The iconic Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster will close in September 2025 to make way for a new attraction, Universal Studios Florida announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Universal has not yet revealed what will replace it but confirmed more details will be shared at a later date.
Newsweek has contacted Universal Studios via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, near the park's entrance, has greeted Universal Studios guests for more than a decade.
The ride is known for its steep vertical drop and customizable soundtrack, with visitors able to select a song from a series of pre-selected genres.
What To Know
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit first opened on August 19, 2009. It has a 167-foot vertical lift, a top speed of 65 mph, and customizable ride soundtrack. Riders can choose songs from various genres, including classic rock, pop and rap.
On December 23, Universal filed permits with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for the ride's removal.
The documents show plans for new structures, including two large buildings, one of which will occupy part of the current queue for the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon ride.
You can see the documents in full here:
Intamin, a well-known roller coaster manufacturer, has been selected as the contractor for the replacement ride. The company is working on several projects, including the How to Train Your Dragon-themed coaster at Epic Universe and the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The ride has faced technical issues over the years. In 2013, a malfunction left 12 passengers stranded high in the air for three hours before they could be rescued. Similar incidents occurred in 2019, when the guest had to be rescued by a bucket lift, and on Thanksgiving 2023, when riders were stuck in a vertical position for nearly an hour.
In early 2024, a Florida couple accused Universal Studios of being responsible for a"traumatic brain injury" suffered on the roller coaster. The ride has also been the subject of a lawsuit, with one plaintiff alleging a brain injury from the experience.
What People Are Saying
Universal Orlando Resort, via its X account: "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."
What Happens Next
Universal Orlando Resort will likely announce additional details about the new attraction in early 2025 as permits await approval. Visitors still have until September 2025 to ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit before its closure.
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