by Amer Numan

Created on: March 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

"Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit" is set to be 2009's hottest roller coaster and the world's most advanced attraction yet. Currently in final stages of construction at Universal Studios of Orlando, Florida, this coaster flaunts a height of 17 stories and keeps an average speed of 65 mph.

You're probably thinking "I've been on coasters that go that high and that fast - why is this so special?"

Well, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit [HRRR] beats the world's favorite roller coasters simply because it combines all the things that made them favorites, while bringing brand-new excitement. When you think of Disney's "Aerosmith Rock'n'Roller Coaster," you immediately think of the loud, crisp, thumping music that goes with the speed of the ride. That feature made the ride a major attraction for decades. HRRR not only has this on-board audio, but it also lets you choose the song you want for your seat, and uses top-notch surround sound technology to separate what you're hearing from what other people are hearing during the ride.

Another cool element in several rides is the use of visual effects, like Universal's own "Revenge of the Mummy" ride. You see flashes of light and fire, and short sequences of video, during several parts of the ride to plug you into the ride's theme. HRRR not only brings these "surrounding visuals," but also offers personalized video for the entire duration of the ride.

The coaster rockets through Universal's "Production" section of the park, where a fake 3-D city skyline and several old-fashioned buildings have been altered to include giant "holes" where the coaster pierces through one side and comes out the other.

But that's not all - side loops similar to Busch Gardens' "Kumba," old-fashioned vertical loops similar to Six Flags' "Ninja," and the speed of Islands of Adventure's "The Incredible Hulk" add to the excitement.

And you know what the best part of the ride is? You get to take it home! Unlike the traditional cheesy photo showing your "coaster face" (which is also available), your entire ride is recorded as a music video to the song you picked at the start! You get to edit your adventure by picking different effects and camera angles, save the video, and buy a copy to take home and/or send to your friends.

Doesn't HRRR sound like a ride worth travelling for? It sure does to me! And that's why, folks, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit takes home the gold when it comes to the best roller coaster of 2009.

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