Checked it out tonight. Crowds were heavy, but Spiderman was the only reason I went so I didn't mind.
Thoughts:
- the screens look amazing! What I didn't know was that the new screens would be using the same type of new 3D glasses that Star Tours is using. If I had to compare the footage to Star Tours, I'd say that Star Tours looks more "real", but Spiderman is more clear.
- The vehicles have been re-fitted with a new and very impressive speaker setup. The onboard audio now sounds like its actually from around the vehicle and not just in the vehicle.
- New sound effects have been added to go with the new tweaks to the screen scenes and modified vehicle motions. For example, whenever the vehicle whips around, you now hear the vehicle's engine revving and tires squealing below you. Great stuff!
- The vehicle movements have been adjusted and seemed more aggressive than before, but I'm not sure on this one.
- The ride looks completely fresh and brand new.
My only somewhat negative comment is the new soundtrack, I don't feel that it fits somehow. It attempts to be somewhere between dubstep/techno and dramatic movie score, but it doesn't fit the goofy tone of the ride. I felt that the chugging rock soundtrack worked much better... though I don't think anyone riding for the first time would find anything wrong with the new music.
Overall, Kudos to Universal for making one of their best rides even better when they didn't even really have to.