UPDATE: Metal detectors being tested at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
At approximately 2:20 PM, @thetimtracker and @TheJennTracker are reporting on Twitter that the metal detectors have been removed and the test is over. No word on whether or not the detectors will be back in the future.
No loose articles allowed. What started as a (pardon the pun) loose policy has now become serious with the addition to metal detectors outside the front entrance to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Universal has been fighting a battle against riders trying to bring loose articles onto bigger roller coasters and it seems like this is the final measure to truly ensure guest safety. However, this is currently just a TEST.
The loose article issue started to really develop back in Summer 2011 when two accidents involving loose objects on Dragon Challenge prompted the ride to cease dueling. Earlier this year, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster moved to a strict no loose articles policy allowed, which allowed team members to ask guests to check their own open pockets and if anything was found then it had to go into a free locker. Dragon Challenge later adopted the practice. There are some debates as to whether or not articles in closed pockets were acceptable (buttoned or zippered), but Universal team members have the final say to determine what needs to go into a locker.
So far, metal detectors are only being tested at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. No reports are in yet on how sensitive the detectors are, but they are most likely just strong enough to detect loose change and phones. Metal detectors have not popped up at The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Dragon Challenge for this test. It seems unlikely that Dragon Challenge will ever be apart of this procedure because of their strict theming rules with JK Rowling and Warner Bros.
Remember, the easiest way to solve this issue and help Universal remove the metal detectors is by using the FREE lockers available out front of all of the attractions with a loose article policy. The lockers are free for the duration of your wait and ride plus a little bit of extra buffer time in case of any delays. If you were to go over your allotted time then you have to pay a varying fee, but even this can be avoided by talking to the lockers team member about why you couldn’t get to your locker on time. Be sure to check back later for updates and pictures.
Source: Magic City Mayhem via Twitter | Orlando Sentinel
