Transformers: The Ride | |
---|---|
Universal Studios Singapore | |
Area | Sci-Fi City |
Coordinates | 1°15′13.99″N 103°49′16.07″E / 1.2538861°N 103.8211306°E |
Status | Operating |
Cost | US$100 million[2] |
Soft opening date | November 19, 2011[3] |
Opening date | December 3, 2011[1] |
Universal Studios Hollywood | |
Area | Lower Lot |
Coordinates | 34°08′29″N 118°21′25″W / 34.141506°N 118.356810°W |
Status | Operating |
Cost | US$100 million[2] |
Soft opening date | Late April 2012[5] |
Opening date | May 24, 2012[4] |
Replaced | Backdraft Special Effects Stages |
Universal Studios Florida | |
Area | Production Central |
Coordinates | 28°28′35″N 81°28′06″W / 28.476425°N 81.468392°W |
Status | Under construction |
Opening date | Summer 2013[6] |
Replaced | Donkey's Photo Finish Soundstage 44 |
Ride statistics | |
Attraction type | 3-D Special Effects Ride |
Designer | Universal Creative Industrial Light & Magic[7] |
Theme | Transformers |
Riders per vehicle | 12 |
Rows | 3 |
Riders per row | 4 |
Duration | 4:30 |
Height restriction | 102 cm (3 ft 4 in) |
Universal Express available | |
Single rider line available |
Transformers: The Ride is 3D dark ride located at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood. A third installation is currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida.[6] The ride is based on the Transformers film franchise and is reported to have cost US$100 million.[2][8]
History
Announcements
Early planning and design for the ride began in 2007.[9] In October 2008, Universal Parks & Resorts announced the addition of Transformers: The Ride to their Singapore and Hollywood theme parks.[10] At the time of the announcement, speculation that ride which would feature an upgraded version of the ride system used on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure appeared in the press.[11] After two attractions at Universal Studios Singapore and Hollywood were opened, Universal Orlando Resort announced on November 1, 2012, that Transformers: The Ride would opening at Universal Studios Florida in mid-2013.[6] The announcement was made just prior to that night's showing of Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories.[12]
Universal Studios Singapore
Construction started in Singapore in late 2009 in a back-of-house location. Construction continued throughout the soft opening period of the park, which began on March 18, 2010.[13] By October 2010, some of the track for the ride had been installed. It was discovered that the ride will be spread across two levels.[14][15] On October 27, 2011, Universal Studios Singapore announced that Transformers: The Ride would open in Singapore on December 3, 2011.[16] On November 19, 2011, Universal Studios Singapore opened the ride to the public for "technical rehearsals"; the ride operated intermittently until the official opening date.[3] The ride debuted at an exclusive evening event on December 2, 2011, attended by director Michael Bay and Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Tom Williams.[17][18] The ride officially opened to the public on December 3, 2011.[1]
Universal Studios Hollywood
Installation of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, required the removal of two attractions. On April 11, 2010, Backdraft and Special Effects Stages closed. The Special Effects Stages were relocated to the Upper Lot and renamed the Special Effects Stage on June 26, 2010.[19] A few days after the closures, work began on the buildings.[20] By June 2010, work had begun on removal of the roof and walls of the former show buildings.[21] One month later, the roof and front wall were completely removed.[22] In August 2010, excavation inside the walls of the former buildings began[23] and continued until September; the site was excavated to a depth of approximately two stories.[24] The below-ground level was sub-divided into several rooms in October.[25] In early November a large tower crane was erected inside the building.[26] By the end of December, bracing was being installed for the walls and a second floor.[27]
Work on the walls, second floor and roof continued throughout January, February and March 2011.[28] In early April, the tower crane was removed and work began on installing the track for the ride.[29] The floors and roof were mostly complete by late March, and work continued on the walls in April and May 2011.[30] The elevator shafts and evacuation stairs were installed in May.[31] In June 2011, the front walls of the building were completed.[32][33] In September 2011, construction of the entrance archway and surrounding area began.[34] In October and November 2011, the main facade was painted to look like an explosion in which some Transformers are fighting.[35] In March 2012, Optimus Prime and Megatron were attached to the facade's explosion.[36] In April 2012, the ride's sign was attached and the entrance area was finalized.[37] In late April 2012, the ride and its gift store—the Transformers Supply Vault, soft opened to the public.[5][38] Transformers: The Ride officially opened on May 24, 2012.[4]
Universal Studios Florida
