Something strange happened at Universal Orlando Resort this week. Guests arriving for a day at the parks discovered that an entire area had suddenly been blocked off. The spot was open and bustling — now hidden behind towering construction walls.
There was no heads-up from the resort, no explanation, and no signs telling guests what to expect. The result? A flood of speculation from both locals and vacationers, wondering what might be in store.
Construction Projects Stacking Up
This surprise is only one of several hefty changes happening right now. In Universal Studios Florida, the well-known Ghostbusters firehouse facade is surrounded by fresh construction walls. Longtime fans instantly recognized the building and guessed it could be part of a new Ghostbusters-themed attraction. Universal, of course, isn’t confirming anything yet.
Elsewhere in the parks, the maintenance calendar is filling fast:
Skull Island: Reign of Kong – A dark ride through a prehistoric jungle full of oversized creatures and a face-to-face moment with King Kong. (August 20 – September 3, 2025)
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – Cartoon chaos meets water ride thrills, ending with a huge drop that drenches riders. (October 6 – 31, 2025)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Inside Hogwarts Castle, guests soar past dragons, dodge Dementors, and chase the Golden Snitch. (November 10 – 20, 2025)
The shocker for many fans is the permanent closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit on August 18. The coaster’s unique music-pick feature made it a favorite, and rumors suggest its replacement could be tied to Fast & Furious — or even the Ghostbusters concept floating around.
CityWalk’s Role in the Mystery
Universal CityWalk, the resort’s lively shopping and dining district, is more than just a place to grab a meal or souvenir — it’s the central pathway between the parking areas and the parks. That’s why changes here make such an impact.
A photo posted to X by @bioreconstruct revealed new construction walls just outside the Studios exit, near Rip Ride Rockit. Given CityWalk’s heavy foot traffic, even a small reconfiguration could significantly change the guest flow.
What Could Be Happening?
The most popular theory is that Universal is carving out a new walkway to handle the increasing number of visitors. With Rockit preparing for shutdown, it would be the perfect time to rework the layout.
For now, guests just see a wall — and many unanswered questions.
Change is Afoot
Universal Orlando Resort has never been shy about reinventing itself. With Epic Universe drawing crowds, multiple refurbishments in progress, and mystery projects underway, it’s clear that the resort is building toward its next big reveal. Whether that means a Ghostbusters revival, a smoother CityWalk entrance, or something entirely off the radar, this sudden closure may be the start of something much bigger.
