Universal Orlando Resort announced this morning that the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure will be going down for an extended refurbishment, starting Sept. 8.
The popular Bolliger & Mabillard launch coaster will be closed for nearly a year as Universal and its contractors make substantial improvements to the attraction. Universal announced today that the coaster will be getting new ride vehicles as well as “new enhancements to its storyline.” We have heard that the park also will be replacing the coaster’s launch mechanism and will be adding new in-queue and possibly in-tunnel on-ride effects.
In 2012, Universal substantially refurbished The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride in Islands of Adventure’s Marvel Super Hero Island, upgrading to a 4K digital high definition Infitec 3-D projection system, as well adding a new audio system, lighting, and improved sets.
Universal is in the midst of a building binge at its U.S. theme parks, as Islands of Adventure will be opening the Reign of Kong ride in a new Skull Island land next year, and plans are underway to add a major Nintendo presence in the parks. Universal Orlando is also building a new hotel and new water park. In Hollywood, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open next year as the keystone in a $1 billion-plus “Evolution” makeover of the entire Universal City property, which is also slated to include new hotels.