In part one of this two part article I introduced you to the new ride at Epcot – The Sum of all Thrills. The journey continues!
Having decided which ride you wish to experience you are now ready to select the first segment. You have a choice of four elements, each containing either slopes, loops, corkscrews or a combination and using the ruler, which you place in a designated area on the screen, you adjust the height, and in some scenarios the width also. Then you use the speed dial to set the speed and following that you test the segment with the aid of ‘Crash’, a digital character who ensures that you have enough speed to get up any inclines, but not too much which would cause him to – crash!
Then, one at a time, you choose three further segments, which again may include inversions and loops – just like the real thing - and test the completed ride at each stage and then at the end. Finally you get to name your ride. A list of ‘first name’ titles is displayed (I chose ‘Infinite’) and then another list from which you chose the second part of your ride’s name. You have a limited time in which to complete your design and once the time is up you are then taken up a short flight of stairs and hand your card to one of the cast members.
After only a short wait, and having first deposited any loose items into a locker (no charge), I was shown to my designated simulator which consists of two seats on the end of a Kuka RoboSim 4 D simulator. This simulator will turn, twist and loop according to the designs built into your ride. Before lowering the screen in front of you a cast member ensures you have your seat belt fastened and know where the emergency stop button is, in case you find the ride too intense. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your own personal thrill ride, as you not only experience the loops and twists physically, but also watch it on the screen in front of you. When asked by a staff member what I thought of the ride my response was ‘Too good for kids! ’
Please note that the ride has a minimum height limit of 48” and riders between 48” and 54” are not allowed to program inversions into their design. There is no weight limit but there is a notice stating that the seating and restraints may prevent guests of certain body shapes and sizes from riding.
Having decided which ride you wish to experience you are now ready to select the first segment. You have a choice of four elements, each containing either slopes, loops, corkscrews or a combination and using the ruler, which you place in a designated area on the screen, you adjust the height, and in some scenarios the width also. Then you use the speed dial to set the speed and following that you test the segment with the aid of ‘Crash’, a digital character who ensures that you have enough speed to get up any inclines, but not too much which would cause him to – crash!
Then, one at a time, you choose three further segments, which again may include inversions and loops – just like the real thing - and test the completed ride at each stage and then at the end. Finally you get to name your ride. A list of ‘first name’ titles is displayed (I chose ‘Infinite’) and then another list from which you chose the second part of your ride’s name. You have a limited time in which to complete your design and once the time is up you are then taken up a short flight of stairs and hand your card to one of the cast members.
After only a short wait, and having first deposited any loose items into a locker (no charge), I was shown to my designated simulator which consists of two seats on the end of a Kuka RoboSim 4 D simulator. This simulator will turn, twist and loop according to the designs built into your ride. Before lowering the screen in front of you a cast member ensures you have your seat belt fastened and know where the emergency stop button is, in case you find the ride too intense. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your own personal thrill ride, as you not only experience the loops and twists physically, but also watch it on the screen in front of you. When asked by a staff member what I thought of the ride my response was ‘Too good for kids! ’
Please note that the ride has a minimum height limit of 48” and riders between 48” and 54” are not allowed to program inversions into their design. There is no weight limit but there is a notice stating that the seating and restraints may prevent guests of certain body shapes and sizes from riding.