A few days after Transformers: The Ride opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, the company decided to open the attraction at Universal Studios Florida.[12] Construction began almost immediately on the site of Soundstage 44, which was once home of Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen and Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theatre. These along with Donkey's Photo Finish were demolished in June 2012. In July 2012, construction of a new building began with the installation of a tower crane and the start of excavation.[39][40]
Ride system and experience
Ride system
The ride system used on Transformers: The Ride is similar to that used by The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, and later at Universal Studios Japan.[3] The ride vehicles are mounted to a track-roaming platform that provides the forward motion to move the vehicle through each show scene. The yaw motor and a stewart platform with six degrees of freedom attaching it to the platform allows the vehicle to move 360 degrees at different angles. Each vehicle is fitted with a motor that controls the right side door through which guests board and leave. These vehicles are modeled after an Autobot named Evac and each seat accommodates twelve riders.[41][3] Each row of four riders is restrained by a single lapbar.[3]
Queue and pre-show
Riders enter the queue from the Sci-Fi City themed area of Universal Studios Singapore or the Lower Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood.[3][42] Riders with Universal Express, single rider and standard rider tickets are split into separate queue lines at the entrance.[43] Riders must be at least 122 centimetres (48 in) to ride alone or 102 centimetres (40 in) if they are with an adult.[43] The first portion of the queue is a large collection of switchbacks. The latter part of the queue is themed as a Nonbiological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty (NEST) base. A series of signs and video screens are located within this area.[3] The video screens play briefings from General Morshower, Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Ratchet, who explain that the Decepticons have come to Earth in search of the AllSpark. Optimus Prime concludes the briefing by introducing all of the Autobots that are featured in the ride.[44][45][46] Towards the end of the queue, guests are given a pair of 3D glasses. Once guests arrive at the loading station, they are grouped and loaded into a ride vehicle modeled on an Autobot named Evac.[3][41]
Ride
The ride begins with Evac moving out of the loading station and making a turn. The vehicle approaches the first of thirteen 3D high-definition video screens which depicts Ravage grabbing a canister containing the AllSpark. Evac spins 180° to face the second screen on which Bumblebee is fighting Sideways for the AllSpark which ends up in Evac's possession. Evac reverses into one of two elevator shafts which ascend to the second level of the attraction. During the ascent Optimus Prime battles Megatron and Blackout. Megatron grabs Evac and the two struggle and Megatron breaks a water pipe, which sprays riders with water. Evac enters a dead end pathway before reversing and turning to face another 3D screen, which shows Megatron firing a missile at Evac. Hot air and fog generate the illusion of an explosion. Evac then heads through the hole in a building which was caused by the explosion. Inside lies Devastator, who is trying to suck everything out of the building. Ratchet and Ironhide covers fire while Evac reverses and escapes the suction. Here the Autobot Sideswipe helps in the battle against the Decepticon Bonecrusher. Devastator returns to the scene alongside Starscream. Evac escapes from Devastator a second time, but Starscream grabs Evac and throws it across several city blocks before landing on a construction site and smashing into some drums which release clouds of fog resulting in Evac asking if the riders are okay. Optimus Prime and Megatron continue their battle in the construction site as Evac reverses away in an attempt to protect the AllSpark. Starscream appears for a second time but is chased away by two NEST helicopters. Evac then returns to a second set of two elevators. During the descent to the ground floor, Evac forces the AllSpark into Megatron's chest causing both to freefall to the ground when Megatron grabs Evac. Bumblebee saves Evac from destruction before Optimus Prime congratulates Evac and the riders on their mission.[3][47]
Exit and Transformers Supply Vault
Once the ride is complete, riders dismount the Evac vehicle at the unload station, which is adjacent to the load station.[3] The exit path leads directly into the Transformers Supply Vault gift store, which sells items from the Transformers film franchise, Transformers: The Ride merchandise and a variety of vintage Transformers toys.[43] A preview of the exclusive toy line was shown at San Diego Comic-Con International in 2011.[48] The sets are exclusive to the Universal Studios parks and were launched alongside the rides.
