The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida is one of the most intense and thrilling roller coasters in operation today. In the opening paragraphs, I will provide some quick answers to key questions about the Hulk ride’s intensity level to give readers a sense of what to expect.
What are the Hulk ride’s key stats?
Here are some of the Hulk coaster’s vital statistics:
- Maximum Speed: 67 mph
- Maximum G-Force: 4 Gs
- Maximum Drop: 115 feet
- Inversions: 7
- Ride Duration: 2 minutes 7 seconds
As these specs indicate, the Hulk coaster prioritizes intense thrills and speed over duration. The 4 Gs of force riders experience is quite extreme for a roller coaster, as is the seven inversions feature. The 115 foot maximum drop also contributes to the ride’s extreme nature.
How does the ride layout enhance the intensity?
The Hulk coaster’s track layout is designed to provide an action-packed, intense experience from start to finish.
The ride employs several key elements to pump up the intensity:
- Accelerator launch: The ride begins with an immediate accelerator launch that propels riders from 0 to 40 mph in just 2 seconds. This creates an instant adrenaline surge.
- Seven inversions: The coaster includes 2 vertical loops, 1 zero-g roll, 2 corkscrews, and 2 flat spins. These inversions come in quick succession, disorienting riders.
- High speed throughout: After the initial launch, the coaster maintains speeds around 60 mph throughout much of the layout thanks to the lack of brakes. This continuous high speed enhances the intensity.
- Tight turns and twists: The track features several highly banked turns and twists in quick succession, enhancing the g-forces.
The acceleration of the launch combined with the constant high speeds and number of inversions in close proximity creates an incredibly intense ride experience from start to finish.
What do riders experience during the Hulk coaster?
Here is an overview of what riders experience during the major moments of the Incredible Hulk Coaster:
Launch
The ride begins with riders being launched from 0 to 40 mph in 2 seconds. This creates instant, heart-pounding acceleration as riders are pushed back into their seats. Screams are common at the launch.
First Inversion
Shortly after launch, riders go through the first of seven inversions – a 113-foot vertical loop. This inversion provides a brief moment of upside-down hangtime that creates a feeling of weightlessness.
Zero-G Roll
Next riders go through a zero-g roll inversion, in which riders experience the feeling of being weightless as the train rolls 360 degrees. The quick transition from the loop to the roll enhances the intensity.
High Speeds
For most of the ride, speeds remain around 60 mph, subjecting riders to intense g-forces during turns and inversions. The lack of brakes between elements creates a relentless series of thrills.
Corkscrews
Two corkscrew inversions in quick succession provide multiple upside-down flips that disorient riders.
Final Brakes
After an intense series of twists, turns, inversions and high speeds, riders finally hit the brakes, bringing the ride to an end. The ride leaves many riders breathless and wobbly in the knees.
How does the Hulk ride compare to other top coasters?
Here is how the Incredible Hulk Coaster’s stats and intensity levels compare to some other top roller coasters worldwide:
| Coaster Name | Top Speed | Max G-Force | Inversions | Drop Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure) | 67 mph | 4 Gs | 7 | 115 feet |
| Kingda Ka (Six Flags Great Adventure) | 128 mph | 5 Gs | 0 | 455 feet |
| Top Thrill Dragster (Cedar Point) | 120 mph | 4.5 Gs | 0 | 420 feet |
| Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) | 57 mph | 3.5 Gs | 4 | 80 feet |
As the table shows, the Hulk has higher top speeds and more inversions than moderate coasters like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, making it more intense. However, it does not reach the extreme speeds over 120 mph like Kingda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster. So while the Hulk is intensely thrilling, some coasters like Kingda Ka take the sheer intensity just a bit higher.
What is the minimum height requirement?
The minimum height requirement to ride the Incredible Hulk Coaster is 54 inches, or 4 feet 6 inches. This means kids have to be at least this tall to get on the ride. The 54 inch requirement is on the higher side for theme park rides, as many intense coasters have 50 inch minimums. The stricter requirement highlights the extreme nature of the Hulk coaster.
Is the Hulk ride appropriate for kids?
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is generally too intense for very small children. Thrill-seeking pre-teens and teenagers are better suited for the ride. Here are some guidelines based on age:
- Ages under 8: Not recommended. The launch, speed, and inversions will be too scary.
- Ages 8-12: Can ride but may be frightened, especially under 54 inches tall.
- Ages 12+: Best suited for the ride. Teens and thrill-seekers will enjoy the launches and inversions.
Of course, each child’s tolerance for thrills varies. But the Hulk’s intensity makes it unsuitable for very young kids. Parents should use discretion based on their child’s maturity and ability to handle extreme rides. The under 54 inch set might be better suited to try moderate thrill rides first before attempting the Hulk coaster.
