All things Universal Studios Hollywood

[waltography]

After avoiding the ride for two years, I have finally been able to ride Forbidden Journey (IoA version) without getting motion sick.

And it’s been a genuine revelation for me: Without the motion sickness factor, this is now one of my favorite rides ever. It’s nice to finally appreciate all its technical cleverness and fun aerobatics without turning green.

The bit where you *seem* to move backwards away from the screen dragon into the bridge set is a wonderful illusion— one of my top favorite theme park moments.

It's really a fantastic ride that's more than the sum of its parts. The story collapses under literally any scrutiny, some of the screen elements have aged poorly, and yet because it succeeds in creating the same sort of euphoria and terror you get from the movies, it succeeds as a ride. I get such a high hearing the music right after we land in the Great Hall and are transported back with floo powder - nothing quite like it.

 

[Disone]

After avoiding the ride for two years, I have finally been able to ride Forbidden Journey (IoA version) without getting motion sick.

And it’s been a genuine revelation for me: Without the motion sickness factor, this is now one of my favorite rides ever. It’s nice to finally appreciate all its technical cleverness and fun aerobatics without turning green.

The bit where you *seem* to move backwards away from the screen dragon into the bridge set is a wonderful illusion— one of my top favorite theme park moments.

What change that you now don't get motion sickness? I ask because I get motion sickness on this ride all the time.

 

[Rich T]

What change that you now don't get motion sickness? I ask because I get motion sickness on this ride all the time.

What worked for me was making sure I was hydrated and not riding on an empty stomach. During the screen sections, I tried to imagine it as an actual flight experience instead of a movie. Also, I yelled “wooh!” a lot.

Another factor I’m sure helped was Hagrid’s, which I ride frequently. The first time I rode, the backward helix made me very motion sick, but now I’ve gotten used to it.

So that’s my method, but I can’t say how effective others will find it. Good luck: I hope you can find the combo of ideas that helps you enjoy the ride!

 

[mickEblu]

They re really dropping the ball on these Nintendo rides. Like Mario Kart, this had so much potential. I’m good with USH passing on this considering the limited expansion space. I’d rather keep The Mummy.

 

[waltography]

They re really dropping the ball on these Nintendo rides. Like Mario Kart, this had so much potential. I’m good with USH passing on this considering the limited expansion space. I’d rather keep The Mummy.

The track effect is pretty cool when you ignore the track underneath, but that dark ride scene is nearly unsalvageable (it's passable during the nighttime POVs I've seen). Woof.

It's apparent this kind of tracked coaster really only works in a dark ride environment where you can control sightlines and lighting.

 

[DavidDL]

I've seen videos of the Dark Ride scene look "good" even during the day time. I almost wonder if it is the camera being used. In some POVS it looks like a big, unfinished warehouse during the day and in some others, it seems the effect works as intended.

Here is an example of what I mean:


Overall I think it looks like a solid family coaster with some really fun moments. The Dark Ride scene is something I think I will need to see with my own eyes when this opens in Florida before judging it too harshly but if it does end up looking like a big, empty warehouse to the naked eye then whatever standing I give this ride will drop dramatically.

 

[mickEblu]

The track effect is pretty cool when you ignore the track underneath, but that dark ride scene is nearly unsalvageable (it's passable during the nighttime POVs I've seen). Woof.

It's apparent this kind of tracked coaster really only works in a dark ride environment where you can control sightlines and lighting.

Yeah there are some cool-ish parts like the near miss with Donkey Kong and the track jumping if you ignore the unthemed space but overall the execution is lacking. It’s short. It’s too slow. Why is this not inside a show building made to look like caves/ caverns? What a shame.

 

[mickEblu]

I've seen videos of the Dark Ride scene look "good" even during the day time. I almost wonder if it is the camera being used. In some POVS it looks like a big, unfinished warehouse during the day and in some others, it seems the effect works as intended.

Here is an example of what I mean:


Overall I think it looks like a solid family coaster with some really fun moments. The Dark Ride scene is something I think I will need to see with my own eyes when this opens in Florida before judging it too harshly but if it does end up looking like a big, empty warehouse to the naked eye then whatever standing I give this ride will drop dramatically.

Oh ok that scene looks much better in this video! Seems like a fun little family coaster. Definitely falls short of my expectations though.

