Universal Islands of Adventure VLOG - Is Velocicoaster all Hype?

As part of the gifted experience from Universal Studios Orlando we were able to check out Universal Islands of Adventure right next door and finally get to answer the question I've been dying to answer for a while now, is Velocicoaster all hype?
Universal Studios Florida VLOG - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3O9nKChaad0oq8
Gotham City Escape POV - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWewpJiNqdRplbc
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Hogwarts™ Express train ride
2:56 - Hogsmeade
4:30 - Harry Potter Forbidden Journey Ride
7:28 - Velocicoaster
12:35 - Iguana Lounge
13:32 - Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
16:51 - Seuss Landing
17:52 - The Hulk RollerCoaster
19:09 - Spiderman Dark Ride
20:13 - The Storm Arrives
---------Links---------
SUBSCRIBE - kzbin.info
Instagram - officiallifthillsandthrills
Twitter - Evvo1991
Visit Our Museum of Horrors - www.museumofhorrors.co.uk
----Website----
For more information on UK theme parks and attractions, check out our website: www.lifthillsandthrills.com/
Like movies too? Check out our other website www.backtothemovies.com
------Gear--------
iPhone 13 Pro - amzn.to/3rq8nce
iPhone 15 Pro - amzn.to/3vcWMS5 (2024 Onwards)
Macbook M1 - amzn.to/2K3OnJC
Go Pro Hero 7 (POV's) - amzn.to/35W2ZmL
Go Pro Hero 9 (POV's) - amzn.to/3esjn15
Chest Mount - amzn.to/33QjAFQ
Mini Tripod - amzn.to/32OvaC0
External Mic - amzn.to/2EpAr9W
Gimbal - amzn.to/2FS5606
Mini RingLight - amzn.to/3rVwpJh
Please note if you click any of the links above and purchase an item I may receive a small commission.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Enjoy this lovely wander around Universal Islands of Adventure! Where do you stand on the debate, is Velocicoaster over-hyped?

[@iMizzy777]

👍

[@scott4r951]

Its definitely a front row ride, hope you got to try the front your opinion may change!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

​@@scott4r951 It's still very good I just feel like Intamin have now made better rides, I felt the same about Taron, I did it too late and it just didn't hit home for me whatsoever

[@grahamlogan917]

I agree that the backrow on VC is poor compared to other intamin rides and was underwhelmed after first ride but it is a great coaster overall! We later had a front row at night and that ride was a top 10 experience as a full package :) There are definitely other rides out there that are better coasters that I've ridden but are ranked below just because of that night ride and overall experience!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@grahamlogan917 I appreciate this comment! I was just expecting more... y'know?

[@grahamgalton6949]

Agree. Hagrids is the best rollercoaster experience I’ve ever had, it’s just pure fun from start to finish

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It sure is!

[@carlrobinson4843]

10:28 so glad we got your thoughts , the more rmcs I ride since VelociCoaster it moves down more places

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It just isn’t king anymore, there’s much better out there

[@karllewis9050]

Love Velocicoaster. Love hagrids. Two completely different beasts. But the wooden beast “iron gwazi “ out at Busch gardens Tampa, woah what a rush from that beast. Plus I am absolutely loving watching these Orlando vlogs. It’s so good watching someone who has never been and watching their reactions. You are like a kid in a candy store. Keep up the good work.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Thanks Karl and I know! I kept Gwazi for the next visit, something to look forward to!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hagrids queue is grim, even with the pre-shows. It's a good coaster but not even close to being the best coaster there 😜

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

VC certainly isn’t!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Velocicoaster is/was exceptional, haven't done it since 2022 so will have to re-evaluate later this year. It's one of the few movie themed coasters that has exceptional story telling linked to the films throughout the queue, and I think the first half is well themed too. I am looking forward to going back on it.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

To me, it was mid. It didn’t blow me away, the launches were soft, the elements are now mediocre compared to others out there other than the final roll over the lake which was SUPERB

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@LiftHillsandThrills Gonna have to see how it compares in November

[@Judventures]

Loved the reactions in this 🙏 If Monsters Unleashed is anywhere close to what Forbidden Journey is but with 15 years of technological improvements on top, then we're in for a very very special ride 💪🏻

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

According to a few close to the projects it's by far the best robo arm immersive dark ride out there, that's quite the claim considering the two main ones area pretty phenomenal already although Forbidden Journey had SO many screens... the dementor scene is genuinely terrifying though!

