“Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” Attraction Details
March 22, 2010
Universal Studios is working hard to present to its visitors the new amazing attraction.
Kuka Arm 3D Experience is what’s planned for the flagship ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”.
KUKA 3D Arm Robocoaster
Walt Disney World unveiled its newest attraction on October 15, 2009, a significant addition featuring first-of-its-kind robo-simulators that allow guests to design—and then ride—their own roller coasters, bobsleds and jet planes.
Harry Potter’s 3D Adventure.
But what makes the “Sum of All Thrills” at Epcot particularly interesting is that it offers a glimpse of what to expect in an even bigger attraction being built at Universal Orlando as part of that resort’s highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The name of that attraction is “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. Of course, this is where the details were few and far between as they are still holding the cards for this one very close to the chest right now.
The Disney attraction, underwritten by defense contractor Raytheon Co, features robotic arms that spring riders through the air. This technology was developed by German robotics company KUKA Aktiengesellschaft, which builds similar arms used by car manufacturers on assembly lines. Those robotic arms is the future of theme parks, simple reason being—you can save on space devoted to the real roller coasters. Thus the land cost can be seriously reduced in the future.
It is the first attraction at any of Orlando’s theme parks to use such a ride system. But it is likely to have company soon.
This is not your daddy’s rollercoaster
Universal has considered using robot arms for The “Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter”, the centerpiece attraction in its $200 million-plus Wizarding World project inside Islands of Adventure. Company officials have kept most details of the ride secret so far, but we have information that certain construction documents show that the resort is working with a company that builds ride systems based on KUKA arms.
The arms have several advantages. Unlike conventional linear rides, for instance, the robot arms in the “Sum of All Thrills” can move in every direction at once because they rotate on six different axes. The animation software is similar to virtual reality, and enables you to REALLY feel like you are on a roller coaster.
“We were able to make a smoother ride,” Goodman said.
Universal’s attraction is bigger and better
Disney’s “Sum of All Thrills” is not identical to Universal’s “Forbidden Journey”. The Harry Potter attraction, which will be housed in the Hogwarts Castle, will be bigger and better experience.
Universal’s ride’s robot arms advance along a track even as they throw riders in various directions. In contrast the bases of the robot arms in the Sum of All Thrills are fixed in place. Meaning this attraction is the next step in the evolution.
Aerospace company is a new player in the Theme Park business
For Raytheon, the “Sum of All Thrills” is part of a new outreach effort that also includes sponsoring the New England Patriots’ new Hall of Fame in Massachusetts. It has devised interactive exhibits that combine math and science with sport activities.
William Swanson, chairman and chief executive officer of Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon, said the goal is to get more children interested in learning about math and science — and, not coincidentally, help ensure a continued stream of prospective employees in the future.
We do not think that is the case, Raytheon is obviously trying to extend it’s brand recognition.
Here is a short video taken at the Disney World “The Sum Of All Thrills” attraction. This will show you more or less what to expect from the new “The Forbidden Journey” attraction. Which will be the anchor attraction of the Orlando, Florida park.
Tags: attraction, florida, harry potter, harry potter and the forbiden journey, kuka arm, orlando, theme park
Kim
steve woodman
[...] and movies. The iconic Hogwarts Castle will house a dark ride, still wrapped in mystery, called “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”. Hogsmeade Village will feature shops and stores, including Ollivanders wand store, where [...]