Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a seismic shift in 2025, with big plans on the horizon that will forever reshape Central Florida’s theme park scene. The highly anticipated Universal’s Epic Universe is set to debut in just five months, but that’s not all—Universal has also revealed when it will say goodbye to one of its most iconic thrill rides.
Epic Universe, Universal’s brand-new park, promises to redefine what’s possible in themed entertainment. Featuring Celestial Park, Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, it’s set to become a truly immersive park. With major attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Dragon Racer’s Rally, Epic Universe will bring new thrills to a region already brimming with world-famous destinations like Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
But as Universal looks to the future, it’s also preparing to close a chapter of its past. The beloved Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Universal Studios Florida’s fan-favorite roller coaster, will officially close in September 2025 to make way for an all-new experience.
When it opened in 2009, Rip Ride Rockit was a game-changer. With its 167-foot vertical lift hill and the ability for riders to select their own soundtrack, the coaster combined cutting-edge technology with heart-pounding thrills. Over its 15-year run, it earned a reputation as one of the park’s most exciting and unique attractions, leaving a lasting impression on countless fans.
Speculation about the coaster’s future has been swirling for years, and now Universal has made it official. On December 26, a permit was filed to demolish the attraction as part of “Project 830,” described as the “removal and replacement of Rip Ride Rockit.” Details about what’s coming next remain under wraps, but we do know that Intamin, a renowned roller coaster manufacturer, is behind the new project. Intamin is also working on the How to Train Your Dragon coaster at Epic Universe and the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal’s official X (formerly Twitter) account addressed the closure, responding to a fan inquiry with this confirmation:
“Hello! Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will close in early September 2025 to make way for a new experience. More details will be available at a later date. #AskUniversal”
Hello! Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will close in early September 2025 to make way for a new experience. More details will be available at a later date. #AskUniversal
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 27, 2024
Fans of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit still have some time to experience one last ride before it’s gone. But with Universal’s track record of delivering unforgettable attractions, excitement is already building for what’s to come.
How do you feel about this major change? Let us know in the comments below!
