The Parkz Update: DC Rivals HyperCoaster is now open for preview rides

The first riders took on DC Rivals HyperCoaster on Saturday as the ride went public in a low-key fashion.

Image: Parkz. The first riders braved DC Rivals HyperCoaster on Saturday.

Update By Richard Wilson
18 September 2017

It's been more than two years of speculation, hype and a mind-numbing 200 pages of discussion on Parkz, but DC Rivals HyperCoaster is here.

A low-key soft opening – a "technical rehearsal" that allows engineers, technicians and crews to get the ride operating in tip-top shape without the pressure of it being officially open – took place on Saturday September 16 with a crowd of fans gathering at the ride entrance over many hours until it saw its first public riders just after 2:30pm.

It's slated to open officially at the end of the week, but since Saturday the ride has been operating, albeit with delays along the way.

You wouldn't think it were possible, but with The Joker's face installed, DC Rivals HyperCoaster is even more intimidating.

The face is in place, though it hasn't yet been switched on.

The trim brakes have been slightly adjusted. There's now two fins on the camel back hill and two on the Stengel dive. During earlier testing there was one on the camel back and three on the Stengel dive.

Opening day consisted of a lot of inspections before the ride was ready to welcome passengers.

This boom lift looks like as much of a thrill ride as the roller coaster they're working on.

These signs were the only hint that there may be an opportunity to ride.

There's lots of interesting angles of the lift hill around Movie World.

The face looks just as menacing from behind.

The ride's main signage in the newly opened area.

The ride signage is fairly low-key, as if to say: "this ride speaks for itself."

The arched billboard at the entrance sets the scene for the theming.

Theming throughout the queue consists of DC Comics artwork in a "2.5D" style where the principal characters pop out from the imagery.

The only real downside to these billboards is that they do block many good vantage points of the ride. It's always fun to watch a roller coaster do its thing to pass the time in the queue.

The queue is particularly sunny – though it looks like there will be shade installed.

These footings appear throughout the garden beds and will support shade support poles throughout.

Parts for the forthcoming shade structure sit in the car park.

The large cone on the poles capture rainwater and make climbing the poles impossible.

There's a great view from the queue of the lift hill. The best part is getting to see the expression on the backwards riders.

The seats are awesomely exposed. Most riders' feet dangle free and the restraints feel very secure while leaving the upper body quite free. Tiered rows helps with the view for the back seats.

The train is a very snug fit against the station, meaning the load and unload procedure is quite fast as riders don't need to step, bend or figure out any complicated procedures.

Wheels with a pinkish hue as paint wears off on the track.

The back carriage with its rear facing seats. It is simply a slightly modified version of all other carriages, with its front row turned around and the back row removed.

These giant seatbelt buckles are very intuitive.

These rotating loose item boxes will help greatly with efficiency. There are four small compartments for keys, wallets, mobile phones... and fidget spinners (#2017), a larger bin for bags. The whole unit rotates to secure your belongings behind a steel wall while on the ride, and then rotates again to make them available for you again on the rear side. This encourages riders to move quickly out of the way when they unload, and allows incoming passengers to store their belongings in separate boxes simultaneously. It's a surprisingly simple concept that is sure to keep things running smoothly.

And with that DC Rivals HyperCoaster is now operating.

The sun sets on DC Rivals HyperCoaster.

DC Rivals HyperCoaster is operating now at Warner Bros. Movie World. While undergoing technical rehearsals the park can't guarantee the operating hours and days of Rivals while engineers and technicians fine-tune the complex ride. The ride is set to have its formal opening this week and is expected to be in full operation in time for Fright Nights.