Photo Update: Universal’s VelociCoaster is almost ready to open

The Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure isn’t opening until sometime this summer, but continuous testing and seeing humans test-riding makes us believe the coaster is nearly complete.

The shots in this article were taken during the day from very visible guest areas in the park. Universal Orlando is no longer hiding this big addition to the park and prepares to take guests on a ride of Jurassic proportions.

The VelociCoaster will reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. The coaster will launch two times, take guests on four inversions, and go up to 155 feet in the air.

With a height requirement of 51 inches, the VelociCoaster is made for the thrill-seeker and should be avoided by the faint-of-heart.

Guests should expect G-forces, multiple inversions, aggressive turns and drops and two high-speed launches.

Alongside the coaster testing, which can be seen at the bottom of this shot coming out of the heartline roll, new raptors have been added. In addition to the raptor figurines already placed in the ride path, there are four new raptors outside near the queue and entrance area. All of the raptors in the queue are currently covered for protection during the final stages of construction.

Seen here, the raptors are ready for their grand reveal. The raptors, like the addition of the trees on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, are a good sign to see if the area around them is finished with major construction.

A major new milestone is the installation of the VelociCoaster entrance signage. The two raptor figures above will provide an intimidating look at what’s to come ahead on the attraction.

The VelociCoaster will be set up in two parts. The beginning will focus on sharp turns, close calls with ride scenery, and aggressive small track maneuvers. After the secondary launch, the coaster will transition into large sweeping turns and a momentous drop.

This coaster certainly has the personality of a raptor. Now we have to hope its opening day can move as swiftly as the raptors themselves.

Are you ready to take on the VelociCoaster, or, does it look like too much for you? Let us know in the comments below.