It's official!!!!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-universal1908mar19,0,3576109.story Universal Studios is about to build a new signature ride: a high-tech roller coaster full of lights, music, loops, twists and turns — and a quick trip over the heads of people walking through the nearby CityWalk entertainment district.

The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is planned to be big, bright and brash enough to become the new visual symbol for the theme park when the coaster opens in about a year. Universal Orlando officials said Tuesday that it also will feature enough digital technology to appeal directly to what they refer to as the "YouTube culture."

Universal Orlando officials said the coaster will rise 167feet into the air and feature numerous loops and corkscrew turns. Rockit — the first big, outdoor thrill ride for Universal Studios — is set to open in spring 2009.

LOTS MORE TO THE STORY AT THE LINK ABOVE!!!

HIGH-FLYING EXCITEMENT!

SKYSCRAPER TO SPIN AT CEDAR POINT’S CHALLENGE PARK
Tuesday February 12, 9:02 am ET:

from PRN Newswire

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Just when you thought that they couldn't possibly add any more thrills and wild rides to the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point amusement park/resort has announced that Skyscraper, a towering thrill ride, will debut this summer in the Challenge Park activity complex.

Skyscraper will be unlike any ride you have ever experienced on the Cedar Point Peninsula. Featuring a giant propeller consisting of two arms that will spin guests in a full circle, Skyscraper is one of the most thrilling rides in the amusement industry.

Four riders, two on each arm, will sit in open cars with their feet dangling, on opposite ends of the propeller. The arms of the propeller quickly rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, spinning riders 16 stories into the air at speeds of up to 55 mph. At its highest point, riders will be upside down 160 feet above the ground!

The hair-raising ride lasts approximately two minutes. Onlookers can take part in the fun by watching a live streaming video of the passengers screaming in delight as they soar through the air. Riders aboard Skyscraper will have the opportunity to purchase this memorable video after completing their thrilling ride.

Manufactured by Gravity Works, Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Skyscraper will welcome its first passengers when it opens to the public in May. Skyscraper will have an individual ride fee, and admission to Cedar Point will not be required.

"We are very excited about introducing a ride of this caliber to Challenge Park," said Bill Spehn, vice president of park operations for Cedar Point. "Skyscraper will be a great addition to the thrilling rides and experiences that we offer our guests this summer."

Located between Cedar Point and Soak City, Challenge Park also features the RipCord Skycoaster, two high-speed go-kart tracks and two challenging 18- hole miniature golf courses. Challenge Park is open to the public, and admission to Cedar Point or Soak City is not required. Each attraction requires a separate fee. Special combo packages that include discounted tickets for the attractions at Challenge Park will be available this summer.

For more information, log on to cedarpoint.com or call the park's general information line at 419.627.2350.

SOURCE Cedar Point