Universal Orlando Resort has been making changes lately that don’t feel normal, even by theme park standards. This isn’t the usual cycle of a quick refurbishment or a seasonal offering. These are significant decisions that permanently reshape what guests see the moment they walk into the parks.
And right now, Universal Studios Florida feels like it’s in the middle of a complete reset. Demolition is actively underway, and Universal isn’t dragging it out. Steel is disappearing, dirt is moving, and fans are watching every update like it’s a clue about what’s coming next.
Universal isn’t just making upgrades anymore. It’s tearing down something huge and replacing it with a new centerpiece.
Universal Studios Florida Is Changing Fast
Universal Studios Florida has always been the park with the strongest “classic” identity. It’s built around Hollywood energy, movie sets, and blockbuster thrills. Even after years of expansions, it still feels like the park that represents Universal’s roots.
But Universal has never been afraid to reinvent itself. That’s why this moment feels so extreme. Universal isn’t slowly phasing out one ride at a time. It’s clearing space aggressively, almost like it wants to reshape the park’s future layout in one major sweep.
And it started by taking down one of the most recognizable icons in the entire resort.
Saying Goodbye to Rip Ride Rockit
For more than a decade, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was one of the most recognizable landmarks in Universal Studios Florida. Guests could spot it almost immediately after entering, and its towering lift hill dominated the skyline.
It also split opinions. Some guests loved the thrill and the music, which made every ride feel different. Others felt the coaster became rough over time and stopped being worth the wait.
But whether guests loved it or avoided it, Rip Ride Rockit was always part of the conversation. It was a ride you could point to from almost anywhere.
Universal permanently closed Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in August 2025.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Is Official
Once Rip Ride Rockit shut down, rumors spread fast. Fans knew Universal wouldn’t remove something that massive without already having a replacement plan locked in.
Now, Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will take Rip Ride Rockit’s place. This isn’t just a new coaster announcement. It’s Universal betting heavily on one of its biggest franchises.
And that’s a bold move, because Fast & Furious comes with pressure. Fans have spent years criticizing Fast & Furious Supercharged, arguing it never delivered the thrill the franchise deserved.
Universal clearly knows it has something to prove.
Demolition Has Already Changed the Skyline
Universal moved quickly into demolition. Rip Ride Rockit didn’t sit untouched behind construction walls for months. Universal began dismantling it almost immediately, and large portions of the structure have already been removed.
That speed has already changed the park’s skyline. Guests returning to Universal Studios Florida can tell something huge is missing the moment they walk in. The area feels wider, emptier, and unfinished.
Universal is clearing the land fast because it wants the next phase to move as soon as possible. This isn’t a slow project. It’s a rapid transformation.
Universal Is Targeting a 2027 Opening
Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is scheduled to open in 2027. That timeline suggests Universal isn’t building a small replacement or a quick drop-in attraction.
Universal is building something significant. A 2027 opening date means guests will likely deal with construction walls and equipment for a long time.
But it also signals that Universal is investing heavily in the future of Universal Studios Florida. This isn’t just a refresh. It’s a major rebuild that will reshape the park for years to come.
The Area Has Been Completely Cleared
New construction photos suggest Universal has already cleared much of the former Rip Ride Rockit area, leaving wide-open space where the coaster once stood. With the steel removed, the footprint looks much larger than many guests realized.
Even more interesting, the photos suggest new foundations may already be in place. That means Universal isn’t just demolishing anymore. It’s already moving into early groundwork.
The project appears to be moving faster than many expected, and that has only fueled even more excitement and speculation.
Construction Is Expanding Behind Jimmy Fallon
Fans have also noticed activity behind Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. The work appears to be connected to the larger coaster project, suggesting that Universal may be reshaping more than just the former Rip Ride Rockit plot.
Universal Studios Florida doesn’t have endless space, so major builds often require backstage restructuring. The work behind Jimmy Fallon could mean Universal is rerouting access roads, adjusting infrastructure, or expanding the project footprint.
Even if Hollywood Drift stays mainly in the same zone, this still suggests Universal is changing an entire section of the park.
Aerial photos of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift construction behind the Jimmy Fallon ride. pic.twitter.com/Bvo0QQBTyQ
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) January 31, 2026
Fast & Furious Supercharged Will Also Close
Universal’s changes don’t stop with Rip Ride Rockit. Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious Supercharged will close in 2027, further fueling speculation.
Supercharged has been one of Universal’s most criticized attractions for years. Many guests felt it never delivered the thrill or immersion the Fast & Furious franchise deserved.
Now, Universal is officially preparing to move on, and that closure creates a significant opportunity. If Universal is willing to replace Supercharged, fans expect something bigger and better to take its place eventually.
Fans Are Already Guessing What’s Next
As soon as the Supercharged closure was confirmed, rumors started spreading fast. Many fans believe Universal could replace the attraction with a Ghostbusters dark ride, especially with the franchise’s strong presence at Halloween Horror Nights. Others have suggested themes like Twisters or The Fall Guy, though nothing has been confirmed.
Still, the bigger picture is obvious. Universal hasn’t just removed Rip Ride Rockit. It has started a complete rebuild of Universal Studios Florida. With Hollywood Drift set for 2027 and Supercharged also closing that year, Universal is clearing the board for a new era.
