Universal Studio's “Dueling Dragons” Dueling coaster to never duel again

[Wendy]

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Universal Orlando has made the decision to never allow Dragon Challenge to duel again. The decision comes at the end of an investigation into what caused two accidents earlier this year. The first incident came July 31st as Carlos Montalvo was struck by something and lost his right eye. Just a few weeks later another man, Jon Wilson claims that he was struck on the foot, arm and foot while on the coaster.

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The coaster then went to what was then called a “temporary adjustment” where the coasters were not released from the lift hill at the same time. This would avoid the “near misses” that the coaster was known for. While nothing has been confirmed, the near misses are what’s believed to be the problem. People either dropping things intentionally onto the other trains, or just loose items such as change in guests pockets.

The park does not allow any loose items to be taken on the ride and provides free lockers to guests while they ride. Yet many guests have been known to lose change, cameras and even car keys while on the ride. While the decision will upset fans of the coaster, and ride purists the decision is all about safety. Safety is the number one concern of the park and the necessary steps need to be taken to ensure each guest has the safest experience possible.

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This isn’t the first major change the park has done to the coaster. The coaster was originally opened as Dueling Dragons. As guests walked the queue they were told the story of a kingdom besieged by demon dragons that now lay in ruin. A wizard had come to live out the remainder of his years, and was too old to defeat the dragons.

The line was completely gutted and unique features such as the moving stained glass window, the melted knights in the walls, the frozen knights in the ceilings and the catacombs full of skeletons were completely removed. The magic book from which the old wizard recited incantations to protect you was replaced with the Triwizard Cup from Harry Potter. The stained glass window replaced with a goblet of fire and a bed, and the knights in various stages of ruin replaced with golden eggs. The coaster, designed by coaster company B&M was specifically designed for the purpose of dueling and when launched correctly featured three near misses in which the riders of either train came inches of hitting each others feet (at least 18 inches, but still a cool effect).

Legend has it that the coaster was originally slated for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the mythical “Beastly Kingdom” section of the park. The coaster was to be ”Dragon Tower” in which a dragon had taken residence in a huge tower and guarded his piles of stolen treasure. The castle would have bits of knights melted into the wall and feature an animatronic dragon blowing fire. That project was scrapped and later was reborn as Dueling Dragons as part of the all new “Islands of Adventure”. The legend will continue as one day we will tell new coaster riders of the times when Dragon Challenge was a real challenge and would duel. It now slips into the myth.

[Kate]

What a shame. Wish people would just use their head and stow things away - i can honestly say i have never and would never go on a ride with things in my pockets because they could come out at any time.

[ukwdwnut]

it will be a shame, but the ride will be the same, the near misses are just fractions of seconds so it wont much matter really, its not like its closing full stop just stopping the near misses, still 2 different rides, so the excitement is still there imo

[Tink]

Safety has to take precedent. I've not been on this coaster (and never would) but it seems that the actual ride experience hasn't changed, just the 'view.'

This is the one that they built Harry Potter around then? I'd heard that but couldn't quite picture it.

I know the boy will want to do US/IOA one day... just waiting until he is older.

[disney-fan]

As lone as guests try to bypass the rules the parks will have to make changes.
It stinks for the rest of us .Even now Universal gives free locker to the guests
riding The Rip ride rocket, they still try to get on with there cameras and pocket books. The dueling part was a great affect

[Deafjeff]

My hubby will be gutted

He loves that ride

[Kate]

It wasnt until out second trip to florida that i realised just how close they came, i mustve blinked the first time i rode it and missed it!
Its a shame, but at least the ride will still be there!