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Universal Orlando Updates Fans on Exciting Ride Build Progress

Universal Orlando Resort continues to reshape its parks, and the latest update shows that more big changes are on the way. Between the excitement surrounding Epic Universe and constant developments inside the other parks, the company clearly isn’t slowing down. Now, fans are getting another preview of what the future might look like.

Universal recently confirmed new information about a major attraction currently under construction. For months, the project has been hidden behind construction walls while speculation grew about what would replace a familiar piece of the Universal Studios Florida skyline.

With construction now progressing and new aerial visuals circulating online, that mystery is beginning to fade. The attraction may still be a few years away from welcoming guests, but the latest developments offer a clearer idea of what Universal is building.

fans walk toward Universal Studios Florida archway during HHN
Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the Magic

The End of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Before the new ride could begin taking shape, Universal had to say goodbye to a long-standing roller coaster.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit once stood prominently at the front of Universal Studios Florida. For more than a decade, the coaster greeted guests as soon as they entered the park. Its towering vertical lift hill and customizable soundtrack made it one of the more distinctive thrill rides in Orlando.

However, as the years passed, the attraction began showing its age. The ride required more maintenance, and many visitors noticed it had become rougher than newer roller coasters.

Universal eventually chose to retire the attraction entirely. Crews dismantled the massive structure piece by piece, clearing the land so something new could rise in its place. Although many fans felt nostalgic as it disappeared, the change also opened the door to a more modern thrill ride near the park entrance.

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Florida
Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr

Fast & Furious Coaster Confirmed

Universal didn’t wait long to reveal what would replace the former coaster.

The company confirmed that a brand-new Fast & Furious roller coaster will occupy the same space where Rip Ride Rockit once stood. The ride is expected to share similarities with a Fast & Furious coaster currently being developed at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The franchise choice makes sense. Fast & Furious remains one of Universal’s biggest film brands, and the company has steadily expanded its presence across its theme parks.

Unlike the current Fast & Furious attraction inside Universal Studios Florida, the upcoming ride will focus on speed and physical thrills. Fast & Furious Supercharged relies heavily on screens and simulated action. At the same time, the new coaster is expected to deliver a far more adrenaline-filled experience inspired by the high-speed street racing seen in the films.

Universal Hollywood's concept art for Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster
Credit: Universal

Opening Timeline Points to 2027

Even though Rip Ride Rockit has already been removed, constructing a new roller coaster from scratch requires time.

Universal currently expects the Fast & Furious attraction to debut in 2027. The former coaster’s structure may be gone, but the site still needs a full ride system, support infrastructure, themed queue areas, and new track installation before the ride can open.

The timeline might seem long, but Universal has a reputation for moving quickly once construction ramps up. The company has completed several large attractions on tight schedules in the past.

With demolition finished and foundational work already underway, the project has clearly entered a new phase.

Aerial Footage Shows the Ride’s Growing Footprint

Some of the clearest views of the construction site have come from aerial footage captured by theme park construction tracker Bioreconstruct.

The video provides a sweeping view of the developing attraction and reveals just how large the footprint could be. When the construction zone is compared with nearby CityWalk, it becomes clear that the coaster may once again dominate the park’s skyline.

The footage even shows the Hogwarts Express paused on its tracks during maintenance while the camera passes overhead.

Several structural features stand out in the video as well. Three large concrete forms are already rising from the ground, which some observers believe could support more advanced coaster elements.

Another noticeable detail involves a straight line of footers stretching toward the area near Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. That type of layout often signals a launch section on a roller coaster.

Because the foundations appear to be positioned in multiple areas, the ride could feature several bursts of acceleration.

Hollywood’s Ride Offers Additional Clues

The Fast & Furious coaster being built at Universal Studios Hollywood may offer hints about what Orlando guests can expect.

Universal has already revealed that the ride vehicles will resemble high-performance cars from the film franchise rather than traditional coaster trains.

Even more interesting is how those vehicles move during the ride.

The cars can rotate up to 360 degrees as they travel along the track, helping simulate the drifting maneuvers that define the Fast & Furious films. Instead of facing forward the entire time, riders may experience different directions throughout the ride.

If the Orlando version includes the same technology, the attraction could feel far more dynamic than a typical launch coaster.

concept art for Universal Studios Hollywood's Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift rollercoaster
Credit: Universal

The Future of Fast & Furious Supercharged

The new coaster will celebrate the Fast & Furious franchise, but it also marks the end of another attraction tied to the series.

Fast & Furious Supercharged — sometimes called the “party bus” ride by fans — has struggled to gain widespread popularity. The screen-heavy experience often ranks near the bottom of guest ride lists at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal has confirmed that the attraction will officially close in 2027.

That closure could open the door for an entirely new experience in the large show building. Fans have suggested possible replacements such as Ghostbusters, a Back to the Future-inspired attraction, or even a retro-themed concept. Others believe the building could return to its roots as a behind-the-scenes experience similar to the classic Earthquake attraction.

Fast and Furious: Supercharged ride in Universal Studios Florida
Credit: Universal

Universal Studios Florida Is Entering a New Chapter

The removal of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit signaled the end of one era for Universal Studios Florida.

At the same time, it created the opportunity for something much bigger.

With a new Fast & Furious coaster already rising from the ground, Universal appears ready to introduce another major thrill ride to its lineup.

The attraction may not open until 2027, but the construction progress already hints at a massive addition to the park.

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