[@adamtrue7691]

The hulk has some of the TIGHTEST seats that I've ever seen on a B&M. I barely fit on it back in January. I was sent straight to the chunky munkey seat and it was a squeeze... it was almost the walk of shame!!!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Snug, very snug aha

[@tayo0404]

The themeing of Hagrids looks unreal, I'm not a Harry Potter fan but that is amazing especially with ride looking like it's going through historical buildings

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Same, not a HP fan but it lures you in!

[@bjoe385]

An enclosed lift hill tunnel like the one on the Hulk would have been perfect for Galactica.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It really would! I wanted an enclosed tunnel on the Smiler vertical lift hill with effects etc

[@kevinbaxter9464]

Hope one day to ride Hagrids and Velocicoaster - it's been too long since I've been at Islands of Adventure. Aside from that, I just love you Sean. Love the excitement as you approached Velocicoaster, and indeed, much of your experience at IoA!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Appreciate it Kevin, thanks for checking it out!

[@josephmorris7447]

Velocioaster is NOT over hyped, that's the answer. A perfect coaster that I can write an entire dissertation on.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It’s good but definitely not as good as people were saying it is, a few newer Intamins certainly overshadowing it to a degree but the theming is 🤤

[@Lee-o8f]

If Bedford universal happens expect a link to studios it's a good park is the ride hyped prob if u have been to the best parks plus it's easy to get too from I drive

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It’ll be great

[@jsan9389]

We need a theme park worldwide Collab 🤔🤞

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I love Shawn and Charlotte but I don't think they'll collaborate with anyone nowadays. A shame but I completely understand.

[@AudreyMealiff]

Ooooh, Gotham City Escape still holds the crown!! I love that.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Definitely over VC for me but only ride experience not anything else. Voltron / RTH still reign supreme

[@AudreyMealiff]

@LiftHillsandThrills what a foursome, you are lucky to have them all done! So I have only 1 horse in this race which is GCE, amazing coaster which blew my mind. I will be off to Europa Park in October for my birthday so will get Voltron then, cannot wait. VC and RTH are distant dreams, I think. 😊 I will be very interested to see if I rate VC above or below GCE. By the way, I'm enjoying the vlogs a lot, Sean. Great content, also great reactions from you to it all!

[@carmenparker1880]

Cool ❤

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

😊

[@drjamjam3188]

Lovely vlog im defo booking to go next year 🚗👍

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Thanks for watching! Have a lovely time next year!

[@rthomas470]

I enjoy Velocicoaster but definitely prefer Hagrid’s - I find it more immersive and just a better overall experience. As for the Hulk, loved it when I was in my 20s/30s but now, in my 50s, it makes me sick. LOL So glad you were able to experience both parks. Cheers!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I prefer Hagrids too, it’s the embodiment of what a theme park coaster should be whereas VC was very good but not as good as other Intamins out there in terms of ride experience for me

[@Rabbitzz]

I can't comment on velocicoaster but I agree hyperia element for element is absolutely class, lord knows if the ride had no trims a bigger wave turn and did a couple more things it would be a worthy worldwide number 1 Been loving the vlogs I so want to get to Orlando soon hopefully this year or next but 100% before universal UK opens if that comes to fruition.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Oh I’m sure it will come to fruition. Very sure!

