The Mummy rides again at Universal Studios!
The Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida is back on track – at least in “technical rehearsal” mode – after a lengthy refurbishment that kept the dark ride completely dark for almost eight months.
Fans of the hugely popular attraction, which is based on the blockbuster “Mummy” movie series, had been anxiously awaiting the ride’s return after it shut down at relatively short notice on January 7, 2022.
The only official word from Universal Orlando about its re-opening was the original statement that the refurb would last until at least “late summer,” and that has had would-be riders on tenterhooks throughout August.
Happily, Universal Studios visitors were treated to the August 30, 2022 unannounced resumption of the curse of Imhotep and the ensuing helter-skelter chase through the halls of the lost city of Hamunaptra.
Local news station Fox 35 reported that the reopening may only be temporary, however. They quoted a Universal spokesperson as saying the ride was “in technical rehearsal as we prepare for its reopening later this summer. During this time, the attraction may open on a limited, unscheduled basis and some elements of the experience may not be available.”
Our initial reports suggest fans will be delighted that nothing substantial has changed with the ride. Instead, the lengthy closure has allowed Universal’s creative time to refresh and sharpen the many mechanisms that constitute the two-minute whirl through Imhotep’s realm.
All of the elaborate animatronic effects appear to be fully working again, and the attraction’s lighting package is brighter and noticeably more colorful as older light fixtures have been replaced.
The only significant change seems to be in the initial section where the ride vehicle enters the “dead end” that is suddenly over-run by deadly scarab beetles. Here, the mixture of screen and animatronics has been replaced by a more immersive all-screen effect.
Otherwise, regular riders can expect the same fast-paced, humorous attraction that is now entering its 19th year and remains one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Revenge of the Mummy made its debut in 2004 and officially hit 100 million riders on December 8, 2021. Sadly, despite all the updates, actor Brendan Fraser still doesn’t get his cup of coffee at the end, though.
For the official Mummy webpage, look up UniversalOrlando.com.
Are you insane? Get out of there! The curse is real! That place is a trap!