News: The Mummy attacks Florida May 21

Posted at 10:12 AM EDT (1412 GMT)

Apr. 6th, 2004 -- ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Universal Orlando officials announced today a May 21 grand opening date for the highly anticipated Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, marking the next evolution in themed attractions and the third new attraction to open within the past year at Universal Studios Florida.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride blends a powerful storyline with an unparalleled combination of Hollywood special effects all wrapped around the visceral thrills of an indoor roller coaster.

The new attraction is so different from anything Universal has ever done that its creators believe it represents a whole new category of theme park attraction, which they call the world’s first psychological thrill ride.

From the moment riders embark on their journey, they encounter both physical and psychological fears – fear of the dark, fear of bugs, fear of fire, fear of falling, fear of being out of control and more.

Along the way, riders also experience a mind-blowing combination of sight and sound special effects including pyrotechnics, projected CGI animation, advanced robotic figures, and illusions designed to assault all of the senses.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride is the third new attraction to open within about a year at Universal Studios. Shrek 4-D opened in summer 2003 and Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast opened in spring 2003. Revenge of the Mummy, now in pre-opening technical rehearsals, is on schedule for its May opening.

“We set out to change the face of Universal Studios with new experiences that are relevant and thrilling to today’s audience,” said Bob Gault, president of Universal Orlando, the destination that includes the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. “The result is a trio of compelling, new attractions that give our guests the maximum entertainment experience they expect from our theme parks.”

Each new attraction offers a unique guest experience. Shrek 4-D, with new animation by DreamWorks Pictures, represents the next generation of 3-D attractions, blending spectacular visuals with multiple special effects and surprises. Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast immerses guests in an adventure that stars the famous boy genius and the largest collection of Nickelodeon characters ever assembled for a theme park attraction – including the ever-popular SpongeBob SquarePants.

And, the innovation behind Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, is now Universal’s latest entry in the mega-attraction category.

Based on the phenomenally popular “Mummy” films starring Brendan Fraser, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride is one of the most technologically advanced thrill rides in history. The action all takes place inside one of the world’s largest sound stages, where guests are swept into an ominous underworld of ancient Egypt awash in deadly curses, powerful forces of nature and vengeful creatures intent on wreaking havoc.

“New experiences are always great for growth and tourism – and since adding the Shrek and Nickelodeon attractions, we have seen sustained growth in our attendance,” said Gault. “This year started strong and we’re optimistic that the late May opening of Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride will make for an extraordinary summer season.”

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride will also open at Universal Studios Hollywood in June of 2004.

Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Islands of Adventure, Orlando’s next generation theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue, as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.

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