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Hi all,

As you may have read previously in the blog, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Orlando with the UK Universal and SeaWorld team. I was very lucky to ride every roller coaster and thrill ride available at Island’s of Adventure, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.

This week I will count down my top 5 must ride coasters in Florida, starting with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studio’s.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studio’s

I like roller coasters and I like music, imagine putting them together and I’d be in thrill ride heaven…

Well that’s exactly what Universal have done here. Unique to another coaster I’ve ever ridden, you have 45 Seconds to select a tune of your choice to “enjoy” while flying round the 3800ft track.

Song List

Universal Studios Florida unveiled the thirty available songs for the attraction on July 6, 2009:

• Classic rock and heavy metal

“Bring Me to Life,” Evanescence
“Paralyzer,” Finger Eleven
“Born to be Wild,” Hinder (a cover version of the song originally performed by Steppenwolf)
“Rollin’,” Limp Bizkit
“Kickstart My Heart,” Mötley Crüe
“Gimme All Your Lovin’,” ZZ Top

• Club and electronica

“Intergalactic”, Beastie Boys
“Busy Child,” The Crystal Method
“Keep Hope Alive,” The Crystal Method
“Harder Better Faster Stronger,” Daft Punk
“Pump Up the Volume,” MARRS
“Le Disko,” Shiny Toy Guns

• Country music

“Midnight Rider,” The Allman Brothers Band
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band
“Guitars, Cadillacs,” Dwight Yoakam
“I Can Sleep When I’m Dead,” Jason Michael Carroll
“Living in Fast Forward,” Kenny Chesney
“All Night Long,” Montgomery Gentry

• Rap and hip-hop

“Sabotage,” Beastie Boys
“Don’t Phunk with My Heart,” The Black Eyed Peas
“Pump It,” The Black Eyed Peas
“Insane in the Brain,” Cypress Hill
“Stronger,” Kanye West
“Rock Star,” N.E.R.D.

• Pop music and disco

“Bad Girls,” Donna Summer
“Glamorous,” Fergie
“I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor
“That’s the Way (I Like It),” KC and the Sunshine Band
“U Can’t Touch This,” MC Hammer
“Hella Good,” No Doubt

In addition to these 30 songs, Universal Studios Florida also provided additional “hidden” songs that are available to riders, but are not included in the on-ride video if the rider chooses to purchase it

I picked The Beastie Boys, Sabotage, it worked a treat!

When you leave the station, you begin a slow vertical climb of 167 feet, it takes 16 seconds to reach the top and if you’re brave enough to move your head you can get a great view of Universal Studios before you plunge 170 feet at 65 mph straight in to a twisted loop, like a normal loop the loop but at the top it twists so that the passenger is right side up when descending…

One thing you may want to remember to avoid embarrisment is that the whole time you’re riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit you’re being filmed in your very own music video…. I was very lucky (insert sarcasm) to have my video played to our group, showing me widely singing and giggling like a school girl!!

A truly brilliant ride and one I could honest ride time and time again, the music element not only adds to the experience but provides a great “after roller coaster” conversation, “what music did you pick?”.

usrentacar.co.uk offer great rates of Florida attraction tickets the Orlando Flex Ticket or the Universal bonus tickets get you entry in to Universal Studio’s for up to 14 days.

What’s your favourite ride?

regards,

James

Hi all,

Following on from yesterdays 2010 Top 20 USA Theme Parks By Attendance I thought I’d share with you the 2010 Worldwide theme park attendance figures.

Top 25 Worldwide Theme Parks

1. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
2. Disneyland
3. Tokyo Disneyland
4. Tokyo DisneySea
5. Epcot
6. Disneyland Paris
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
9. Universal Studios Japan
10. Everland, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
11. Disney California Adventure
12. Universal’s Islands of Adventure
13. Universal Studios Florida
14. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
15. Hong Kong Disneyland
16. SeaWorld Orlando
17. Ocean Park, Hong Kong
18. Universal Studios Hollywood
19. Walt Disney Studios Paris
20. Nagashima Spa Land, Kuwana, Japan
21. Europa Park
22. Busch Gardens Tampa
23. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama, Japan
24. De Eftleing
25. SeaWorld San Diego

Amazing to see how dominate Disney still remain, the Potter factor has obviously helped Universal in 2010 but how long can it continue?

What are your thoughts?

regards,

James

Hi all,

As we reported on our facebook page yesterday www.facebook.com/usrentacar.co.uk Universal have released information regarding some new features they will be adding to Universal Islands of Adventure.

Despicable Me

The new Despicable Me ride, which will replace the Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast attraction, is due to officially open in 2012 and will use latest state of the art 3D technology.

Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, said

“Gru, the world’s most wonderful supervillain, and his three adorable daughters are coming to Universal Orlando, and Gru has a new invention and needs some help getting it deployed, so he’s going to transform the whole audience into minions.”

The ride will transport guests in an eight-passenger vehicle through Gru’s home, laboratory and “an entire training process to become minions,” Woodbury said. That theming will extend to riders’ 3-D glasses.

“As a minion, you’re going to have to have minion goggles, the minions will follow folks after the ride at an “interactive dance party”

Spider-Man

One of the more popular rides at Islands of Adventure will get the full HD treatment.

“The characters will be so amazing in details. You’ll be able to see the details in the flames of Hobgoblin’s pumpkins; you’ll be able to see electricity arcing through Electro’s body, Spider-Man’s glove when he’s pointing at us; you’ll be able to see the stitching in his glove — down to that detail.”

The ride also will receive new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses with lenses made of dichroic filters to improve the attraction’s color and clarity, Universal said.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Just a little reminder that we still have some 2-park bonus and 3-park bonus tickets available at 2010 prices!!!

2-Park Bonus Ticket –  £84.00 (adult)

3-Park Bonus Ticket – £100.00 (adult)

Includes p&p, no CC charges.

To take advantage of these low rates please call our reservations department on 0845 226 8523.

About the Universal bonus tickets

2-park bonus ticket includes – up to fourteen (14) consecutive days entry to the following Universal Studios Florida^® andUniversal’s Islands of Adventure^® theme parks, plus all-club access to the live entertainment atUniversal CityWalk^®

3-park bonus ticket includes – up to fourteen (14) consecutive days entry to the following Universal Studios Florida^® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure^® theme parks, the Wet ‘n Wild^® – Orlando waterpark, plus all-club access to the live entertainment at Universal CityWalk^®

Both tickets give you entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.

FAQ’s

Are these tickets date specific?
No, the ticket is open-dated and activated the first time you visit one of the parks.

When does the ticket expire?
The bonus ticket expires after 14 days from first use.

Can I visit all three parks in one day?
Yep, your bonus ticket entitles you to unlimited entrance to Universal Studios Florida®, Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, Wet ‘n Wild® and Universal CityWalk® for the duration of your ticket.

regards,

James

Hi all,

Just thought I’d let you know of a great offer we currently have running for the Universal 3-Park Bonus Ticket.

At present we are offer this ticket at 2010 prices and includes entry to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Wet N’ Wild and Universal City Walk for 14 consecutive days.

Included in the Price

• Free delivery
• No Credit Card Fee’s.
• Real Tickets not vouchers.

For only £100.00 per ticket.

More information can be found here – http://usrentacar.co.uk/tickets/orlando/universal/3_park_bonus_ticket_info.aspx

2-Park Bonus Tickets are also available from £84.00.

To take advantage of this great deal call us on 0845 226 8523.

Kind regards,

James

Hi all,

Back in September I blogged about the Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Orlando being closed indefinitely for maintenance.

Well good news Universal Orlando have just tweeted that the ride is back up and fully functional.

Great news for all you thrill riders, remember we are an officially approved reseller for Universal Orlando, more details can be found here https://blog.usrentacar.co.uk/index.php/2010/09/14/universal-orlando-and-usrentacar-strike-up-partnership/ – Universal Orlando.

Regards,

James

Tweet

Thanks to our friends at  attraction tickets .info for the following story.

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida will remain closed indefinitely, it was confirmed on Monday.

Universal Officials claim that the unscheduled closure has nothing to do with the  safety warning from Maurer Sohne, the German steel company that makes the ride’s vehicles. Who stated that the coupling used to hold the vehicle together may not be fatigue endurable.

 Universal Orlando said the safety concerns from Maurer Sohne would have been addressed soon after the memo’s release and the ride’s closure was not related to the safety bulletin. However, Maurer Sohne said the repair solution or new design would not be available for two to three months.

Universal closed the attraction last Wednesday and said it was undergoing unrelated maintenance. It said the closure was temporary.

Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said on Monday that the ride’s extended closure was due to the park’s decision to do annual maintenance on the attraction.

“The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was operating safely when we closed it for maintenance and it will be operating safely when we reopen it,” said Schroder.

“We don’t forecast when an attraction will reopen from annual maintenance due to the fluid nature of the maintenance work,” Schroder said.

You can purchase Park Tickets through usrentacar.co.uk

2-Park Bonus Ticket – Adult: £85.00 Child (3-9): £78.00

3-Park Bonus Ticket - Adult: £103.00 Child (3-9): £95.00

• Real Tickets NOT Vouchers
• Free Posting
• NO credit card charges

How to Book?

You can either book online at the same time you are making your car hire booking or alternatively you can call our reservations department on  0845 226 8523 and our reservation staff will happily book them up for you.