[@tayo0404]

You know what I'm happy just sticking with Tp as my favourite park, goodness these big parks are not for the weak, you're gonna need some good shoes for the amount of walking you have to do😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I’ve destroyed a pair already and over 80 miles of walking later my right knee is swollen AF 😅

[@jamiescott-gobin3376]

Been waiting for this opinion for some time. I suppose the natural progression of riding so many coasters and the vast variety, the top spots will become harder and harder to reach.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I just think Intamin have improved since this, theming is unmatched though

[@jamiescott-gobin3376]

@@LiftHillsandThrills Jurassic park is my number one film so it’s already got my vote before even riding

[@Kyle-Russell]

I can’t wait for trip to universal in September

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Hope you have a lovely time!

[@Kyle-Russell]

@@LiftHillsandThrills thanks the last time i went to universal they still had jaws and duelling dragons.

[@Attractions_Family]

How long did you wait in the queue for velocicoaster with express?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@Attractions_Family About 20 mins give or take

[@CoasterJames]

Hogwarts castle looked impressive on screen. I have the Lego set and they have done amazing job. Voltron I definitely found rough and it seemed to be the outside seats , rode many times and when we got an inside seat as was riding single rider it seemed better

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Voltron was immaculate when we rode it 10+ times, no issues but since it seems to have really divided folks, they need to stop messing with it!

[@nikki827827]

Man you are living my dream , I need a lottery win and a babysitter 😂😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

😂

[@timahtoo]

I trust your opinion on rollercoasters and hearing gotham city escape is better made me half punch the air 😂,its my number one however i haven't rode Voltron yet ,bring on September

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Voltron is class but it does depend where you sit / what train you're on currently! VC is a beautifully crafted ride but Intamin have improved since it was built and GCE (despite its lack of outdoor theming) has a better ride experience that is much more whippy, angry and thrilling!

[@iMizzy777]

Nice vlog🙏

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Thank you!

[@user-kc1tp3rc3u]

Probably gona get stick here but VC is defo over hyped! I was so hyped to ride it and when i came off for the first time i was actually disappointed! It is good but could have been so much better!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I agree with this entirely. It's very good but it's just not as good as I was hoping it would be, I don't think it would even make my Top 10 if I had one... a shame really but it looks AMAZING!

[@ROCEREDSKULLDesign]

You should go and do the Bourne stunt show. One of the best things in Universal.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I left it for next time!

[@royalrecordings4307]

Can't believe it's been 24 years since I went here

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Time for a return?

[@royalrecordings4307]

@LiftHillsandThrills only if its free.....hulk was new as was spiderman

[@royalrecordings4307]

@@LiftHillsandThrills hopefully europa park next

[@win33adam]

Islands wasn't even built when I spent 2 days at Universal back in Jan 94. It looks a shadow of the park I visited.

[@AdrenalineRush236]

Is it better or worse than Hyperia in terms of just ride experience?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Hyperia has better elements, VC has the all round theming / experience combo.

[@AdrenalineRush236]

@@LiftHillsandThrills So if they were both plonked on a field with no theming, Hyperia is better?

[@NathanHydra]

As soon as you started your review of Velocicoaster when you got off and you started praising it I knew there would be a moment where you would say it’s not as good as you had maybe hoped. Would you say Velocicoaster is more intense than Toutatis?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Yes it’s more intense than Toutatis, Toutatis is the worst new Intamin launch coaster I’ve done, after the top hat it genuinely bores me

[@NathanHydra]

@@LiftHillsandThrills odd, Toutatis from my experience is the most intense coaster I’ve done and my fav, I honestly prefer it to Voltron even (and experienced it as more intense)

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@NathanHydra We'd all be boring if we thought the same!

[@NathanHydra]

@@LiftHillsandThrills true that! Still strange tho as g-forces are a thing that can be measured so intensity should almost exclusively be an objective thing, quality is ofc far more subjective

[@Ainsworth_Antics]

subliminal. There's one you can use. great vlog as always. Keep em coming!

[@Ainsworth_Antics]

sublime I meant haha

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Subliminal hahahhaha damn autocorrect!

