Several Universal Orlando Attractions Expected To Be Retired by 2030

Universal Orlando Resort is no stranger to change. Over the years, the resort has reshaped itself repeatedly, swapping out aging rides for new ones that keep fans buzzing. From the closure of classics like Jaws and Twister to the opening of fresh experiences like VelociCoaster, Universal has never been afraid to push forward. And now, with the massive debut of Epic Universe this year, it’s clearer than ever that the resort is stepping into a new era.

Fans are starting to believe Universal is taking a page out of Disney’s playbook—constantly refreshing older parks while building shiny new ones. That means some beloved (and not-so-beloved) attractions are facing the chopping block by 2030. Let’s dive into the rides most likely to say goodbye and what could replace them.

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

Men in Black: Alien Attack (Universal Studios Florida)

When Men in Black: Alien Attack opened in 2000, it was a blast of intergalactic fun. The interactive shooter ride allowed guests to zap aliens and compete for the highest score, all while cruising through New York streets and alien hideouts. At the time, it was cutting-edge.

But here’s the problem—today’s technology has far surpassed what the ride offers. With Universal looking at ways to modernize, this attraction feels stuck in the past. Rumors swirl that it could be rethemed into something fresh, and Ghostbusters is at the top of the list.

Imagine swapping aliens for ghosts and turning the ride into a high-energy ghost-busting adventure. It would fit perfectly in Studios and breathe new life into a prime piece of real estate.

A large elliptical sign with "MIB Men In Black Alien Attack" is displayed outdoors against a blue sky with scattered clouds. People walk near Universal's MIB Attraction sign, and trees and a structure with a roof are visible in the background. — Credit: William Warby, Flickr

The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios Florida)

The Simpsons are iconic, and the ride that replaced Back to the Future in 2008 has entertained millions with its zany humor. Guests are pulled into Krustyland, careening through wild animations in a motion simulator that feels like classic Simpsons chaos.

Still, the future looks murky. Disney now owns The Simpsons, and Universal’s licensing deal is reportedly on borrowed time. It’s hard to imagine Universal pouring resources into updating something it doesn’t fully control.

Many fans speculate it could be swapped back into Back to the Future or an entire “classics land” that celebrates Universal’s legendary past. A mix of retro attractions, themed stores, and nostalgic dining could be the update that pulls older fans back into the park.

The Simpsons ride at Disneyland — Credit: Universal / Edited by Inside the Magic

Fast & Furious – Supercharged (Universal Studios Florida)

Few rides have faced as much criticism as Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Opened in 2018, the attraction leans heavily on screens and 3D effects, but it never lived up to the hype. Fans often rank it among the weakest Universal rides, and it has struggled to keep wait times even close to its neighbors.

Universal knows when something isn’t clicking, and this ride’s days seem numbered. Its large show building makes it prime real estate for a replacement—perhaps something with a more interactive or immersive setup that guests want to re-ride.

Fast & Furious Supercharged brick exterior in Universal Studios Florida — Credit: Universal

Skull Island: Reign of Kong (Islands of Adventure)

On paper, a giant King Kong ride should be a slam dunk. When Reign of Kong opened in 2016, guests expected jaw-dropping thrills. Instead, they got a dark ride that relies heavily on screens with a few animatronic moments sprinkled in. It’s a mixed bag that never quite captured the magic.

Given Kong’s limited popularity compared to other Universal franchises, this attraction may not survive past 2030. Replacing it with a fresher IP could draw bigger crowds, especially as Universal leans into franchises like Ghostbusters or new film properties.

Guests stand outside the entrance for Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which is made of rocks. — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Pteranodon Flyers (Islands of Adventure)

Ask any parent who’s been to Islands of Adventure, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Pteranodon Flyers is a headache. The suspended kiddie coaster has a strict height requirement that creates a weird situation—kids can’t ride without an adult, and adults can’t ride without a kid. That means tons of guests are excluded from trying it at all.

While it’s a unique ride, its low capacity and confusing rules make it a likely target for removal. A small family-friendly attraction could easily replace it, offering something more inclusive while catering to younger guests.

Pteranodon Flyers at Universal Orlando Resort — Credit: Universal

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls (Islands of Adventure)

This cartoon flume ride has been splashing guests since 1999, bringing the wacky antics of Dudley Do-Right to life. It’s colorful, funny, and delivers one of Orlando’s most significant drops of any log flume. But the truth is, most kids today have no idea who Dudley Do-Right even is.

The ride’s age and fading relevance make it ripe for a retheme. Imagine this as a Scooby-Doo water adventure instead—a property kids still love today. With a mystery-solving storyline and spooky scenes, it could be a crowd-pleasing replacement while keeping the thrilling drop intact.

Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls water ride at Universal Islands of Adventure — Credit: Universal

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (Universal Studios Florida)

Universal tried something different with Race Through New York, giving late-night host Jimmy Fallon his own attraction. The ride uses motion simulators to take guests on a goofy tour of New York City, complete with digital cameos and slapstick humor.

Unfortunately, Fallon’s star power hasn’t exactly translated into long-term appeal. The ride often has low wait times and doesn’t pack the punch needed to keep it relevant. By 2030, this one could easily be retired for something more timeless and broadly appealing.

Jimmy Fallon in the poster for Race Through New York — Credit: Universal

Doctor Doom’s Fearfall (Islands of Adventure)

This tower ride has one simple gimmick: it shoots you straight up, then drops you back down. It’s short, intense, and fun, but also shows its age. Compared to the massive drop towers at other parks, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall feels underwhelming. After the first launch, the next 20 seconds of the ride are pretty dull.

With Marvel’s licensing future at Universal uncertain, this ride seems like an easy candidate for removal or rebranding. Its footprint is relatively small, but it could still be reimagined into something new, perhaps tying into another superhero franchise Universal secures down the road.

doctor dooms freefall — Credit: Universal

Universal’s 2030 Vision

Universal Orlando Resort is on the move, and with Epic Universe now open, the pressure is on to keep all of its parks fresh and competitive. That means some attractions we know today won’t be here tomorrow. From Men in Black to Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, several rides are on borrowed time as Universal looks toward 2030.

While it’s always tough to say goodbye, the promise of new, modern attractions—Ghostbusters, Scooby-Doo, or a revival of Universal classics—makes the future exciting. Universal has always been about reinvention, and the next decade looks like it will be no exception.