Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been part of the Universal Studios Florida skyline since 2009, recognizable for its towering vertical lift and pulsing soundtrack. On August 18, the roller coaster will close permanently, ending a 15-year run.
Its departure marks yet another shift for a resort that’s been reshaping itself at a rapid pace, clearing the way for new experiences driven by big-name franchises.
Universal Orlando Resort has been in the midst of an aggressive transformation. While the upcoming Epic Universe theme park is drawing most of the attention, the changes to its original two parks have been just as significant. Over the past decade, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have seen the closure of several major attractions, including Dragon Challenge, Shrek 4-D, Disaster!, and Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone.
Many of these closures were met with resistance from longtime guests. Still, Universal has made clear it’s willing to sacrifice nostalgia to make room for what it sees as higher-value replacements. That includes the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Bourne Stuntacular, DreamWorks Land, and the not-so-universally-loved Villain-Con Minion Blast.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Says Goodbye
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit first opened in 2009 with a bold hook: it was a high-speed roller coaster that let riders choose their own music. From classic rock to hip hop to secret tracks like “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog, the soundtrack became as much a part of the experience as the drops and turns.
Reaching speeds of up to 65 mph, the coaster’s signature elements—a vertical lift, a non-inverting loop, and a twisting track layout—made it visually iconic. But for some guests, the thrill came with a trade-off. Complaints about the ride’s roughness have persisted over the years, and maintenance issues were not uncommon.
Behind the scenes, rumors swirled that the attraction had become costly to maintain—not just due to hardware, but also the music licensing involved in its unique system. Though never confirmed by Universal, those reports added to the perception that Rip Ride Rockit’s time was limited.
The official closure date was moved forward earlier this year. Its last day of operation will now fall on August 18.
Eyes on the Future—and One Familiar Franchise
Universal has remained tight-lipped about what will take the coaster’s place. Still, construction walls have gone up in the surrounding area, including near the Ghostbusters firehouse façade that has stood in the park for decades.
That firehouse was once home to the Ghostbusters Spooktacular attraction, and it hasn’t been touched in years—until now. With Ghostbusters now featured in Universal’s Mega Movie Parade and CineSational lagoon show, fans are convinced the ride space could soon house a Ghostbusters-themed experience.
Guys, I think it's getting worse… 😐
byu/The_Music_Guy_2025 inUniversalOrlando
Others have floated Fast & Furious as a possibility, though the franchise already has a presence in the park. What’s notable is that Universal has already begun clearing space for the new attraction, with visible work stretching into nearby areas, including CityWalk and the plaza by Hard Rock Cafe.
The situation echoes Universal’s strategy for VelociCoaster: extensive construction done behind walls and silence until the timing was right. Whether that pattern repeats remains to be seen.
For now, the countdown is on. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit—once a bold symbol of Universal’s thrill-focused brand—has just days left to make its final drop.
Will you miss Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