Year | Figure Class | Name | Affiliation | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Deluxe | Evac[48][49] | Autobot | [nb 1] |
2012 | Legion | Evac[48] | Autobot | [nb 2] |
2012 | Deluxe | Optimus Prime[49] | Autobot | [nb 3] |
2012 | Deluxe | Bumblebee[49] | Autobot | [nb 3] |
2012 | Voyager | Optimus Prime[49] | Autobot | [nb 3] |
2012 | Voyager | Megatron[49] | Decepticon | [nb 3] |
Production
Development
Transformers: The Ride was primarily developed by Universal Creative, the research and development division of Universal Parks & Resorts. Universal Creative's Thierry Coup was the Creative Director of the ride, having worked on previous Universal attractions including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Shrek 4-D.[50] Michael Bay, director of the Transformers film franchise, collaborated with Universal Creative on the ride, despite an earlier blog post that suggested otherwise: "I don't support it yet – I'm not involved and [I'm] not sure the story of the ride works, and I know Optimus is not going to just show up to be directed by some new people that have never worked with him," he wrote.[51] Bay's involvement in the attraction's development was revealed by Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, in an NBC documentary on Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.[52][53] Industrial Light & Magic developed the special effects for the ride, having previously worked on Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.[54][55][56]
Marketing
Initial promotion for the ride began with a blog by Resorts World Sentosa dedicated to the ride.[57] Universal Studios Hollywood launched a website called Prepare For Battle.[58] A 30-second commercial for Transformers: The Ride premiered during Super Bowl in 2012 and an 80-foot (24 m) high silhouette of Megatron was attached to the Staples Center in Los Angeles.[59] Universal Studios Hollywood also released a 30-minute documentary about the construction of the ride.[60]
Reception
Transformers: The Ride has been praised by media around the world. Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times said he had high expectations of the ride,[42] and was very pleased with it, and wrote that it "ranks among the top theme park attractions in the world".[5] Martin Miller, also of the Los Angeles Times, was equally pleased with the ride, and called it "one of Universal's most sophisticated, satisfying rides". Miller acknowledged the long queues associated with the ride but commended Universal for the design and theming of the queue to combat this.[61] John Chan of CNET stated Transformers: The Ride "isn't as heart-stopping as a roller coaster [but] the (relatively) long 4-minute ride is every bit as entertaining".[62] Bob Strauss from the Daily Breeze interviewed some park guests who had experienced the attraction. Their comments included "the 3-D's crazy; I think it's a step above where the other rides are so far" and "it's a new way of making these rides".[63] News.com.au stated "the happy smiles on the faces of visitors as the exit ... say it all".[55]
See also
- List of amusement rides based on film franchises
- 2011 in amusement parks
- 2012 in amusement parks
- 2013 in amusement parks
References
- ^ a b Wong, Wendy (October 27, 2011). "Transformers The Ride debuts Dec 3". Channel News Asia. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ a b c Lang, Derrik J. (May 21, 2012). "'Transformers' roll out in Universal Studios ride". Associated Press. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Nicholas, Dejiki (November 19, 2011). "Transformers: The Ride". dejiki.com. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ a b "'Transformers' ride rolls out at Universal Studios". New York Daily News. May 21, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ a b c MacDonald, Brady (April 23, 2012). "Review: Transformers ride at Universal Studios Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
- ^ a b c Bevil, Dewayne (November 1, 2012). "Universal Studios Orlando set to open Transformers ride next summer". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (November 15, 2011). "Behind the scenes – The Magic of Visual Effects". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ Graser, Marc (October 21, 2008). "Universal boards 'Transformers' ride". Variety. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (October 14, 2011). "Did You Know?". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ "Giant robots are coming to Singapore, Hollywood". Fox News. October 20, 2008. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (October 21, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood plans Transformers ride for 2011". LA Times. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ a b Bevil, Dewayne (November 2, 2012). "Universal Studios: More Transformers news, notes". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved November 3, 2012.
