Universal Orlando Resort has been absolutely on fire lately. With Epic Universe officially open and shifting the entire resort into a new era, the energy feels fresh, daring, and unstoppable. Big expansions come with big wins, but they also force tough decisions about what stays and what quietly slips away. As Universal reshapes its identity, a few older attractions seem to be inching toward retirement. Nothing is confirmed, but the signs are hard to ignore.
Universal Orlando’s Three-Park Lineup
To understand why certain attractions feel vulnerable, it is helpful to examine how each park currently operates.
Islands of Adventure still serves as Universal’s thrill-forward zone. Guests bounce from Jurassic Park’s towering structures to Marvel Super Hero Island’s comic-book chaos to Hogsmeade’s snowy rooftops. The park built Universal’s reputation for mixing intensity with world-class storytelling.
Universal Studios Florida brings movies to life on every street. The park features Springfield, the world of Transformers, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, anchored by the Harry Potter universe. Layer in shows and street entertainment, and the entire place feels like a working studio.
Then Epic Universe arrived and reset expectations. With lands like Celestial Park and Dark Universe, the park introduced a new level of immersion and technology. When a resort makes that big leap, older attractions start facing tougher comparisons.
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride still draws healthy crowds, and the franchise continues to release new episodes. The issue isn’t popularity—it’s licensing. Disney now owns The Simpsons, and Universal’s rights to use the property reportedly end in 2028.
That looming date forces Universal to consider long-term alternatives. Springfield occupies valuable land within a park designed around cinematic worlds. As Universal tightens its movie-focused identity, The Simpsons sits in a strange space—famous, loved, but not fully aligned with the resort’s future.
That’s why fans constantly speculate about replacements. One rumor that refuses to die is the existence of a Lord of the Rings land. Middle-earth would bring massive global appeal and fit Universal’s movie theme perfectly. While nothing is confirmed, The Simpsons Ride appears to be a prime candidate for early retirement.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
If The Simpsons Ride faces a licensing challenge, Fast & Furious: Supercharged faces a simpler issue: guests really don’t like it.
The ride leaned heavily on screens from day one, which clashes with what the Fast & Furious films actually promise—speed, stunts, and chaos. Instead of high-octane thrills, the attraction delivers awkward pacing and a story that never quite gets going.
As a result, it has become one of the most criticized rides in the resort. Universal pays close attention to guest reactions, and this attraction rarely climbs anyone’s must-do list. Add in the fact that it sits on valuable property inside Universal Studios Florida, and it becomes an obvious target for a stronger, more immersive dark ride.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Over at Islands of Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a different story. People still love it—especially when the Florida heat hits hard. A soaking water ride sells itself.
The challenge comes from the theme. The attraction is based on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, a cartoon many guests have never seen. Younger visitors often assume the characters were created specifically for the ride.
As Universal refreshes older areas with recognizable franchises, Ripsaw Falls becomes harder to justify. A character like Scooby-Doo would fit Toon Lagoon perfectly, offering broad, cross-generational appeal. The splashy log flume could stay—just wrapped in a theme fans instantly recognize.
Why These Rides May Not Stick Around
The Simpsons Ride, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls represent three different pressures: licensing complications, weak guest reception, and fading IP recognition.
Epic Universe has raised the bar for the entire resort. To meet that new standard, Universal may need to phase out attractions that no longer align with the broader vision. Change can sting a little, but it often clears space for something even better.