 

[Disney Irish]

Yeah there are some cool-ish parts like the near miss with Donkey Kong and the track jumping if you ignore the unthemed space but overall the execution is lacking. It’s short. It’s too slow. Why is this not inside a show building made to look like caves/ caverns? What a shame.

Nice to see its not just Disney that disappoints you. Lol

 

[mickEblu]

Nice to see its not just Disney that disappoints you. Lol

Everyone disappoints me.

 

[Professortango1]

My issues is the fact the ride likes to turn to the right A LOT. The two lift hills and the two dips into the temple to avoid something up on our level look to be way to similar.

 

[PiratesMansion]

My issues is the fact the ride likes to turn to the right A LOT. The two lift hills and the two dips into the temple to avoid something up on our level look to be way to similar.

So what you're saying is that they should have put Space Mountain inside?

 

[coffeefan]

The ride is a letdown. I wonder if Universal is dropping the ball or if Nintendo is being difficult.

 

[Rich T]

They re really dropping the ball on these Nintendo rides. Like Mario Kart, this had so much potential. I’m good with USH passing on this considering the limited expansion space. I’d rather keep The Mummy.

So far I think this ride looks like a lot of fun—a good family coaster… and the track illusion, at least in the video, really works for me. I’m just worried about the capacity. Aside from that, I think it’ll work as the wacky novelty coaster in Epic’s lineup. I agree it should not replace Mummy at USH.

I’d rather ride this than anything Disney’s built lately. At least DK’s not singing about how special everyone is.

But I do have one complaint about the whole DK area, and this is directed at Nintendo: NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE TIKI VILLAINS. BRING BACK KING K. ROOL!!!! (Please!) At least Rambi and Sqawks are there.

 

[mickEblu]

So far I think this ride looks like a lot of fun—a good family coaster… and the track illusion, at least in the video, really works for me. I’m just worried about the capacity. Aside from that, I think it’ll work as the wacky novelty coaster in Epic’s lineup. I agree it should not replace Mummy at USH.

I’d rather ride this than anything Disney’s built lately. At least DK’s not singing about how special everyone is.

But I do have one complaint about the whole DK area, and this is directed at Nintendo: NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE TIKI VILLAINS. BRING BACK KING K. ROOL!!!! (Please!) At least Rambi and Sqawks are there.

Yes and what about Engaurde!? And whatever the ostrich and the orangutan whatever their names were.

 

[Rich T]

This past month has upended my whole favorite ride list. Now that I’ve somehow stopped getting motion sick on Forbidden Journey, it’s become one of my favorite rides ever.

Dang, those dementors are properly scary. Can’t wait to see how Monsters Unleashed utilizes this ride system.

 

[Rich T]

Yes and what about Engaurde!? And whatever the ostrich and the orangutan whatever their names were.

Expresso and… um… (looks it up) Lanky.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

My issues is the fact the ride likes to turn to the right A LOT. The two lift hills and the two dips into the temple to avoid something up on our level look to be way to similar.

Yeah, something rather undiscussed is that the actual coaster experience seems kinda poor. The pacing is awful and the ride basically only has a few straight-aways with right-banked drops. You could call it “Shaky Drops to the Right: The Ride”.

 

[Disone]

Yeah, something rather undiscussed is that the actual coaster experience seems kinda poor. The pacing is awful and the ride basically only has a few straight-aways with right-banked drops. You could call it “Shaky Drops to the Right: The Ride”.

I can't really speak to the ride experience having not been on it, I won't judge it from the video. Although the track just not being there for the lift is really off-putting to me. They couldn't put the fake track on the lift too? I don't understand that at all.

 

[Rich T]

Here in Orlando, Universal just sent out word that the exclusive Passholder gate will be available at IoA EVERY morning in 2025 instead of just during select dates. This is fantastic news for locals, and something all theme parks can learn from: it’s important to find out which perks really help your fans have a good experience.

In practical terms, the exclusive gate means passholders can usually get a near walk-on ride on Hagrid’s by showing up at 7:55 in the morning instead of 6:45. That hour+ of extra sleep time is more useful than any free lanyard or fridge magnet (although those little perks are certainly fun).

I’ve said it before, but Universal Orlando treats its passholders right (in perks, discounts and communication) and has been steadily building a huge and appreciative local fanbase. It makes us more likely to spend more money at the resort. It’s a win-win for everyone.