[@BRKS1999]

I kinda know what you mean, veloocicoaster is good. Amazing. One of the best rides but idk I feel it gets some god like status. Maybe the theme doesn’t hit nostalgia for me or something but it’s not as hyped as it is.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It's definitely one of the better rides but there are just better experiences I've had out there personally and despite GCE being not themed in the slightest outside it's much more rough and ready no matter where you sit. I judge a ride the second it brings a smile to my face that never leaves, I didn't crack a single smile up until the last roll over the water... that for me says everything

[@paulrobinson291]

The last time I did Universal at Christmas, it was 30°c

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

That's my kind of weather!

[@ollieg007]

Velocicoaster was my number 1 until I rode Voltron. Now Voltrons my number 1 and Velocicoaster is at 2.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Makes sense, it's a better ride in my opinion too! :)

[@ollieg007]

@@LiftHillsandThrills like you said though, only when you get a smooth train.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@ollieg007 Yup!

[@OppyThePancake]

I think it's a bit overhyped cause I though iron gwazi was a lot better but the themeing was amazing

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Theming is incredible!

[@ThemeParkEnthusiast]

Love you sean but velocicoaster 😍 to be fair need more rides on it but it costs 🤑

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

It’s alright… theming is superb ride experience completely overhyped 😢

[@ThemeParkEnthusiast]

@@LiftHillsandThrills Wish I could get on Hagrid’s that looks incredible closed for weather when I went 🥲

[@danielward4868]

Hagrid's isn't my type of coaster and I prefer the Hulk. I went opening year and the queue time was 5 hours. I preferred the side car and got the front row on one of my rides.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Hulk is good!

[@grahamlogan917]

Not ridden hyperia yet because it was closed during our visit but no matter how good it rides, I don't think for me it could go above rides like velocicoaster... the theming of hyperia just seems a bit tacky and cringe worthy! 😬

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Hyperia’s theming is utter trash, but the elements are better, it’s not as long but its stall wipes the floor with VC’s

[@grahamlogan917]

@LiftHillsandThrills I'm hoping for a great ride but it needs to either be a full package or blow my mind to be anywhere near a top 20 coaster haha and unfortunately the length of hyperia will impact that! Got to ride DC rivals backwards and it was insane but even that's not top 20 worthy as theming is poor and it's nothing out of this world when riding without the upcharge backseats :)

[@JakeCoasters]

Velocicoaster is the better coaster and Hagrids is the better experience. That said, Iron Gwazi is my favorite Florida coaster lol

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I did like Hagrids more as it's an overall experience which was much more fun for me but your comment is valid and I agree!

[@carlrobinson4843]

Good park eh 😂, that’s it now no more comments like have you been on veloci have you been on forbidden journey 😂

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Exactly 😂

[@tayo0404]

Ouuu Hyperia's Stall is better?!

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

MILES better

[@karlsaxton6384]

Great vlog but iron gwazi is better than velocicoaster by far

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I have absolutely zero doubts about this!

[@karlsaxton6384]

Are you visiting Busch gardens while you are in Florida?

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@karlsaxton6384 I’m not, waiting for my next visit we couldn’t fit it all in within a week

[@karlsaxton6384]

@@LiftHillsandThrills shame. I will look forward to your future visit. I love iron gwazi. You get off it and go wft just happed to my body and senses. Went on velocicoaster 3 weeks ago and was underwhelmed 🐍

[@ballbag]

You went on Jimmy Fallon but didn't go on Dr. Doom.... wtf Amazing immersive suspenseful ride.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

We were prioritising coasters before the storm came in leaving that along with the water rides but the storm came in and closed everything down 😅 it didn’t look very good, they’re all the same those rides, never a fan

[@harryhopkinson162]

Dr Doom was one of my favourite rides at Universal. I went on it blindly and was pleasently surprised.

[@matt64allison]

I was a bit disappointed by Velocicoaster, I had a dilemma with IoA coasters, hulk was too intense & Velocicoaster wasn’t intense enough, just so forceless I came to conclude that in Orlando Disney have the best dark rides, universal the best water rides & Seaworld the best roller coasters

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

I agreed with everything up until SeaWorld with the best coasters, absolutely none of them there blew me away other than Kraken which was a really good B&M coaster. Their water rides were QUALITY though!