How has the Hulk ride been updated over the years?
Here is an overview of how the Incredible Hulk Coaster has evolved since it first opened in 1999:
| Year | Upgrade Description |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Original Hulk coaster opens. |
| 2007 | Major refurbishment. New ride vehicles, new queue line, adding mist and fog effects. |
| 2016 | Full ride rebuilt and track layout changed to be more intense. New ride launched system added. |
The most significant upgrade came in 2016 when Universal completely rebuilt the Hulk ride from the ground up. This included changing the launch from being pulled up a hill to the new high-speed accelerator launch, adding new elements like the corkscrew inversions, and removing brakes to increase the continuous high speeds throughout the ride. The upgrades made an already intense coaster even more thrilling and extreme.
Does weather impact the Hulk ride experience?
Weather can impact the Hulk coaster experience in a few ways:
- Rain: Riders will get wet on the outdoor portions, but the ride operates normally.
- Cold: Riders may feel chilled when riding at high speeds in cold weather.
- Wind: Strong gusts can slow the launch speed slightly.
- Lightning: The ride will shut down during electrical storms for safety reasons.
That said, the coaster was built to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Much of the track is enclosed, offering shelter from rain. Overall, the ride experience remains highly intense even in poor weather, though riders should prepare for wet seats on rainy days.
How intense is the ride for people scared of heights or speed?
For people scared of heights or high speeds, the Incredible Hulk Coaster is likely to be an extremely challenging ride. Key factors making it intense for people with those fears include:
- 115 foot tall lift hill climb at a steep 63 degree angle
- 67 mph top speed
- 7 inversions featuring sensations of flipping and rolling while high in the air
- Repeated sensations of falling as the track quickly twists and turns
- Lack of brakes means sustained speed over the entire course
The combination of lofty heights, flipping inversions high off the ground, sustained high speed, and constant near-miss track elements make this an anxiety-inducing ride for acrophobics or those intimated by speed. Anyone who fears heights or speed would likely find the ride to be extremely intense and should consider more family-oriented attractions instead.
Does the indoor queue contribute to ride intensity?
The Hulk’s extensively themed indoor queue helps build anticipation and excitement before riding, contributing to the intensity level in these ways:
- Loud music, flashing lights, and vibrating floors amp up energy levels
- Video screens showing the Hulk’s backstory build up the ride narrative
- Glimpses of the launch track and rider screams build suspense
- Lab theming with warning signs sets the stage for an extreme experience
The queue brings riders directly into the intense Incredible Hulk storyline, with the sights and sounds making it clear they are embarking on an action-packed, high-thrill adventure. The queue sets expectations for intensity, priming riders for the heart-pounding experience ahead.
What role does theming play in the ride?
The Incredible Hulk Coaster uses extensive theming to create an immersive experience that builds on the intensity and thrills with an engaging backstory:
- Storyline ties to The Incredible Hulk character and comics
- Indoor queue resembles a government lab for studying the Hulk
- Warning signs about the “Gamma Radiation” hazard
- Videos about genetic experiments gone wrong
- Glowing vials of chemicals throughout queue
- Hulk character featured throughout ride and queue
This theming makes the ride about more than just the physical thrills. It creates the fictional scenario of scientists losing control of the Hulk, and riders paying the price with an intensely wild ride. This creative backstory enhances immersion on the ride, making the experience even more vividly thrilling.
How does the ride score among theme park critics?
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is consistently rated among the top roller coasters worldwide by theme park critics and enthusiast publications. Here are some examples of the praise and high scores given to the Hulk ride:
- #5 steel roller coaster in Amusement Today’s 2021 Golden Ticket Awards
- 9.5/10 score from Theme Park Tourist, calling it “an incredible, non-stop thrill ride from start to finish.”
- 4.5/5 stars from Park World magazine, applauding the “exhilarating launch and no brakes!”
- #3 Best Roller Coaster in USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards in 2017
Reviews consistently highlight the pure intensity and positive sensations created by elements like the accelerator launch, non-stop speed, and frequent inversions. The Hulk Coaster clearly delivers an elite, world-class thrill ride experience that leaves critics and fans raving.
Conclusion
From its extreme speed, multiple inversions, sustained g-forces, and engaging theming, the Incredible Hulk Coaster offers one of the most intense and thrilling ride experiences you can find at any theme park. The high-speed launch, seven inversions, tight turns, and lack of brakes create an action-packed experience from start to finish that overwhelms riders with adrenaline and excitement. While too intense for small kids, teen and adult thrill-seekers find the Hulk Coaster’s intensity level to be an incredible, not-to-be-missed ride. This world-class roller coaster clearly earns its reputation as a top-tier intense ride that no coaster enthusiast should miss.