DC Rivals HyperCoaster is a steel HyperCoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Manufactured by Mack Rides, it is the longest, fastest, and tallest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ride POV

History

Origins and Concept Development

The inception of DC Rivals HyperCoaster dates back to September 2016 when groundwork commenced at Warner Bros. Movie World in Queensland, Australia. The park's collaboration with renowned roller coaster manufacturer Mack Rides marked the beginning of an ambitious project aimed at delivering an unparalleled hypercoaster experience. Construction of the coaster began in April 2017, following the release of detailed blueprints outlining the ride's layout and station design. The coaster's theme, centered around the DC Universe, was formally revealed on 4 June 2017, generating significant anticipation among enthusiasts and park visitors alike.

Ride Story Line:

DC Rivals HyperCoaster immerses riders in the heart of the DC Universe, offering a high-speed journey through iconic landscapes where DC's legendary heroes clash with their formidable nemeses. The adventure begins as riders board the coaster amidst the, futuristic design of the Batmobile-themed trains. Upon dispatch, riders ascend the towering 61.6-meter lift hill, culminating in a breathtaking 59.4-meter drop at an 85-degree angle. As the coaster navigates its twisting layout, riders experience exhilarating elements including a non-inverting loop, a Stengel dive, twisted camelback hills, and a thrilling 480-degree helix. The ride concludes with a series of bunny hops before returning to the station, leaving riders exhilarated by the immersive DC-themed experience.

Design and Construction:

DC Rivals HyperCoaster stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and precision design. Originally conceptualised in 2016, this coaster represents the second Hypercoaster type ride developed by Mack Rides. Notably, it is the second coaster to feature a fully custom layout, crafted in collaboration between Warner Bros. Movie World and Mack Rides.

Manufactured by Mack Rides, the coaster boasts impressive specifications, including a height of 61.6 meters and a top speed of 115.1 kilometers per hour. The construction process, spanning several months, involved planning and execution to ensure the ride's structural integrity and seamless operation.

The coaster made its debut on 22 September 2017, marking a significant milestone for Warner Bros. Movie World and elevating the park's status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers worldwide. Its unique features and thrilling experience made it a one-of-a-kind ride, further enhancing its appeal among amusement park enthusiasts.

Timeline of Construction

September, 2016:

Groundwork commences at Warner Bros. Movie World for the construction of DC Rivals HyperCoaster.

April, 2017:

Construction of the coaster begins following the release of detailed blueprints outlining the ride's layout and station design.

June, 2017:

The coaster's theme, centered around the DC Universe, is formally revealed, generating anticipation among enthusiasts and park visitors.

September 22nd , 2017:

DC Rivals HyperCoaster officially opens to the public, becoming the newest attraction at Warner Bros. Movie World.

Debut and Reception

DC Rivals HyperCoaster premiered on September 22, 2017, marking a pivotal moment for Warner Bros. Movie World. It received widespread acclaim from enthusiasts and park visitors, quickly becoming a standout attraction. Praised for its thrilling layout, smooth ride, and immersive DC-themed storyline, the coaster captivated audiences and solidified its status as a park favourite.

Evolution and Legacy

Since its inception, DC Rivals HyperCoaster has remained a cornerstone of Warner Bros. Movie World's attractions. Its enduring popularity and ongoing improvements highlight its legacy as the premier hypercoaster experience in the Southern Hemisphere. As Warner Bros. Movie World continues to innovate, the coaster maintains its allure, attracting thrill-seekers and DC Universe enthusiasts, ensuring its place as a must-visit destination.
Countless international theme park enthusiasts have visited Warner Bros Movie World specifically for this ride, with notable names such as Theme Park World Wide, Coaster Studios, Airtime Thrills, and Theme Park Explorers among them.

Controversies

The DC Rivals HyperCoaster has been relatively free from major controversies.

Backwards Seat Pricing

One notable controversy revolves around the pricing of the backwards seat, one of the first of its kind in the world. Initially priced at $10AUD, the cost has since increased to $30 for one ride, and the park has implementing variable pricing.

Ride Stoppages

In early January of 2024, the coaster experienced a temporary stoppage due to a Head Scarf being lodged in one of the Two Trains wheels, resulting in significant negative press for the coaster and the park. However, it's important to note that despite the incident, the ride remained completely safe.

Layout

Another controversy surrounds the middle section of the coaster's layout, particularly the helix. Some riders have described it as uncomfortable, with the S-turns leading into and out of it lacking the same intensity as the non-inverting loop, leading to criticism that these sections feel like 'filler'.

Technical Analysis

Train Design

Each train on the DC Rivals HyperCoaster consists of six cars, accommodating 22 riders in total. The unique setup includes two rows of forward-facing seats and two backward-facing seats per car, offering a paid up-charge experience.

Ride Layout

Block Zones

Understanding Block Zones:
In roller coaster terminology, a block zone refers to a section of track that is equipped with sensors and controls to manage the movement of trains. Each block zone is designed to accommodate a single train at a time, ensuring adequate spacing and safety between trains on the track.

Block Zone 1

Block Zone 1 serves as the load station, where trains are initially loaded and unloaded with passengers.

Block Zone 2

Block Zone 2, spanning the entire length of the Lift Hill, functions as the pre-launch section. Trains are equipped with an anti-rollback system, allowing them to stop on the lift hill in the event of issues with Block Zone 3.

Block Zone 3

Block Zone 3 is the final break run just before you complete the 180 degree turn back into the station. If Block Zone 3 is occupied or if the train is still moving from the unload station to the load station, the train will stop on the lift hill and is described as a recoverable ride stoppage.

Trim Breaks

DC Rivals HyperCoaster is the only attraction at Warner Bros. Movie World featuring trim brakes mid-ride. These brakes are permanent magnetic fixtures integrated along the track, serve a crucial role in regulating the train's speed throughout the course of the ride. Unlike traditional brakes, trim brakes are not adjustable or removable, providing a consistent and controlled ride experience for all passengers. Their magnetic nature allows for precise adjustments, ensuring optimal safety and comfort regardless of external factors such as weather conditions or train weight.

High Speed Chain Lift Hill

The lift hill of DC Rivals HyperCoaster is renowned for its remarkable speed, catapulting riders skyward with unparalleled velocity. This high-speed ascent adds to the thrill factor of the ride, setting the stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience from start to finish.

Rides per Hour

With a throughput of 960 riders per hour, DC Rivals in theory can efficiently accommodate a large volume of guests. However we estimate that the ride runs closer to 500 riders per hour with two train operations.

Statistics