Change is a constant at Universal Orlando Resort. Since opening its doors in 1990 with Universal Studios Florida, the resort has continually evolved, adding Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the upcoming Epic Universe, set to debut in May.
While growth brings exciting additions, it often means saying goodbye to beloved attractions. Over the years, Universal has retired iconic rides such as Jaws, Back to the Future: The Ride, Kongfrontation, Twister…Ride It Out, and Earthquake: The Big One, leaving fans with memories and a longing for what once was.
Now, Universal is preparing to close another long-standing attraction. This week, it was confirmed that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a polarizing roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida, will permanently close in September 2025. Rumors have already begun circulating about potential replacements, with Ghostbusters and Back to the Future concepts leading the speculation.
However, there’s a silver lining for fans of Universal’s rides. At Islands of Adventure, Pteranodon Flyers seems poised for a long-awaited reopening.
The family-friendly ride, nestled in Jurassic Park, has been out of operation since April 2024. While no official refurbishment was announced, online chatter pointed to a mechanical issue that proved trickier to resolve than anticipated. Months of inactivity sparked concerns that the ride might never reopen.
Recently, those fears have been put to rest. Observant guests have noticed ride vehicles returning to the track, with team members reportedly undergoing training in preparation for the attraction’s comeback.
BREAKING:
After almost a year-long closure, Pteranodon Flyers inside Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando looks to be reopening very soon!
Ride vehicles are back on track and Team Members are currently training for reopening in the station!
🦖
@OrlandoAmusmnt
BREAKING:
After almost a year long closure, Pteranodon Flyers inside Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando looks to be reopening very soon!
Ride vehicles are back on track and Team Members are currently training for reopening in the station!
🦖@UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/ngkjwpln47— Orlando Amusement (@OrlandoAmusmnt) December 28, 2024
Despite the excitement, Pteranodon Flyers remains a uniquely restrictive experience. Unlike similar rides in Universal Studios Singapore and Beijing, which welcome guests of all ages, the Florida version is specifically designed for young children and their accompanying parents. Riders must meet specific height requirements, with the Universal website noting, “This ride was designed for little ones. That’s why it’s recommended that anyone taller than 56″ does not try to ride it unless they’ll be accompanying a child between 36″ and 56″.”
According to a former team member, the restriction isn’t about weight but ride capacity. The ride’s small vehicles can only accommodate six passengers at a time. Allowing larger groups in the queue can create excessive wait times and operational delays.
Universal even experimented with permitting adults to ride during designated hours, but the trial ended quickly. The resulting queues overwhelmed the Camp Jurassic area, with wait times exceeding four hours.
Have you had the chance to ride this one-of-a-kind attraction?
