Jurassic World VelociCoaster opens today at Universal Orlando
Calling all thrill-seekers: Universal Orlando's newest attraction opens today, June 10, 2021, and it's set to offer dino-sized fun.
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster (say that five times fast) takes riders 115 feet in the air at up to 70 mph as you race through the jungle as velociraptors chase behind on a hunt. Universal Orlando is calling it an "all-new species of roller coaster," and it'll feature a combination of storytelling and adrenaline rushes (and some impressive animatronics) to give guests a unique experience on the ride.
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Here's what you can expect on the newest ride at Islands of Adventure park.
An immersive experience from the start of the queue
Waiting in line is usually the worst part of any attraction, but the VelociCoaster is looking to change that. The story begins as soon as you step into the fully indoor queue and hear the Jurassic World theme music.
First, you'll be escorted through an entryway welcoming you to the raptor paddock. You'll then get a glimpse of the coaster's first launch as the riders ahead of you take off — and special effects transform the window to make it look like the raptor pack is chasing after them.
Dr. Wu (played by BD Wong) will appear on one of the mounted screens to tell you about the raptor paddock history and go through all of the safety information you need before getting on the ride. And while you are given the safety briefing, you'll be surrounded by metal cages filled with books, artifacts and other props from the "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World" movies.
You'll walk by impressive animatronic velociraptors locked behind metal restraints in the stables (make sure to say hello to Delta and Echo) before heading into the locker room area where you can stow your things for the duration of the ride.
From there, you'll be ushered into a screening room before heading to the loading zone where Claire Dearing (played by Bryce Dallas) and Owen Grady (played by Chris Pratt) give more information about the new "carnivore expansion" and some words of warning about the dangers of mixing raptors with roller coasters.
Once you're at the loading zone, it's time to hop on one of the coasters for the first launch.
Innovative thrills throughout the ride
The storytelling throughout the queue may get you invested in the ride, but the fun really begins once you strap into the ride vehicle. According to Universal, the coaster has been "specially designed to intensify the thrills." And looking at the coaster details, I can certainly believe it.
When you load up for the ride, there are no over-the-shoulder restraints — only a lap bar — which contributes to the scare factor of the coaster while you race along the twists and turns of the track. Keep in mind that you do have to be at least 51 inches tall (a little over four feet) to ride. And it's definitely not the ride for the faint of heart.
The track itself runs 4,700 feet (almost a mile), and features near-misses, a barrel roll over the Islands of Adventure lagoon, two high-speed launches (one reaches 70 mph in 2.4 seconds), a zero-gravity inverted stall and a 155-foot hill "Top Hat" that comes just before an 80-degree drop.
And throughout the intense ride, you'll be surrounded by lush foliage and rock structures to continue the immersive theme of the coaster.
Universal claims you'll be airborne (meaning out of your seat) for a total of 12 seconds throughout the ride. If you're an adrenaline junkie like I am, you're probably drooling just thinking about it.
Related: 18 hottest new theme park attractions for 2021
Universal is also opening a one-of-a-kind tribute store to celebrate the new attraction where guests can check out cool props from the films, shop for themed merchandise and grab food and drinks.
The Jurassic World VelociCoaster officially opens for park guests on June 10, and vaccinated guests are not required to wear masks (even while inside the queue). Unfortunately, Express Pass access is currently unavailable for the ride, so there may be a considerable wait depending on when you go. If it's a must-do for your visit, it's probably worth heading there as soon as you get to the park so you can be one of the first in line for the day.
Will I be attempting to ride this new coaster multiple times during my trip to Universal Orlando later this summer? Most definitely. The Jurassic movies (both the original "Jurassic Park" movies and the newer "Jurassic World" franchise) are some of my favorites, and the new VelociCoaster is poised to become one of my favorite theme park rides of all time.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.