Universal Studios Is Demolishing One Of Its Most Popular Roller Coasters!

For decades, Walt Disney World Resort was THE place to vacation in Florida. In fact, it was one of the top theme park destinations in the world. Even when Universal Studios opened just twenty minutes down the road in 1990, it still couldn’t compete with the popularity that Walt Disney World had. But that didn’t discourage Universal, it actually seemed to make them try harder.

Nine years after Universal Studios Florida opened, a second theme park at the resort opened — Islands of Adventure. The new park was full of exciting roller coasters, incredible themed lands, and more. But Universal wasn’t done striving to be the best and become big competition for the Mouse House.

A wide shot of the Hulk Coaster and Suess Landing inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort — Credit: Universal

In 2009, a new roller coaster opened at Universal Studios Florida (the original theme park) that was unlike anything that could be found in Central Florida.

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit took guests on a thrilling, high-speed trip while they listened to a specific song that they could pick for their individual seats! The ride started out by taking guests 167 feet into the air while they lay flat on their backs, a scary but exhilarating experience.

Although the attraction is more than 15 years old, it is still extremely popular. However, many guests can’t ride it due to the size limits.

A group of people walking down a street next to a palm tree — Credit: Inside The Magic

Sadly, fans of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will soon lose the chance to ride the beloved attraction.

On December 26, it was revealed that Universal had filed a permit to demolish the roller coaster and replace it with a “proposed attraction.” We do not know what the proposed attraction will be, how long it will take to build, or when guests can expect to ride the new attraction.

Universal has filed plans with the SFWMD for Project 830, the removal and replacement of Rip Ride Rockit.

Universal has filed plans with the SFWMD for Project 830, the removal and replacement of Rip Ride Rockit. pic.twitter.com/sBBsh7WGCB

— Behind the Thrills (@BehindThrills) December 26, 2024

For many, the closure announcement did not come as a complete surprise. Rumors of the ride’s closure have been circulating for several years. However, this permit is the first piece of proof that we have that Universal has been planning to close the attraction for quite a while.

As stated above, we do not know what attraction will replace the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, but it looks like it might be another exciting roller coaster.

According to the paperwork, once the Rip Rockit is torn down, roller coaster manufacturer Intamin will work on the new ride.

The "Notice of Commencement" from Orange County, Florida, includes permit details, contractor info, and sections for owner and lessee signatures. Reminiscent of the thrill at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Universal, both text and handwriting are prominently visible throughout the document. — Credit: Notary Public of Florida

This upcoming project will not be the first time that Universal has worked with the Swiss roller coaster company.

Intamin is currently working on completing two roller coasters for Universal — the How To Train Your Dragon (2010)-themed roller coaster for Epic Universe, as well as the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025, and the Isle of Berk roller coaster is expected to open with it. Construction began on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift began in July 2023, and the ride is expected to open sometime in 2026.

Are you sad to hear about the destruction of Universal’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit? Was it a must-ride or something skippable when you visited the parks? Let us know in the comments!