Skycoaster Review:
By Joy Atkinson (Summer Intern)

At the east entrance to Universal Studios, minutes from International Drive just off of Kirkman near FunSpot action park and Interstate 4. However, you can see these thin white towers for miles. What is amazing is what you will do between those two towers.

Allow me to paint a visual picture. 300 feet up in the air stands a metal structure in the shape of a huge upside down 'u'. This seems so small compared to the hotels around it. It is night. A big white circle is painted on the ground between the two posts forming this u. White lights light up this area, nothing is hidden from your view.

Now the experience. I put on these straps and what resembled a vest. Walked up to a platform in the middle of this huge white circle. I was then attached to a piece of metal. I went from standing upright, to dangling face down towards the ground. Adrenaline is starting to rush. This is the fun part. I carefully listen to my instructor's directions before the climb up. I believe the ascension is the second hardest part. The first is the bounce once I reached the top. Then I realized that it's not so bad being 300 feet from the ground. Then I hear the word 3-2-1 Fly. The orange ripcord is pulled, and suddenly, I am falling. Or am I flying? Whatever you want to call it, I was weightless. What a rush!

Yet, the ride is not over. After the first 'fall' I begin to swing. Since I am attached to the top of this upside down u, I fly/swing back and forth, back and forth. Until I have to grab a loop and stop. Screaming, shouting, cheering, laughing, and hollering are all permitted and encouraged on this ride.

To understand the concept of this ride a bit more, imagine a slingshot flipped upside down. It forms an upside down u. Instead of the leather being attached to both sides it is only attached in the middle at one point. If you were to pull it back and then let go, the initial fall would be the most intense. However, the string would continue to move back and forth on it's own. It's the exact same, except instead of just a string having all the fun, I did, and you have the option to also.

Word to the wise; the more fun you have the more you will enjoy your personal video that you can purchase after it is all over. Also, make an appointment to guarantee you will be able to go. This thrill fits very nicely into your evening because it is not time consuming, brings bragging rites, and an adventure to tell all your friends back home. You can go by yourself or with others. Once might not even be enough, so be prepared for the ride of your life!