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Universal Orlando Resort is home to two different theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Each Universal Park is full of classic attractions, delighting guests of all ages, similar to Walt Disney World.
But one of the major differences between Universal Orlando Resort and its biggest competitor, Walt Disney World Resort, is that Universal offers incredibly thrilling attractions in addition to its arsenal of traditional dark rides.
Credit: Discover Universal
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Islands of Adventure boasts the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Universal Studios Florida offers guests Revenge of the Mummy and one of the theme park’s most iconic roller coaster attractions, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
More On Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit…
Credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
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Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit first debuted in 2009, and it’s been delighting guests ever since. Undoubtedly, this roller coaster is the most intense thrill ride in Universal Studios Florida, even nearly 15 years later. The attraction touches the sky at 167 feet tall and reaches top speeds of 65 miles per hour, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Reportedly, it’s also the largest coaster of its kind built by its manufacturer (Maurer Söhne).
Needless to say, this is a fan-favorite among guests. But despite this attraction’s long-standing popularity, a massive change may be coming.
Change May Be Coming to Universal Studios…
Credit: Universal
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For one thing, the roller coaster’s wear and tear has become noticeable to riders, and the experience is no longer as comfortable as it used to be. According to recent guest reports, the roller coaster is no longer a smooth ride and is now incredibly bumpy, making for sore riders.
Credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
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For another, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has already reached old age for Universal roller coaster standards. The attraction first opened in 2009, making it almost 15 years old. Universal Orlando Resort’s last outdoor coaster (Dragon Challenge) only made it to 18 years old before it was entirely replaced.
Credit: Universal
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If an attraction as popular as Dueling Dragons/Dragon Challenge can be entirely dismantled and replaced with something new, who’s to say that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit isn’t up next? With the vacation resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, currently in the works, we feel confident in saying that this beloved coaster is still safe…for now.
But once Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming theme park opens, we wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s days are numbered…
At this point, this is all speculation! But it doesn’t hurt to make extra time for this roller coaster on your next visit to Universal Studios Florida.
We want to hear from our readers! What would you like to see in place of Universal Studios’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit? Let Disney Dining know in the comments below.
