For over 15 years, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been an unmistakable part of Universal Studios Florida’s skyline, its towering vertical lift and non-inverted loop serving as a thrilling beacon for adrenaline junkies.
But now, its days are numbered. As Universal prepares to say goodbye to this high-energy coaster, a recently filed permit suggests something even bigger—and possibly more immersive—is on the way.
Could Universal be planning an indoor roller coaster or a high-tech, next-generation thrill ride? Let’s break down what we know.
A New Universal Era Begins—But What’s Coming?
Universal Orlando Resort has officially filed a permit with the City of Orlando for a new construction project at 5900 Universal Blvd—an address that directly aligns with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The permit lists a “New 2-story 39,036 SF (gross) facility” among other key infrastructure details, including stormwater management, sanitary systems, and fire suppression. The expiration date on the permit is set for September 22, 2025, but actual construction could extend well beyond that.
The most intriguing aspect? The mention of a two-story structure. This suggests a significant shift in attraction design compared to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which was an entirely outdoor coaster. A multi-level facility raises possibilities of an enclosed experience—perhaps an indoor roller coaster, a hybrid attraction that moves in and out of the building, or even a dark ride incorporating thrilling coaster elements.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which opened in 2009, has been a fan favorite for years, offering riders the chance to select their own soundtrack as they soared through the park. However, in recent years, the attraction has faced maintenance challenges and reduced song selections. In September 2023, the list of available songs was slashed to just five, a stark contrast to the once-extensive catalog that even included hidden tracks for those in the know. Now, with the official closure set for early September 2025, Universal is making way for a modern replacement.
What This Means for Universal’s Future
Universal’s intention to remove the coaster was first reported by Inside The Magic over a year ago when rumors of its closure began circulating. In October 2024, Universal filed a permit with coaster manufacturer Intamin, the company behind Jurassic World VelociCoaster. While details remain scarce, many speculate that Intamin could be designing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s successor.
Universal Orlando has been rapidly evolving, with massive projects like Epic Universe on the horizon. While most of the focus has been on Universal’s new theme park opening in 2025, the company is clearly still investing in its flagship resort. A high-tech thrill ride replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit would not only refresh the skyline of Universal Studios Florida but could also set a new standard for coaster experiences at the park.
Could Universal be working on a cutting-edge indoor coaster similar to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT? Or will they introduce a hybrid coaster that combines high-speed thrills with immersive storytelling? Given the park’s recent success with VelociCoaster, expectations are high for whatever comes next.
What’s Next for Universal Studios Florida?
As of now, Universal has yet to announce official details regarding the new attraction. With Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit scheduled to close in early September and demolition permits already in place, we can expect more news in the coming months.
Until then, fans have a few more months to take one last ride on the iconic coaster before it becomes a part of Universal’s history.
Stay tuned for updates as Universal continues to transform its parks—and let us know in the comments what you hope to see in Rip Ride Rockit’s place!
