The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • Page 116

mm WM f- I ml "If you look at a map and compare it to the coaster, we've done an accurate representation of street signs and roads," says Michael D. Lingerfelt, principal facility design manager at Walt Disney World. All I can say is this is not an average roller coaster. From the start, it's a wild ride. You can't miss the red Stratocaster guitar that marks the coaster.

Once you enter the building, there is so much to take in that you'll need to ride more than once and don't think I'm going to spoil the fun by spilling the beans. I will tell you that when you enter the first phase of the ride the fictional G-Force Studios make sure to look up. You might be surprised at what you find. What follows is a creative mix of music and speed. From the launch of 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds to the arrival at the concert and the walk on the red carpet, there is never a dull moment.

My challenge was to keep my eyes open and remain breathing while being thrust through the darkness at such a fast speed. The music surrounding you enhances the ride's thrill factor. Each "limo" has 120 speakers, five for each rider, and plays a different Aerosmith tune, including "Sweet Emotion," "Dude Looks Like a Lady" and "Love in an Elevator," which the group rerecorded to say "Love in a Roller Coaster." "When you've toured the world as much ps we have, it's a real thrill to find a new audience," Tyler says. "Coming up with a soundtrack for this Disney ride really brought the kid out in all of us and has given us the opportunity to play audio gymnastics with our music." The Aerosmith members played an active role in making the ride as realistic as possible. The group Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitars), Brad Whitford (guitars), Tom Hamilton (bassX Joey Kramer (drums) ad-, Wn 1 rift5 1 By Jamie J.

Anderson OF THE SENTINEL STAFF My knees were shaking, my heart was pounding, and my palms were sweaty. OK, I admit it. I was a little nervous about riding the new Rock 'rf Roller Coaster at Dis-ney-MGM Studios, especially because I only ride the wimpy roller coasters at state fairs. But I couldn't resist the combination of a fast coaster and the rock 'n' roll of Aerosmith. After all, being the huge fan of Aerosmith that I am, I had to check out the new ride featuring the group.

The indoor coaster, which began construction in February 1998, has been open for previews since late last month. Now, Disney-MGM is gearing up for the ride's grand opening on Thursday, complete with Mickey Mouse and Steven Tyler and the rest of the Aerosmith gang. The concept of the ride has the Aerosmith guys greeting visitors and fans on a movie screen from inside a recording studio, which the group helped set up for Disney. Then, Tyler asks us to join the band backstage at a concert. The thrill ride is taken in a "stretch limo" from the recording studio across Los Angeles to the concert venue.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster When: The grand opening is Thursday; the ride has been in previews since late June. Where: Disney-MGM Studios, off Interstate 4 southwest of Orlando. What it costs: Park admission is $46.64 general, $37.10 ages 3-9 (free age 2 and under). Where to call: (407) 824-4321. WALT DISNEY CO.

coaster simulates a trip through L.A. to the music of Aerosmith. Something more The 'launch' from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds is similar to the feeling of sitting on top of a supersonic F-14 Tomcat as it blasts off the deck of an aircraft carrier. Mr. Tyler's wild ride.

Indoor vised Disney planners, set up the studio instruments, recorded lyrics, test-rode the coaster and even spray-painted the road luggage located at the end of the ride. "Aerosmith is a classic rock 'n' roll band," Lingerfelt says. "The group brings in all ages of people the entire family can relate to them and their music, and that's what Disney is all about." Being the hardworking journalist that I am, I made sure to ride the coaster several times so I could inform Calendar readers where the best place to sit Well, here's what I found: In the front, you are overwhelmed with scenery and are the first to experience the fast turns, flips and drops. The events come as more of a surprise and the adrenaline increases as you rise and fall, finally gliding to a halt However, being at the back of the coaster is the best seat in the "limo." You are able to see the folks in front of you turn upside down, so you know your doom before it hits. You're also able to see the surroundings more and have a better grasp of where you are yi even when upside-down, 1 a a 36.