According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park’s Dragon Challenge roller coaster will no longer “duel” as it winds around it’s course.
For over a decade, the Dragon Challenge coaster (formerly known as “Dueling Dragons”) has been known for it’s three near-collisions, in which the attraction’s two intertwined roller coasters, speeding along their tracks at up to 60 mph, pass within 18 inches of each other.
Universal Orlando announced this week that the coasters will no longer be launched simultaneously and are now calling the ride a “chase” rather than a “duel.” This comes after two rider injuries that occurred over the summer.
“We believe this is the best path forward for our guests and for the attraction,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said of the decision to permanently alter Dragon Challenge.
Theme park insiders say falling objects have become much more prominent recently as more guests are carrying cell phones and possibly trying to take pictures while riding. Universal has warning signs about securing objects and advises their employees to watch for items that may pose a problem.
Glad I got to ride it while it was still “dueling.” What are your thoughts? Should Universal have stopped the “dueling” coasters? Isn’t this a risk inherent in riding a roller coaster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, below!
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