Credit: Sony PicturesFor years, Universal fans have been asking the same question: When are we finally getting a Ghostbusters ride? The franchise has lived at the parks in small ways—stage shows in the ’90s, a firehouse facade tucked away on the streets of Universal Studios Florida—but never as a major, must-do attraction.
Now, after months of speculation, Universal may have just pulled the trigger on a project that has fans buzzing. The next step came with a closure that surprised many, and it just might allow Ghostbusters to finally claim the spotlight.
Why Ghostbusters Is a Perfect Fit
Few movie franchises carry the same mix of nostalgia and modern energy as Ghostbusters. The original films from the 1980s became instant pop culture icons, thanks to their blend of comedy, supernatural thrills, and a team of unlikely heroes who knew how to “bust” ghosts in style.
Fast-forward to the 2020s, and the franchise has found new life. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) rekindled fan passion, while Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) reminded Hollywood that this IP still has legs with younger audiences.
Kids and parents alike know the Ecto-1, the proton packs, and, of course, Slimer. It’s a franchise built on humor, spectacle, and significant visual moments—everything that works perfectly for a theme park ride.
Universal’s Expansion Push
Epic Universe may be Universal’s shiny new crown jewel, but that doesn’t mean Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida are being ignored. Both parks are due for major updates, and Universal is clearly willing to invest big money in freshening up older spaces.
That’s why the speculation feels so real right now. Ghostbusters is an IP waiting for a proper ride, and Universal Studios Orlando could use a crowd-pulling attraction that blends old-school charm with modern thrills.
The Big Hint: An Old Attraction Says Goodbye
The clearest clue yet arrived on August 18, 2025. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the towering roller coaster that dominated the front of Universal Studios Florida since 2009, officially closed for good.
Rockit was an unforgettable experience for those who rode it: a vertical lift hill that sent you soaring into a twisting track while your chosen soundtrack blasted in your ears. It was sleek, it was loud, and it was unique. But it was also infamous for downtime, rough rides, and long stretches where it felt like a maintenance headache for Universal.
With the coaster gone, a massive footprint sits in the middle of the park. Fans immediately started speculating: could this be the long-awaited home for a Ghostbusters attraction?
Adding fuel to the fire, the Ghostbusters firehouse structure that construction walls recently covered up the coaster glides through. The library from the movie has also been closed off with construction walls. Another coincidence—or another hint?
Possible Rethemes on the Table
Of course, Universal has options. The most straightforward path would be to retheme the existing coaster. One idea floated by fans is a Fast & Furious overlay.
Universal Studios Hollywood already has a Fast & Furious ride, and the franchise is still known worldwide for its action-packed sequences and adrenaline-fueled stunts. A retheme would make sense: swap the soundtrack system for roaring engines, and you’ve got a new coat of paint on an old favorite.
But here’s the problem—fans aren’t exactly clamoring for more Fast & Furious. After the mixed reception of Fast & Furious: Supercharged, many visitors feel the franchise has already been overrepresented in Orlando. The thought of another iteration doesn’t exactly inspire excitement.
That’s why so many are crossing their fingers for something more original. Something with slime, ghost traps, and Stay Puft stomping through the skyline.
Ghostbusters as a Coaster
One option would be to retheme Rockit into a Ghostbusters coaster. Imagine strapping in as proton beams flash overhead, ghosts fly past, and riders are pulled into a city under siege. The queue could be the firehouse, complete with gadgets, ghost traps, and a preshow briefing from the crew. Each train could even be themed to the Ecto-1 racing through haunted streets.
It would give Universal a thrilling, high-energy way to blend coaster fans’ love of adrenaline with the visual spectacle of Ghostbusters’ supernatural world.
Or Something Bigger: A Dark Ride
Universal may also demolish the coaster and build a new dark ride from the ground up. This option excites fans because Ghostbusters screams for a heavily themed, immersive experience. Picture boarding a ride vehicle armed with proton blasters, zipping through haunted New York City streets, and helping the Ghostbusters trap spirits.
It could borrow elements from shooting gallery attractions like Men in Black: Alien Attack, but with bigger sets, practical effects, and projection-mapped ghosts. That level of immersion would finally give the Ghostbusters franchise the love it deserves inside Universal Orlando Resort.
Why Ghostbusters Works Right Now
No matter which option Universal chooses, one thing is clear: Ghostbusters would be a massive win. The IP bridges generations—parents remember the originals, kids are growing up with the reboots, and both love the humor and thrills.
A ride would bring something fresh to Universal Studios Florida, distinguishing it from Epic Universe while giving longtime fans a blast of nostalgia. Ghostbusters has been relegated to background nods and repurposed buildings for too long. It’s time for the franchise to have an attraction worthy of its legacy.
And with Rip Ride Rockit gone, construction walls already up, and whispers about the firehouse, fans are more convinced than ever that Universal has finally decided to let the Ghostbusters out of the box.
Whether a rethemed coaster or an all-new dark ride, a Ghostbusters attraction would be a crowd-pleaser.