A Sky-High Idea
Even though the original Sylvester McMonkey McBean attraction was canceled, the tracks were still in place over the colorful paths of Seuss Landing.
Presumably, the options by then were to leave it standing abandoned, scrap the project and start over, or salvage what had already been built. For the most practical solution, Universal brought in German manufacturer Mack Rides to retrofit the ride system into a working attraction—although, not the original concept.
“We never gave up on it.”
Scott Trowbridge, vice president of Universal Creative, The Orlando Sentinel, 2006
The new manufacturer played the role of a true “Fix-it-Up Chappie” by converting the existing ride system into Mack’s powered coaster model. This gentle ride model uses a coaster-style track and propels trains at a controlled speed rather than relying on gravity.
Mack Rides modified the Very Unusual Driving Machines by engineering, designing, and installing new powered coaster track directly on the existing monorail-style structures. Despite using a powered “roller coaster” ride system, the attraction would operate similar to a slow-moving PeopleMover. The monorail track was positioned underneath, almost like a track spine. The layout was adjusted in some areas for clearance or other reasons; in those sections, the ribbon track was removed, and the tubular coaster track was reenforced with triangle-shaped skeletal framework. Additionally, new emergency platforms and escapes were added throughout the layout, finally addressing its notorious setback.
“We open new attractions when we’re convinced they meet out obsessively high standards for creativity, overall guest experience, and safety. We’re not going to compromise on any of those things. It’s true there have been some challenges with this attraction in more than one area, but this experience is now exactly where we want it to be and look forward to watching our guests enjoy it.”
Park spokesperson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2006
With the new ride system in place, the attraction was finally nearing its long-awaited opening. In spring 2006, Universal Orlando Resort announced its upcoming ride, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
The ride had been shuttered for the first seven years of the park’s existence, but soon, guests could see Seuss Landing from a new perspective.
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