Tweet

Hi all,

I’m delighted to report that after months of negotiations and meetings usrentacar.co.uk has struck a deal with Universal Orlando to officially sell its 2-Park Bonus Tickets and 3-Park bonus ticket.

Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida welcomed more than 9 million visitors through their gates in 2009 and the new lure of the young Wizard will defintely  increase these figures.

Prices and Whats Included

2-Park Bonus Ticket – Adult: £84.00 Child (3-9): £78.00

3-Park Bonus Ticket – Adult: £100.00 Child (3-9): £95.00

• Real Tickets NOT Vouchers
• Free Posting
• NO credit card charges

How to Book?

You can either book online at the same time you are making your car hire booking or alternatively you can call our reservations department on  0845 226 8523 and our reservation staff will happily book them up for you.

We are extremely excited about being able to offer these great Attraction Tickets.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

James

Worried you’re too small to ride the Hulk?

Below is a list of height restrictions for rides at Universal Orlando.

Universal Studios Florida®

Revenge of the MummySM – Must be at least 48″

Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast™ – Must be at least 40″ (persons under 40″ can experience this attraction from an adjacent stationary location.)

MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™ – Must be at least 42″

Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster® – Must be at least 36″

The Simpsons Ride™ – Must be at least 40″

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Must be at least 51″

E.T. Adventure – Must be at least 34″

Universal’s Islands of Adventure® 

Jurassic Park River Adventure® – Must be at least 42″

Pteranodon Flyers® – Please note that Pteranodon Flyers® is designed for children 36 to 56 inches tall. A child meeting this requirement must accompany guests over 56 inches tall

Dueling Dragons® – Must be at least 54″

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls® – Must be at least 44″

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® – Must be at least 42″

Incredible Hulk Coaster® – Must be at least 54″

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® – Must be at least 40″

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall® – Must be at least 52″

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ – Must be 34″. (Children 34″to 48″must be accompanied by an adult.)

Below is U.S. Rent A Car’s top 7 things to do in Orlando. Please feel free to comment on them or add suggestions.

1. Disneyland Resort Florida is the largest and most visited recreational resort in the world, containing four theme parks, two water parks, 24 themed hotels, and numerous shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation venues. Owned and operated by the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts a segment of The Walt Disney Company, it is located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a tourist area southwest of Orlando, Florida. The property is often abbreviated as Disney World or WDW.

It opened on October 1, 1971, with the Magic Kingdom theme park, and has since added Epcot (on October 1, 1982), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (on May 1, 1989), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (on April 22, 1998).

• Magic Kingdom, 17 million visits (No. 1 worldwide)
• Epcot, 10.9 million visits (No. 6)
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9.51 million visits (No. 7)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9.49 million visits (No. 8)

2. Universal Studios is located in Orlando, Florida. Opened on June 7, 1990, the park’s theme is the entertainment industry, in particular movies and television. Universal Studios Florida inspires its guests to “ride the movies,” and it features numerous attractions and live shows. The park is one component of the larger Universal Orlando Resort.

In 2008, the park hosted an estimated 6.23 million guests, ranking it the fifth-most visited theme park in the United States, and #7 in the world.

3. Medieval Times. Upon arrival at a Medieval Times castle, guests are assigned to a knight of a particular color and given a crown to wear that features the knight’s colour. Guests sit in the knight’s section of the arena and are encouraged to cheer in his honor. The menu is standard, and guests eat with their hands in medieval fashion.

The knights featured are The Yellow Knight, The Red Knight, The Black & White Knight, The Blue Knight, The Red & Yellow Knight, and The Green Knight. The Green Knight is usually cast as the villain.

4. Wonder Works. Expect to be impressed at this interactive, entertaining and hilariously funny dinner show. Amazing magic, impersonations and high-energy improvisational comedy will have you on the edge of your seat. Receive table side service with unlimited fresh hand-tossed cheese and pepperoni pizza, salad, popcorn and unlimited beer, wine, soda and dessert.

5. Gatorland is located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida. It was founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, and still privately owned by his family today. Billed as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, reptile shows, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk and educational programs.

The operation also has an active road show providing alligator wrestling, pythons, lizards and other animals with an informative animal talk for private parties and benefits. In addition, Gatorland manages the live alligator display at the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

The park is also known for its leucistic alligators.

6. Water Parks including Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Wet N’ Wild, Aquatica and Water Mania. Provide fun for all the family while helping to top up that all important tan.

7. Florida Mall is a large enclosed shopping mall in Orlando, Florida. It opened its doors in 1986. It is located on the southeast corner of Orange Blossom Trail and Sand Lake Road. The mall has over 250 stores, including its anchors Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and The Florida Hotel. At 1,849,000 ft² (179,778 m²) GLA, it stands as one of the largest single-story malls in the United States.