Doctor Doom's Fearfall

Doctor Doom's Fearfall is a space shot ride located in the Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, based on the Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom. The ride opened on May 28, 1999.[1]

Doctor Doom's Fearfall
Doctor Doom's Fearfall entrance
Universal's Islands of Adventure
AreaMarvel Super Hero Island
Coordinates28°28′11.86″N 81°28′10.64″W
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateMarch 27, 1999 (1999-03-27)
Opening dateMay 28, 1999 (1999-05-28)
General statistics
Attraction typeSpace shot
ManufacturerS&S Power
ThemeFantastic Four
Height185 ft (56 m)
Speed40 mph (64 km/h)
Capacity550 riders per hour
Vehicle typeGondola
Vehicles2
Riders per vehicle16
Height restriction52 in (132 cm)
Single rider line available
Must transfer from wheelchair

History

The ride's towers

In 1991, planning began for a new theme park adjacent to Universal Studios Florida. By the end of 1993, it was decided that one area of the future Islands of Adventure theme park would be themed after Marvel Comics. In 1997, it was confirmed that Doctor Doom's Fearfall would be a part of the new park.[2] On May 28, 1999, Islands of Adventure officially opened to the public, with Doctor Doom's Fearfall being one of its debut attractions.[3]

Experience

Queue

The ride's seating, based on the Fantastic Four's outfits

Riders first enter a Latverian embassy containing the science laboratory of Doctor Doom, with many televisions showing propaganda films heralding the glory of Latveria and Doom's latest invention, and its intimidating ability to defeat the Fantastic Four using the primary additive of pure fear, hence the menacing title of the ride.[4] The waiting line takes the guests through a series of dark, elongated hallways, painted with the vibrant theme colors of purple, blue, lime green, and orange. The low lighting and thunderous noise from the plethora of broadcasting screens and the functioning ride create an eerie feel as you inch closer and closer to be placed in the evil Dr. Doom's grasp. You soon become a test subject of the mad scientist and he captures you so that he can have your fear extracted for his own wicked endeavors. Your fear will become the exact ingredient he needs for his vile and weaponry schemes.[5][6]

Ride experience

After walking through the queue, guests reach the destination of towering purple doors that function similar to that of an elevator, and once the riders step through them, they have officially made it to Doctor Doom's launch platform. When the guests arrive on the loading platform, directly ahead are the ride's seats, aligned in a straight row of four. There is also a side compartment located near the seats for personal belongings to be stored while experiencing the ride. The riders are then directed to take their seats, fasten their buckles, and "prepare for action". After riders have safely fastened all seatbelts, Doctor Doom (Neil Ross) explains his plan to "become the most powerful man on Earth by using riders' fear as fuel". A doombot commences the countdown, as the ride begins to rise. After the countdown and slight elevation of the vehicle, riders are suddenly launched into the air in an immediate and swift blast for a total ride approximation of about 60 to 90 seconds. The initial launch shoots riders high up into the sky, where the whole park can be overlooked. The ride then drops directly down, launches up again, and then drops down one final time. The last vertical drop slows down considerably, making the landing smooth and relieving after the immense adrenaline rush. Once the riders return to the ground, Doom laughs manically as he successfully got everything he wanted: fear.[7][8]

References

  1. "Doctor Doom's Fearfall at Universal's Islands of Adventure". Orlando Informer. March 13, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  2. "'ISLANDS' TO OPEN WORLDS OF FUN".
  3. Marden, Duane. "Incredible Hulk  (Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  4. "Super Hero Island is Marvel". Amusement Business. 111 (14): 18–19. April 5, 1999.
  5. "The Incredible Hulk Coaster Queue at Islands Of Adventure". YouTube. May 29, 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved August 23, 2012.
  6. "Doctor Doom's Fearfall Queue in 1080p HD~Universal Orlando". Orlando Tourist Bureau. June 30, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  7. "Islands Of Adventure Dr. Doom Fear Fall POV Universal Studios Florida". YouTube. May 29, 2017. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  8. "INSIDE THE RIDE: DOCTOR DOOM FEARFALL AT ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE". Orlando Fun Tickets. June 30, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
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