Months before the grand opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort is facing a lawsuit from a woman who claims she suffered traumatic injuries on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. This is the most recent of many lawsuits about the Universal Studios Florida roller coaster, which is scheduled to close this December.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opened in the Production Central area of Universal Studios Florida in 2009. The roller coaster is an iconic part of the theme park’s skyline, featuring a 167-foot tall lift hill. The thrill ride has become a fan-favorite for its customizable soundtrack and on-ride video recording system.
Unfortunately, many guests have been injured on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit over the years. In 2013, the ride closed early after a woman was injured. Another woman settled a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort last year after she alleged injuries from her head “violently shaking” on the roller coaster.
The same lawyer who represented that guest is now representing Yolian Vargas Velez, a woman who alleges she suffered traumatic brain and multiple disc injuries on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in 2024. The lawsuit, filed this month, reads:
”While riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Yolian Vargas Velez experienced the roller coaster’s unreasonably violent movements and unreasonably dangerous acceleration and gravitational forces, which, in turn caused (her) head to shake violently and strike forcefully against her seat’s headrest.”
The lawsuit accuses Universal Orlando Resort of operating a dangerous ride and not providing adequate safety restraints for a coaster that goes 65 mph. “This roller coaster’s only restraint is a lap-bar,” it reads.
Vargas Velez’s attorney, Justin Bailey, recently spoke to WDWNT about the case. He explained that his client tried to report her injuries to Universal Team Members but struggled because her first language isn’t English.
“As soon as she was off, she started experiencing symptoms consistent with brain injury: Nausea, dizziness, photophobia,” Bailey said. “She also felt pain in her neck, pain in her head, and eventually she passed out.”
Vargas Velez returned to her room at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, where she called the front desk and requested medical assistance.
“There was some medical practitioner sent up to her room,” Bailey said. “She left the next day.”
When the guest returned home to Puerto Rico, she was diagnosed with “traumatic brain injury and multiple disc injuries to her cervical spine.” She still suffers from vertigo, severe mood swings, and radiating pain in her neck. Vargas Velez is seeing a neurosurgeon, but her prognosis is unknown because she’s still experiencing symptoms.
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t commented publicly on Vargas Velez’s lawsuit.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is scheduled to close in December 2025 to make way for a new experience. Rumors have swirled about a new coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida, but the theme park has yet to confirm the attraction’s replacement.
Does this lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort have merit? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
