Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) finally removes a roller coaster after 180 months of operation, leading many to speculate what could be replacing it soon.
A Controversial Universal Ride Finally Meets Its End
For over a decade, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been one of the most polarizing attractions at Universal Studios Florida. Opening in 2009, the towering roller coaster quickly became known for its unique vertical lift hill, customizable music selection, and iconic presence in Universal’s skyline.
However, despite its innovative elements, the ride has gained a reputation for being rough, outdated, and, in the eyes of many theme park enthusiasts, one of the least enjoyable coasters in Orlando.
Frequent breakdowns, uncomfortable ride experiences, and aging technology have made Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit a prime candidate for replacement. Now, it’s official—UOR has received approval to remove the ride and construct a new attraction in its place.
What Could Be Replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has approved UOR’s permit for the demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the construction of a new ride in Universal Studios Florida. The permit, filed under Project P830, covers a 6.27-acre development and was officially approved on February 19, 2025, after being submitted on December 23, 2024.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has officially approved Universal Orlando’s Project 830 permit. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida will close in early September to make way for a new experience. – @ScottGustin on X
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has officially approved Universal Orlando's Project 830 permit. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida will close in early September to make way for a new experience. pic.twitter.com/qPcD1fu0hj
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 21, 2025
While the permit does not specify what attraction will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, it does confirm that Universal plans to “remove existing attraction and replace with proposed attraction.” UOR later announced the coaster would permanently close in early September 2025, setting the stage for an exciting new development in the park.
With the demolition of such a major attraction, the big question remains—what will take its place? Universal has been tight-lipped about specifics, but recent permits provide some intriguing clues.
In October 2024, Universal filed a permit contracting Intamin, a world-renowned roller coaster manufacturer, for an undisclosed project. Intamin is the same company behind the widely beloved Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, one of the most highly praised roller coasters in the world. This strongly suggests that the new ride replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be another high-thrill coaster designed to compete with Orlando’s growing list of world-class attractions.
A Fast & Furious Coaster in Orlando?
One of the strongest rumors circulating is that UOR could be receiving a Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster. Universal Studios Hollywood is already in the process of constructing a high-speed, drifting-style Fast & Furious coaster, and it would make sense for Orlando to follow suit. A Fast & Furious attraction on this scale would be a significant upgrade from Universal Studios Florida’s much-criticized Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride, which has been widely regarded as one of the weakest experiences in the park.
With Universal’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge attractions to its theme parks, a Fast & Furious roller coaster featuring high-speed launches, immersive storytelling, and next-level ride technology would be a perfect fit for the space currently occupied by Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
A New Era for Universal Studios Florida
Regardless of the exact replacement, one thing is certain: Universal Studios Florida is entering a new era. With the continued success of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the upcoming debut of Universal Epic Universe in 2025, and ongoing upgrades to existing lands, UOR is making major moves to solidify its reputation as a top-tier theme park destination.
The removal of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit signals that Universal is focused on improving guest experiences by replacing aging attractions with innovative, state-of-the-art rides. Whether it’s a Fast & Furious coaster or something entirely unexpected, theme park fans can expect an exciting addition to Universal Studios Florida in the coming years.
With Universal now moving forward with demolition plans, we can expect further announcements regarding the new ride in the near future. Construction could begin as early as late 2025, with a potential opening date in 2027 or 2028, depending on the scope of the project.
