Another note about the initial drop?and be forewarned that we are moving into spoiler territory here: The stationary train slowly tilts downward, probably about 45 degrees, before releasing into a darkened tunnel for the drop. That raises the anticipation, and the pulse rates, of passengers.

The "Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts" attraction at Universal Studios Florida features a dramatic initial drop that is approximately 30 feet deep at an angle of roughly 40 to 45 degrees. While it is often marketed as a high-intensity thrill ride, it is technically a hybrid between a roller coaster and a motion-based dark ride. The drop occurs very early in the experience, triggered when the goblin security system "detects" intruders. It provides a significant "stomach-drop" sensation but is significantly less steep and intense than the drops found on traditional coasters like the VelociCoaster or Revenge of the Mummy. The steepness is accentuated by the use of tilt-track technology, which physically tilts the entire ride vehicle forward before releasing it into the darkened cavern below. This element serves to transition the vehicle from the load station into the 3D-heavy storytelling portion of the ride, perfectly simulating a runaway mine cart plunging into the deep vaults of the Wizarding Bank.