Universal Prepares to Kill Off a Widely Hated Attraction to Make Room for a Massive New Coaster

Universal Orlando might finally be giving Fast & Furious the love it deserves.

‘Fast & Furious’ To Be Given Love It Deserves at Universal Orlando

For generations, theme parks have thrived on anticipation. Guests don’t just visit places like Universal Orlando Resort for rides—they come for the promise of what’s next. The idea that around any corner, behind any construction wall, the future of the park might be taking shape. It’s that sense of evolving magic that keeps fans watching every announcement, every permit filing, and every cryptic post.

Lately, that anticipation has reached a fever pitch. Universal’s fanbase—one of the most engaged and vocal in the theme park world—has been on edge, sensing that something big is coming to Universal Studios Florida. With major construction underway and several long-running attractions already gone, the park feels like it’s holding its breath.

Then, without warning, Universal posted something that sent shockwaves through the fandom.

On the surface, it was simple. No press release. No explanation. Just a graphic shared on Universal’s official social media channels: a speedometer, its needle climbing higher and higher. Below it, an odometer ticking upward—until it landed on a very specific number: 012026. January 2026.

Almost immediately, fans began asking the same question: What does it mean?

A Cryptic Image Has Fans Searching for Meaning

Theme park fans are trained observers. Years of deciphering teaser campaigns and construction clues have turned casual guests into amateur detectives, and this time was no different. The speedometer imagery felt deliberate—evoking motion, momentum, and perhaps even a certain high-octane franchise long associated with cars and speed.

Universal offered no clarification, allowing speculation to spiral across platforms. Was this a countdown? A reopening? Or something more permanent?

What made the teaser especially striking was its timing. Universal has been unusually quiet about several ongoing projects, even as visible changes continue behind the scenes. For many fans, this silence only added fuel to the fire.

A Controversial Attraction That Never Won Over Fans

To understand why this teaser struck such a nerve, you have to look at one particular attraction—and its reputation. Few rides in modern theme park history have sparked as much disappointment as Fast & Furious Supercharged.

Introduced as a major addition tied to a massively popular film franchise, the ride was meant to be a crowd-pleaser. Instead, it quickly became one of the most criticized attractions in the park. Guests complained about its lack of thrills, reliance on screens, and mismatch between the Fast & Furious brand and the actual experience.

Over the years, it’s routinely been labeled “the worst attraction” at Universal Orlando—sometimes even beyond. Despite the enduring popularity of the films, the ride itself never found redemption in the eyes of fans.

That context matters. Because when Universal hints at speed, cars, and a specific future date, many immediately think of one thing: change.

Construction, Closures, and a Park in Transition

Universal Studios Florida is no stranger to reinvention. Attractions come and go, often making way for larger, more technologically ambitious experiences. Recently, the park has seen the closure of Rip Ride Rockit, with construction crews now working day and night on a confirmed new roller coaster project—though details remain tightly under wraps.

At the same time, the Fast & Furious franchise itself is entering a pivotal moment, with the final film still in development. The brand remains valuable. The ride? Less so.

This brings us back to that teaser—and what many believe is the real story.

What Universal May Be Hinting At With That Date

Around the halfway point of the speculation cycle, a dominant theory emerged: Fast & Furious Supercharged may be closing permanently, potentially as early as January 20, 2026.

01.20.26 – @UniversalORL on X

01.20.26 pic.twitter.com/Nlm8k1ENwX

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 17, 2026

Even more intriguing, fans have pointed to developments on the West Coast. Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing to debut Hollywood Drift, a high-speed Fast & Furious–themed roller coaster designed to deliver the adrenaline rush guests have long wanted.

The idea? Retire the widely disliked Orlando version and replace it with something worthy of the franchise—finally giving the IP the thrill ride treatment it deserves.

To be clear, Universal has not confirmed any of this. But the pieces line up in a way that feels intentional.

Related: Tragedy Strikes Universal Orlando After Woman Dies While Riding Indoor Roller Coaster

Fans Are Already Debating What Comes Next

Across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and fan forums, reactions have been intense. Some guests say they’ll be relieved to see Supercharged go, calling it “long overdue.” Others are cautiously optimistic, hoping Universal doesn’t abandon the franchise entirely—but instead reinvents it properly.

There’s also a sense that this could signal a broader shift in how Universal approaches aging attractions, especially as competition with Disney—and even The Walt Disney Company—continues to intensify.

For future travelers, the implications are big. A permanent closure could reshape crowd flow, alter ride lineups, and mark another major turning point for Universal Studios Florida.

But until Universal speaks up, all eyes remain on that speedometer—and that date.

What do you think Universal is planning? Is this the end of an era, or the start of something far better?