New Raptor Encounter Impresses Visitors at Islands of Adventure

© Universal Orlando

A new mini-attraction has opened at Islands of Adventure, and it is seriously cool.  The new attraction is located in the Jurassic Park area of the park, and is named Raptor Encounter.  It utilizes a bit of the space that the Triceratops Encounter - closed for some time now - previously called home.

Admittedly I'm a big fan of Jurassic Park, and so the all new Raptor Encounter already had a lot going for it in my book, just based on the premise.  That is, of course, to have an encounter with a 'real' moving raptor.

After hearing rumors that some type of raptor interaction was coming I hoped this would turn out well, and I will happily say it's far better than I expected.  Here's Universal's promo for the experience:

Looks pretty neat - but doesn't quite show all the details of exactly how guests interact with the nearly 9 foot tall velociraptor.  There are two different raptors that can be viewed, named Lucy and Ethel, cute, and this clip from Attractions Magazine paints a better picture.

The raptors aren't an animatronic for those wondering, more of a giant puppet of sorts.  Those wondering exactly how the trick is done will have to Google that elsewhere.

The opening of the Raptor Encounter is meant to coincide with the opening of Jurassic World on June 12th, a perfect cross promotion in my book.