Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

[sfmmfreak101The best thing about TPR is the donkeys.]

Employee Preview last night was great.

Got 2 rides in. Line was 5 minutes at the end of the night, though I left early.

The ride is amazing, I was complelty immersed.

[DJeXeLThis button makes my penis erect.]

If you believe the internet rumors, it is supposed to start soft opening on Thursday.

I hope you are correct sir as I'll be visiting the park on Saturday.

It is soft opened today.

[cfcI've gone pantless!]

^It's a Decepticon trap!

HERE'S A BETTER BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

Now that the ride is soft opened, I will post my review...

The best way to sum it up is USH is finally back in the game! Transformers is definitely a world class attraction, and anybody who hasn't been on spiderman (which is the majority of people in so cal) will be truly blown away. For those who have been on Spiderman, it is definitely a solid "Spiderman 1.5"

The biggest departure from Spiderman is that there is less emphasis on the physical sets. Only once do you get true interaction with the physical sets, and it is well done. But the main focus is definitely on the 3D (with water sprays, LN2 steam, wind FX, and lighting aiding them), though the 2D sets still blend fantastically with the 3D. Ride vehicles are the same as Spiderman, but the motion did seem to feel smoother. However, it is still not recommended if you are prone to motion sickness.

Speaking of the 3D, the ride uses the same newer technology as the upgraded Spiderman and Star Tours (Dolby 3D) and it looks absolutely fantastic. Never loses focus, and doesn't even look blurry if you happen to take your glasses off.

The queue is also the most immersive at USH (not saying much, but still). The videos (starring the actual General from the movie) do a good job telling the story, and it definitely passes as a "military base." There's random buttons and switches to push along the way that don't actually do anything to keep people with ADD busy too. Be warned that the single rider line is quite tiny and will probably be shut down for most of the day from being full, so get there early if you plan on using that option.

Crew member uniforms are "desert digital camo" military uniforms and they were all really into the military theme, referring to everyone as "recruits", saluting them, calling the glasses "battle googles," and little things like that. Nice touch. Hope they can keep it up.

Also, as an aside, the Bumblebee & Optimus Prime walk-around characters are ridiculous. Pictures don't even do them justice. Definitely the coolest park characters to date, topping the talking Mickey.

[Ed FarmerThe only thing better than a naked woman is a naked donkey!]

Good for the Dodgers that their location is conducive to revenue streams like this. I wouldn't be surprised if they had the team walk around the ballpark looking for change under seats after games.

[Big MikeTPR's Friendliest Guy]

Thanks Joey!

Just for us less informed, what exactly is a soft opening?

Does the ride stay open all day or just for a bit?


Thanks, Your buddy Big Mike

Here ya go:

[Big MikeTPR's Friendliest Guy]

Thanks!

[UberBeavisDonkeys are my way of life!]

I got 3 rides in this morning, after initially waiting for the ride to shutdown and restart.

Amazingly long interior queue, with a lot of great detail.

The motion seemed very smooth, not jarring- but very effective.

The screens are incredible, especially with how they blend with the physical sets.

I've never seen the Transformers movies (I loved the animated series/toys as a kid, just don't like the look of the new ones) and it didn't matter at all.

It's a spectacular ride, and really puts USH on a different level.

Speaking of levels- the transition from ground floor to second floor and back is amazingly well integrated to everything else.

The pacing on this ride is just about perfect imo.

I'm so happy to have such a killer ride so close to home now.