In the month since our last construction update, we’ve seen the Jurassic World VelociCoaster testing the full circuit under the cover of night, dozens of trees being planted, and a ton of overall progress at the site.
Once again, our good friend Bioreconstruct on Twitter has taken to the skies and provided us with amazing views of this uniquely designed thrill ride. We’ll be taking a look at the newly built entrance and exterior queue area, as well as some interesting smaller details and plenty of landscaping updates in today’s photo update.
Reaching speeds up to 70 mph and a max height of 155 feet, the VelociCoaster will be Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster when it opens next summer. Over the last month crews have been testing the coaster on select nights. These tests may have been going on at night so they don’t interfere with construction during the day—or, perhaps they’re trying to keep the testing secret. In any case, some of the tests have been spotted, including in this short clip below.
(PRE)HISTORIC NEWS: early this morning, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster ride vehicle was launched over the attraction’s 155-foot-tall hill for the first time ever. pic.twitter.com/Jq4taiBHnK
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) October 14, 2020
During the day, crews have been hard at work to complete the newest structure on site. The exterior queue section will act as the attraction’s main entrance. It connects from the interior queue, and then extends towards the Discovery Center. The steel for this structure, as well as some concrete walls, have been installed. It will not be fully enclosed though, allowing air to flow through.
Wide view of the entire coaster circuit
The two photos below show you the ride’s future entrance. There will be fire torches atop the entrance on either side, according to the officially release concept video. And off to the left, we can see the roof being installed along the connection to the extended queue that runs along the waterfront. This will be used when they run out of queue space inside of the main structures.
The next photo shows a side angle, with the extended queue leading towards the waterfront. You can also see that many trees and other plants have been already been added around this area. Off to the right, we can see that the central part of waterfront area is being prepared to have its concrete poured.
Here’s a wider view, showing the 155 foot tall top hat flying over this extended queue area.
Zooming in from the ground, we can see that new fences have been installed between the concrete posts. You can also get a good idea of just how much better the coaster area is starting to look now that some trees have been added.
Along the water, metal retaining walls are being covered by concrete blocks, just another way the area is starting to look more and more complete.
A pile of rocks has been added here along the concrete wall as well.
This next photo shows a newly added tree, set behind the new fences. In the background is a good look at the future entrance as seen at ground level.
Zooming back out, let’s take a look at the helix section of the ride, nearest the Wizarding World side.
Several trees have been added to this area, including several plants within that round foundation. Turns out this concrete ring was a sort of planter, for containing a miniature jungle in the area.
Concrete has been poured for this small viewing area along the water, although a circle has been left out. Perhaps this could be a Jurassic emblem logo once added? Or maybe just a different color or style of concrete.
From the ground, and looking very closely, we can see that some nets have gone up along this section. This will prevent loose articles from striking guests walking along the bridge below. There may be nets, but they are somewhat hard to spot given their color.
Zooming back out again, let’s jump from this last part of the ride, back to the first sections now.
The VelociCoaster mountain is just stunning right now. Looming over the rest of the paddock area, and peeking out over the paddock walls and fences, this area will have coaster trains zooming through, around, and even over top, in a well-choreographed ballet.
Plenty of new trees have been added to this area, filling in all the gaps possible. The most interesting aspect remains the placed raptor figures, surrounding a section of track near the back of the paddock.
From the Pteranodon Flyers ride next door in Camp Jurassic, you can see right into this area. This gives us a unique view of the plastic-wrapped raptor figures. They appear to be placed extremely close to the coaster track, which should make for a frightening close call.
Photo of the paddock area as seen from Pteranodon Flyers, Photo: @bmehlrose1
Closer view of several raptor figures, Photo: @bmehlrose1
The final turn around the maintenance building has been partially enclosed. These new walls along the turn will help block backstage areas from view of the riders.
The main structure is starting to receive paint and other theming elements. The area around the window on the load station is being aged. And the concrete is being painted to give the appearance of being made from multiple slits, matching the Jurassic World film’s style.
This window will allow guests boarding the trains at load a sneak preview into the ride area—but, it will not be the only sneak preview window. Rumors say there will be another window located earlier in the queue, that will be facing the second launch’s tunnel. This will give guests a good scare as riders are quickly sent out of the tunnel, reaching 70 mph in 2.4 seconds.
The next photo has both launches labeled with arrows. The first launch, near the first scene of the ride, is pointing down. The second, and biggest launch, is labeled with the arrow pointing to the right.
That first scene, which takes place in the small building below, is expected to have the raptors released from their stables just as our coaster train is launched into the paddock.
This effect is expected to be done using screen elements, as seen in the officially released concept video. Although, there may be some level of depth to create a sense of realism. Rumors have real cut out window shapes, along the train’s path through the structure. The screens will be set back a few feet, and slanted towards riders. That way it doesn’t just appear to be a flat screen flush with the wall.
Official image showing window into stable with possible screen-based raptor
Graphic showing possible configuration of real windows and angled screens set further back
Before we conclude this update, let’s check in on the paddock walls and fences that separate the coaster area from the main pathway.
Many new trees have been planted between the paddock walls and the pathway.
Another net can be seen along this move here, which takes place right after the first launch. This will keep loose articles from flying into the Camp Jurassic area where they could strike guests riding on Pteranodon Flyers.
“Electric fence” style wires have been added atop the paddock walls. And several forms of new lighting have been installed as well.
That’s going to do it for this Jurassic World VelociCoaster construction update! Be sure to check out our previous updates for more information. And a special thanks to Bioreconstruct for providing everyone with his incredible aerial and on-the-ground photography. Be sure to follow him on Twitter for more amazing shots from all of the Central Florida theme parks!
To never miss an update on the VelociCoaster, follow our news feed or enter your email address below. Photos: Bioreconstruct, unless otherwise specified | Official Graphics: Universal Orlando