[@amyreynolds1893]

Cant believe you missed popeye. That is the best rapids ever

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Infinity Falls was great at SeaWorld and yeah, we prioritised coasters before the storm came in so when the storm hit we missed the water rides / shot tower but I wasn't fussed about the shot tower. Gives me something to look forward to next year!

[@amyreynolds1893]

@LiftHillsandThrills yeah the shot tower nothing special. Havent been since 2018 so hoping to get back and do the new stuff.

[@AndyKennedy]

Duuuuude, it's great to see you having am awesome time over there but PLEASE stop recommending fast pass, that last ride you got on the hulk? The fast pass meant somebody queued for that and didn't get to go on. If everybody bought one the park is laughing as can to Square one, but at least the regular queue would move at a normal rate instead of those that have bribed the park to queue jump by offering more money than those that can't. It's so sad

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

They limit the fast passes at Universal so there’s a small number of people, I ain’t waiting around in line if there’s an option to fast pass it, I want to enjoy my day and do all the rides. I’ll recommend it till the cows come home as we smashed out both parks in a day minus 2 water rides and a shot tower in terms of main rides. The option is there and as long as it’s there people deserve to have the option to take it and as a result it’s a recommendation which I endorse HIGHLY

[@AndyKennedy]

@@LiftHillsandThrills they don't limit them enough, last time we were there they were letting on 4 normal queue to every 8 fast pass for rip ride rocket. Made it unbearable and only boosts their queues even longer, making them more money as more people opt for fastrack AT THE DETRIMENT TO OTHERS. This is what always gets me... Those using fastrack often daren't even make eye contact with those they walk right past, probably because deep down they know they're taking something away from all those plebs stuck in the normal queue. I just couldn't do it

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@AndyKennedy The eye contact thing is always made in jest because the queues are so close together, those who choose to wait or have no choice to wait, wait. Those who want to get as many rides done as possible pay for that luxury. I don't get the issue, I never will, the parks offer it and those who take it shouldn't be punished or judged for wanting a better day. We had one day to smash out two parks and we wouldn't have been able to do it without quick queue which would have made it a wasted trip. Those who go regularly don't need quick queue, people who are visiting and want to make the most of a first time visit should absolutely have that luxury. I didn't get that luxury in Disney that's for sure with 30-100 min max queues waited across 5 days but if they had a better fast track system I'd have milked that one too! aha

[@narrowboatmoonshine]

Velocicoaster still in our top 5 but Voltron and Ride to Happiness knocked it off our number 1. Hagrids also in our top 5. Hyperia is just too short to be up in our top ten list.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Voltron and RTH are by far superior in my opinion! It is rather short but the elements are just droolwrothy!

[@jamietaylor1664]

Well it’s all subjective, I wholly and categorically disagree with you

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

Have you done GCE or many newer Intamins? Theres quite the soft spot for VC if you’re US based and that makes sense but would love to hear your thoughts! No answer is right or wrong it’s all subjective like you so rightly say

[@harryhopkinson162]

​@@LiftHillsandThrillsThis is what I love about rollercoasters and the community. Everyone has their own opinion.

[@LiftHillsandThrills]

@@harryhopkinson162 Agreed and every one of them should be respected

[@jettcrichton7261]

@@LiftHillsandThrillsi have to say, if you only got one ride on velocicoaster, you can’t 100% then say so and sos better, especially if you didn’t do it at night. i always have to ride a coaster at the bare minimum of 5 times to get some sort of opinion, and the opinion always changes as you get more rides. for example if i based my rides on mako, compared to my first ride on shambahala, i’d prefer mako, but as i rode shammy more i realised it was much much better than mako. i actually prefer velocicoaster on the front, unless i have a really loose restraint on the back. i also prefer its stall to hyperias by quite a bit