn't involve being drenched in so much water it looks like you've been swimming.
My personal picks for the must see attractions at Universal are Shrek 4D, The Simpsons Ride, Disaster Studios and the interactive Hollywood Rip, Ride and Rockit coaster.
The Maurer Söhne designed Rockit isn't open yet but it is targeted to come online in May. Will it be ready for the EMC World throngs? I hope so. It looks to me that the lift and the loading area are well along but the main loop hasn't been fully put in place yet.
The lift hill is probably going to be one of the largest in the world with a 50 meter vertical ascent while the ride itself is using an X-Car design with Maurer's multimedia X-Seat. The X-Seat puts two stereo speakers into the headrest allowing you to pick your own soundtrack during the ride and a built in video camera to record your horrified expressions over the duration of the ride. You should be able to pickup your own personal ride music video in the gift shop at the ride exit.
Shrek 4D is good fun but mind those creepy crawlies, they will make you squirm. They most certainly made me squirm and you'll know what I'm talking about when you experience it. In 4D.
As for the Simpsons my only advice there is that tall people should sit in the back seats, headroom allowing, or they'll obscure the view. Homer is of course the star.
There are a lot of other rides to choose from but I'll admit to having a special place in my heart for the trip to Disaster Studios and my visit with Master of Mayhem and undisputed king of Disaster movies Frank Kincaid.
(Any resemblance to Christopher Walken is purely coincidental)
