Universal Roller Coaster to Be Destroyed After 15 Years of Operation, Florida Approves
What Could Be Replacing This Ride?
Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) is saying goodbye to this iconic yet controversial roller coaster in 2025 after getting approval from the Florida government.
The End of an Era for Universal Studios Florida
Since its grand debut in 2009, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been one of Universal Studios Florida’s most recognizable attractions. With its towering 90-degree vertical lift hill and non-inverted loop, the ride has made a lasting impression—sometimes for the wrong reasons. While the concept of choosing your own soundtrack added a unique twist, the coaster’s reputation has suffered over the years due to its rough ride experience and outdated technology.
Now, after 16 years of operation, UOR has received official approval to demolish the attraction, signaling the end of an era. Fans of the coaster will have until early September 2025 to experience one last ride before it permanently closes to make way for something new.
On December 23, 2024, Universal filed a permit with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) under Project P830, requesting approval for a stormwater management system covering 6.27 acres of development. This permit was officially approved on February 19, 2025.
The document states that Universal will “remove existing attraction and replace with proposed attraction,” confirming that something big is on the way. However, no official details about the new ride have been released yet.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has officially approved Universal Orlando’s Project 830 permit. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida will close in early September to make way for a new experience. – @ScottGustin on X
https://twitter.com/ScottGustin/status/1892750370192928874
Could a Fast & Furious Coaster Be on the Horizon?
One of the biggest rumors circulating among theme park enthusiasts is that Universal Orlando may finally introduce a high-speed Fast & Furious roller coaster to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. In October 2024, Universal filed another permit contracting Intamin—the same manufacturer behind the fan-favorite Jurassic World VelociCoaster—for an unspecified project. Many speculate that this could mean a new thrill ride with cutting-edge technology and high-speed launches.
If true, UOR would be following in the footsteps of Universal Studios Hollywood, where a Fast & Furious roller coaster is already under construction. Given the franchise’s high-energy action sequences and love for extreme speeds, a coaster themed around Dom Toretto’s world of street racing and heists could be the perfect fit for the park.
When it first opened, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was a groundbreaking attraction with its unique soundtrack selection and towering skyline presence. Originally, riders could choose from over 30 songs (plus a secret list of hidden tracks), but in late 2023, Universal reduced the choices to just five.
Despite its popularity, the coaster has faced criticism over the years for its rough ride experience, with many guests noting headbanging and discomfort. In recent years, Universal has focused on smoother, more immersive coaster experiences, such as the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This shift suggests that whatever replaces Rip Ride Rockit will be a major upgrade in both comfort and thrill factor.
What’s Next for Universal Studios Florida?
With UOR gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, the resort is clearly investing in major updates across all its parks. The closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is just one piece of a larger puzzle, as Universal Studios Florida continues to evolve with more innovative and immersive experiences.
