Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express Gives Riders Two Laps at Universal Kids Resort

Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is an ideal starter coaster. Its short lift hill, small drop, and two banked helices offer beginner theme park thrills without overwhelming younger guests. The ride itself lasts less than a minute, but Universal Kids Resort’s operations team has found a way to make the experience feel a little more substantial. During both of our visits this week, each ride consisted of two trips around the course.

Even cooler, the train doesn’t stop between laps. It only slows while rolling through the station before heading back up the lift hill. Rhonda has just one train, which gives the ride team the flexibility to send guests around again.

I knew it was happening before boarding, but it was still a cool experience. It was my first time rolling through a coaster station without stopping, unless shuttle coasters count. And those definitely don’t compare to Rhonda.

A few riders seemed surprised when the train kept moving, but nobody was complaining. For kids nervous about their first coaster, it may be worth asking a Team Member about the second lap before boarding. One trip around the course might be a better introduction to thrill rides. For everyone else, the surprise second lap is a win.

It remains to be seen whether two laps will be the standard operating procedure for Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express. Crowds were reasonable on opening day and the day after, allowing Team Members room to keep the train moving. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if riders only get one trip on busier days.

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