When Islands of Adventure was in the design phase, the fact that there was limited space had to
be taken into effect. So in conjunction with Bolliger & Mabillard, they designed
an inverted coaster that would offer two different ride experiences in the blueprint of one
large coaster. And they came up with Dueling Dragons-- the world's first dueling
inverted coaster.
Upon entering the Lost Continent, you come across sights and sounds from the Medieval Times.
The first coaster that comes into sight is Flying Unicorn, a standard Vekoma Roller Skater
model. But as you head further into the Lost Continent, the twisted track of
Dueling Dragons becomes visible.
The entrance of Dueling Dragons has two statues of dragons. Beyond the two
statues, the ride's signature element is visible -- the dueling vertical loops.
Once you pass through the entrance, you enter one of the longest (and best themed) queues in
the world.
As you walk through the queue, Islands of Adventure's incredible themeing is clearly
evident. First, you walk through a medieval forest, which offers a glimpse of the
shear magnitude of these two coasters. Then, you enter the Castle section of the
queue, where you can see everything from Merlin's book of sorcery to knights frozen in
time.
As you travel deeper and deeper into the Dragon's Lair, things become more ominous.
Visible are skulls driven into the wall and bones spewed everywhere. After
passing through here, its time to choose your fate:
Ice
Dragon | Fire Dragon
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