Guests Are Celebrating a Shocking Universal Orlando Change Years in the Making

The magic of a theme park isn’t just about rides and shows—it’s about memories. For decades, Universal Studios Florida has been a place where guests return year after year, chasing nostalgia while eagerly awaiting whatever bold new experience might come next. From groundbreaking roller coasters to immersive lands tied to beloved franchises, the Walt Disney Company and Universal Orlando Resort have long been locked in a friendly rivalry to outdo each other in innovation.

But every so often, the magic shifts. An attraction that once promised thrills starts to feel dated. A corner of the park that once buzzed with excitement becomes quieter, filled more with jokes than joy. And slowly, almost inevitably, whispers begin to circulate online: Is something finally changing?

Over the last year, those whispers grew louder around one very specific part of Universal Studios Florida. Fans noticed construction walls. Permits surfaced. Social media accounts dissected every photo, every rumor, every cryptic hint. Something big was clearly coming—but Universal wasn’t saying much.

A Change Guests Have Been Quietly Hoping For

Universal Orlando Resort is no stranger to reinvention. The park has undergone dramatic transformations over the years, from the closure of Jaws to the birth of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Each change comes with heartbreak and excitement, often in equal measure.

But this time, the emotional tone online felt different.

On X (formerly Twitter), longtime passholders posted hopeful messages about a long-awaited upgrade. Reddit threads filled with speculation about new coaster technology, possible franchises, and whether Universal was finally ready to address what many fans called the park’s weakest link. TikTok creators teased aerial shots of construction zones, urging followers to “stay tuned.”

There was a shared sense of anticipation—and relief.

The Rumors That Refused to Go Away

Ever since Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit quietly shut down last year, fans have been convinced that Universal had something massive planned for its footprint. The towering red coaster had become a skyline icon for Universal Studios Florida, but it was also notorious for rough rides, frequent breakdowns, and growing maintenance issues.

At the same time, another attraction nearby had become a lightning rod for criticism: Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Often labeled by fans as one of the worst rides in Universal’s history, the screen-heavy attraction struggled to live up to the adrenaline-fueled franchise it was based on.

As permits appeared and insider chatter grew louder, many suspected a bold reimagining was finally on the way.

A Franchise That’s Too Big to Ignore

Whether you love or loathe the Fast & Furious movies, there’s no denying the franchise’s global impact. What began as a street-racing film in 2001 evolved into a billion-dollar action saga, known for outrageous stunts, high-speed chases, and a loyal fanbase.

Universal has always believed in the franchise’s theme park potential. But for years, fans argued that Supercharged simply didn’t deliver the thrill factor the movies promised.

So when rumors suggested Universal might double down on Fast & Furious—this time with a true coaster experience—many guests were cautiously optimistic.

The Reveal Fans Have Been Waiting For

Now, the rumors are officially true.

Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is racing into Universal Studios Florida in 2027. The high-speed coaster will feature 360-degree drifting vehicles and a dramatic 170-foot vertical spike, promising a radically different experience from anything currently in the park.

NEW: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is officially racing into Universal Studios Florida in 2027. The high-speed coaster will feature 360-degree drifting vehicles and a 170-foot vertical spike, opening next year on the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit site. – @ScottGustin on X

NEW: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is officially racing into Universal Studios Florida in 2027. The high-speed coaster will feature 360-degree drifting vehicles and a 170-foot vertical spike, opening next year on the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit site. pic.twitter.com/wE2QWMfCxk

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) January 20, 2026

The attraction will rise on the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit site, marking a complete transformation of that area of the park. According to early details, guests can expect a coaster that simulates high-speed drifting, sharp turns, and gravity-defying moments inspired by the franchise’s most iconic chase scenes.

Get ready for high-speed, high-octane thrills on the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, coming 2027 to Universal Orlando Resort. – @UniversalORL on X

Get ready for high-speed, high-octane thrills on the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, coming 2027 to Universal Orlando Resort. @TheFastSaga pic.twitter.com/AwCtr3cACj

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 20, 2026

Even more significantly, Universal has also confirmed that Fast & Furious – Supercharged will close in 2027, officially ending what many fans have dubbed “the worst ride in Universal history.”

With the arrival of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027, Universal Orlando announced. – @AshleyLCarter1 on X

With the arrival of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027, Universal Orlando announced. pic.twitter.com/NznXuKCrSl

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) January 20, 2026

While Universal hasn’t revealed additional story details or ride footage yet, the announcement alone has sent shockwaves through the fandom.

Fans Are Heartbroken… and Thrilled

Reactions across X, Reddit, and theme park forums have been intense.

“About time,” one Reddit user wrote. “Supercharged was embarrassing. This sounds like the coaster we deserved from day one.”

Others expressed bittersweet feelings about Rip Ride Rockit’s legacy. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was iconic,” one fan posted. “Still, I’d trade it in a heartbeat for a modern coaster with drifting vehicles.”

Theme park influencers have already begun calling Hollywood Drift a potential game-changer for Universal Studios Florida—especially as the park competes with major upcoming expansions at Walt Disney World and Epic Universe.

What This Means for Future Universal Trips

For travelers planning Universal Orlando vacations in the next few years, this announcement reshapes expectations.

The closure of Fast & Furious – Supercharged in 2027 clears space for something far more ambitious, while Hollywood Drift positions Universal Studios Florida for a fresh era of thrill rides. Combined with Epic Universe’s opening and ongoing park upgrades, Universal is clearly signaling that it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

At this time, Universal has not revealed a precise opening date or additional ride details, but more information is expected in the coming months.

One thing is certain: this is the end of an era—and the beginning of something much faster.

Are you excited about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift? Or will you miss Rip Ride Rockit despite its flaws? Let us know what you think.