Universal Orlando Resort has been making big moves lately, and the latest development shows the momentum isn’t slowing down. As excitement around Epic Universe continues to build, Universal is also quietly transforming parts of its other parks.
One of the most noticeable projects is unfolding inside Universal Studios Florida. Construction crews have been hard at work behind the scenes, and recent updates are beginning to reveal what the park’s next major attraction could look like.
Although the ride is still a few years away from opening, the newest information is giving fans their clearest look yet at what’s coming.
Rip Ride Rockit Leaves the Skyline
The story of this new coaster begins with the removal of a longtime park icon.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit stood near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida for well over a decade. Its towering lift hill and onboard music selection made it one of the most recognizable roller coasters in the park.
Guests could choose their own soundtrack before boarding, which helped give the ride a unique identity among Orlando’s many thrill attractions.
However, as newer coasters appeared across the theme park industry, the ride gradually began to feel dated. Maintenance demands increased, and many riders felt the experience had become rough over time.
Universal eventually decided to close the attraction permanently. Crews dismantled the massive steel structure, clearing the land for a completely new project.
A Fast & Furious Coaster Takes Its Place
Once Rip Ride Rockit disappeared, fans began wondering what Universal would build in its place.
The company soon confirmed that a Fast & Furious roller coaster would rise on the site. The attraction is expected to resemble the Fast & Furious coaster currently under development at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The franchise is an obvious choice for a high-speed thrill ride. Fast & Furious remains one of Universal’s most recognizable film brands, known for its street racing action and explosive stunts.
Unlike Fast & Furious Supercharged — the screen-based attraction already inside Universal Studios Florida — the new ride will deliver a physical roller coaster experience focused on speed and adrenaline.
Construction Aims Toward a 2027 Opening
Even though the previous coaster has already been removed, building a completely new attraction takes time.
Universal expects the Fast & Furious coaster to open in 2027. Crews still need to construct an entirely new ride system, including its track, support structures, and themed environments.
The project may take several years, but Universal has built a reputation for completing large-scale attractions quickly once work ramps up.
With demolition finished and new foundations appearing across the site, the ride’s next stage of construction is clearly underway.
New Footage Reveals the Ride’s Size
Aerial footage from construction tracker Bioreconstruct has provided a closer look at how the project is progressing.
The video shows the full construction area and offers a sense of how large the new coaster could become. When viewed alongside nearby CityWalk, the ride’s footprint suggests it could once again dominate the park’s skyline.
The footage even captures the Hogwarts Express paused during maintenance as the camera passes overhead.
Several interesting construction features appear throughout the site. Three large concrete structures are rising from the ground, which could eventually support major ride elements.
Elsewhere, a straight line of foundations extends toward Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. That type of layout often signals a launch section on a roller coaster.
Because these footers appear in more than one location, the ride could potentially include multiple launches.
Aerial video of current construction of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster in Universal Studios Florida.
At the end is a glimpse of Hogwarts Express. Stopped on tracks during scheduled maintenance. pic.twitter.com/wEOGIeWnfQ
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
Hollywood’s Coaster Provides a Preview
While Orlando’s version remains under construction, the Hollywood version of the ride has already revealed a few details.
Universal has shown that the coaster vehicles will resemble sleek race cars from the Fast & Furious films.
The vehicles also feature a unique movement system.
They can rotate up to 360 degrees as the coaster travels along the track, allowing riders to spin as the coaster races forward. The movement helps recreate the drifting action that plays such a major role in the movies.
If Orlando receives the same technology, the ride could deliver a much more dynamic experience than traditional coasters.
Supercharged Will Close in 2027
The arrival of the new coaster also means another attraction tied to the franchise will eventually disappear.
Fast & Furious Supercharged has often received mixed reviews from guests, with many feeling the screen-heavy ride doesn’t live up to the films’ excitement.
Universal has confirmed that the attraction will officially close in 2027.
Once that happens, the large show building could become the home of a completely new experience. Fans have already suggested several possibilities, including Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, or even a retro-themed attraction. Others believe Universal might bring back a behind-the-scenes concept similar to the classic Earthquake attraction.
Universal Studios Florida Continues to Evolve
The disappearance of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit marked a major change for Universal Studios Florida.
But it also created the opportunity to introduce a new generation of thrills.
With a Fast & Furious coaster now rising in its place, the park is preparing for another major addition.
The ride may still be a few years away, but construction progress already shows that Universal is building something big.
