Incredible Hulk Coaster reopens at Universal's Islands of Adventure

August 4, 2016 at 10:14 AM · Quite a flip from Spidey there.

August 4, 2016 at 12:40 PM · Awesome news! Hulk is among the best coasters in Orlando (perhaps THE best?). I'll take a visit on Saturday and check it out myself.

August 4, 2016 at 1:12 PM · Will be there in October and can't wait to ride it.

August 5, 2016 at 3:07 AM · I think Hulk is awesome ... but for my money, Mako over at SeaWorld is a heavy contender for the title of best coaster in Orlando. The only disappointing thing w/ Mako is a very weak (almost Six Flags-ish) queue. But the coaster itself is amazing as well as the surrounding Shark Reef area.

Time to check out Hulk in its latest incarnation and see if can de-throne new champ Mako.

August 5, 2016 at 2:42 PM · I'm not sure why I had such high hopes for significantly enhanced themeing as I knew the same exact track layout, loading station, etc. would be used, but I'm still disappointed after seeing videos online. As a coaster alone, Hulk rules. As a Universal Orlando attraction, it makes me feel like I accidentally wandered into a Six Flags. HRR is the worst offender of this.

It amazes me that the code has been cracked for how to successfully combine awesomely themed and immersive dark ride with roller coaster (Mummy) yet neither Universal or Disney has taken it to the next level with more intense coaster elements, alternating spurts of coaster thrills and show scenes, and with Hulk specifically, perhaps even indoor and outdoor transitions. We either get straight coaster (Hulk) or simulator on a coaster track with few coaster elements (Gringotts). What gives?

August 6, 2016 at 12:58 PM · Will, I don't think Hulk is anything like "wandering into a Six Flags". The queue looks so well done, as well as the enclosed station and launch, which has always had great special effects.

The attraction marquee and launch tube, as well as the way it interacts with MSHI makea it so visually stunning. The only downfall, and Six Flags-esque part of the ride would be after the MCBR, thanks to the backstage views and bland surroundings...

August 7, 2016 at 7:28 AM · I also don't think a comparison to "Six Flags" is in order. We are season pass holders at our home park, SFOG and the differences are many. Goliath, the premier B&M hyper at our home park only runs 2 trains and has an outdoor waiting area with virtually no theming. The operations are pitifully slow on some days with only one train being run sometimes during the Spring and Fall parts of the season. Hulk typically runs 3 trains with a great operations crew (at least that has been my experience).

I think the most important take-away from all this is the fact that Universal chose to spend the money and rebuild this coaster. When I rode it last May, I noticed how much rougher it had become. If this was a Six Flags coaster, no such action would have been taken.

August 7, 2016 at 9:09 AM · This retracking was long overdue. I couldn't ride that thing anymore.

August 7, 2016 at 6:48 PM · The new queue is amazing. You can't judge this attraction by anything you see on video. I watched the video on Reign of King beforehand and wasn't impressed. However, when I actually rode the ride I loved it. The most amazing thing for me and the crowd around me was the sound effects and the "roar" that happens every time the coaster launches. The kids loved it! The redo is smooth, exciting, and a welcome addition to the already stellar lineup at IOA. If only now they would concentrate on hiding the show building for Forbidden Journey. Why do they not think this is a huge problem. It looks horrible from Port of Entry and from around other areas of the lagoon.