Hulk - who's actually doing the track

Great question Maverick. I actually don't know when it's supposed to re-open, but thought it was for summer of 2016, which is why I was thought the track should start to be produced by now.

Commuting into downtown Orlando at 7:30 this morning, I can confirm the vertical loop following the cobra roll is still fully intact

...and with that, I realize that I should have clarified in my post. I was referring to the first vertical loop.

That one IS gone, right?

rollergator said:

...and with that, I realize that I should have clarified in my post. I was referring to the first vertical loop.

That one IS gone, right?

No...the loop following the cobra roll is the first vertical loop. You're thinking of the second one, which is gone.

This morning's I-4 commute update - same as yesterday, but it looks like the repositioning of some cranes near the cobra roll has occurred.

Yep, they removed some track over the station (the large corkscrew, I believe). I should have paid closer attention to if they had the loop and cobra roll marked up like the corkscrew and turn over the station when I was there last week.

Driving into work this morning, the cobra roll was gone. All that seems to remain track wise is the launch tunnel and initial twist and first vertical loop.

Latest deconstruction photos are here

And driving into downtown Orlando today, I can confirm the vertical loop is gone. All that appeared to remain was the launch tube and some supports.

It definitely changes the skyline.

The launch tube by itself reminds me of some early RCT testing I did with shuttle loops taken at ludicrous speeds.

There was a thread not too long ago about VR headsets on roller coasters; might this be the first application of that? A few articles I've read regarding this rebuild throw phrases like immersive ride experience and high tech around (here is one such article). With this being Universal, it seems like that sort of gimmick would be right up their alley...

BrettV said:

It definitely changes the skyline.

Momentarily. It'll be back how it was by next summer. It looks like I don't need to ask, but the next time you drive into work please confirm to us the status of the launch tunnel and remaining supports.

Photo update: Loop is gone.

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/the-incredible-hulk-coaster....html#more

So completely strange. I think the most interesting thing to watch for now is if they replace the footers. I imagine that they would.

The real question for me is whether they do anything to the layout given that they've ripped out just about everything at this point...

Some footers in the back half of the ride have been ripped out. The layout will not be changing, except for maybe a few minor tweaks in the back half of the ride to make things a bit of a better ride experience.

At what point do changes make it a new track record credit?

If you want to count it as a new credit, count it as a new credit. What governing body is going to tell you otherwise?

The Bureau of Satin Jackets & Gravy Buffets.

The BSJGB doesn't piss around with their authority. If they say don't count it, you'd better not count it!