- ^ Chan, Rachel (March 17, 2010). "Universal Studios roller-coasters get pulses racing". Asia One News. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ Bigbearsg (October 1, 2010). "Look inside the Building of Transformers Ride Universal Stud". Video. YouTube. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ digimax (December 11, 2010). "RWS Fans Day Out". Live Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ "BREAKING NEWS: TRANSFORMERS The Ride Premieres at Universal Studios Singapore® on 3 December 2011". RWS Blog. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ "Transformers The Ride debuts Dec 3". Channel News Asia. October 27, 2011. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
- ^ "Transformers The Ride debuts in Singapore". Asia One. December 2, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (May 11, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood updates & relocates special-effects show". LA Times. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (January 3, 2011). "2010 Recap – Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
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- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (July 12, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (August 3, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (September 15, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (October 26, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
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- ^ Angona, Dan; Disney, James (December 22, 2010). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
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{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (June 23, 2011). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (June 30, 2011). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (September 8, 2011). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (November 17, 2011). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (March 8, 2012). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (April 4, 2012). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Angona, Dan (April 20, 2012). "Universal Studios Hollywood". Photos. Westcoaster. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Gworek, Don (July 1, 2012). "Soundstage 44 now fully demolished at Universal Studios Florida". Orlando Attractions Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ Gworek, Don (July 22, 2012). "Construction update on two Universal Studios Florida mystery projects". Orlando Attractions Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
- ^ a b Resorts World Sentosa (November 10, 2011). "TRANSFORMERS The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore – Introduction to Evac". Video. YouTube. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ a b MacDonald, Brady (April 13, 2012). "Behind-the-scenes tour of Transformers ride at Universal Studios". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ a b c Nicholas, Dejiki (November 14, 2011). "Universal Studios Singapore – Update 11/2011". dejiki.com. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (September 28, 2011). "Exclusive: NEST Orientation Room". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (November 20, 2011). "Unveiling the Preshow". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (September 14, 2011). "Exclusive: The ALLSPARK Vault at NEST". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (November 30, 2011). "Scene-by-scene preview: Transformers ride at Universal Studios". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c Jack Q. "SDCC 2011 – Hasbro Transformers Panel Report – Generations Continues! Prime 2012 Sneak Peeks! New Dark of the Moon Figures!". TFormers. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Peter Van. "Toy Fair 2012 – Hasbro Transformers Presentation: Prime, Cyberverse, Optimus Maximus, Fall of Cybertron, Generations & More!". TFormers.
- ^ Universal Studios Singapore (October 5, 2011). "Getting to know: Thierry Coup". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved November 23, 2011.
- ^ "Michael Bay update from the Middle East". Michael Bay's official site. October 23, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
- ^ bwbm (June 13, 2010). "Transformers Ride is Alive and Still Under Construction; Bay Now On Board". TFormers. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ "Michael Bay Working with Universal on Transformers Ride". The California Source. June 13, 2010. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ "Universal CEO Tom Williams Speech At IAAPA 2010 (Part Two)". YouTube. November 17, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
- ^ a b "Transformers come alive with blockbuster new ride". May 24, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (July 29, 2011). "Transformers ride to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood in spring 2012". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 3, 2012.
- ^ "Transformers: The Ride Blog". Resorts World Sentosa. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
- ^ "Prepare For Battle". Universal Studios Hollywood. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
- ^ Graser, Mark (April 15, 2012). "Decepticon wreaks havoc at Staples". Variety. Retrieved April 23, 2012.
- ^ "Universal Studios Hollywood Releases The Making Of "Transformers: The Ride – 3D"". Market Watch, The Wall Street Journal. May 19, 2012. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
- ^ Miller, Martin (June 6, 2012). "Review: Universal's 'Transformers' ride sophisticated, satisfying". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
- ^ Chan, John (December 3, 2011). "Transformers The Ride mini review". CNET. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
- ^ Strauss, Bob (May 21, 2012). "TRANSFORMERS RIDE SHIFTS INTO SHAPE FOR BIG DEBUT". Daily Breeze. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
External links
- Transformers: Prepare for Battle – dedicated website for Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida
- Transformers: The Ride at the official Universal Studios Singapore website
- Official Blog for Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore
- POV Video of the ride at Universal Studios Hollywood on YouTube