Credit: Edited by Inside The MagicUniversal Orlando Resort is tirelessly working around the clock to remove a once-beloved roller coaster that stood as an icon for the park. Even though the ride is now gone, a new lawsuit has emerged, making things a little harder for the theme park giant.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Now-Defunct Roller Coaster at the Center of New Lawsuit
It was the ride that split Universal fans right down the middle. Some called it thrilling, others refused to ride it twice—and when its towering red track finally went silent this summer, a wave of nostalgia (and relief) swept through the park. But now, months after its closure, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is back in the headlines for reasons no one saw coming.
Before diving into what’s unfolding, let’s rewind for a moment. For over a decade, this steel giant dominated Universal Studios Florida’s skyline, known for its 90-degree lift hill, heart-pounding music selection, and unpredictable ride experience. From its opening in 2009 to its closure in August 2025, Rip Ride Rockit was both a fan favorite and a magnet for debate. While some mourned its removal, others saw it as overdue—an aging coaster with a bumpy history and an even bumpier ride.
Even today, guests walking through the Production Central area can’t help but pause where the entrance once stood. It’s a strange silence—one that tells a story of adrenaline, nostalgia, and, as it turns out, unfinished business.
What’s New: Rip Ride Rockit Back in the Spotlight
According to recently filed legal documents, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has found itself at the center of a new lawsuit against Universal City Development Partners. The complaint, initiated on October 8, 2025, alleges that a park guest sustained significant injuries due to an unchecked lap restraint while boarding the coaster before its closure.
The guest claims Universal Team Members failed to verify that her restraint was properly secured, causing her to be launched forward during the ride and preventing her from stabilizing her neck and head. The result, according to the lawsuit, was a series of severe injuries.
Filed in Florida courts, the guest is reportedly seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and has demanded a jury trial. This isn’t the first time Universal has faced similar allegations: in March 2024, another couple filed a lawsuit claiming a “traumatic brain injury” occurred on the same attraction.
Universal has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
How Guests Can Stay Safe on Thrill Rides
While every theme park has rigorous safety procedures in place, experienced guests know a few extra steps can make a difference. Always double-check your restraint after boarding and before dispatch—especially on attractions with individualized safety systems. If anything feels loose or misaligned, alert a Team Member immediately.
Universal, like Disney and other major parks, performs daily inspections on its rides and follows strict safety guidelines. However, as this case highlights, even established systems rely on human consistency. Guests who value peace of mind often recommend sitting in middle rows (where forces are slightly less intense) and avoiding distractions during boarding.
Hidden Hacks and Insider Insights
Regular Universal visitors might remember that Rip Ride Rockit had a “secret playlist” accessible by holding a series of buttons on the restraint’s music console—a detail that became a cult favorite among park insiders. Songs from artists like Daft Punk, The Jackson 5, and The Beastie Boys could be unlocked, giving riders a personalized soundtrack to their screams.
Now, with the ride gone, those Easter eggs have taken on almost mythic status among Universal fans. Collectors have even started trading old ride photos and souvenir videos from the attraction’s early years, keeping its legacy alive in fan groups and forums.
Why It Still Matters to Fans
For many, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit wasn’t just a ride—it was a rite of passage. It marked the era when Universal doubled down on thrills and edgier experiences, paving the way for attractions like VelociCoaster and Jurassic World Adventure.
The recent lawsuit adds another layer to its complicated legacy, reminding fans that behind every towering coaster lies a mix of engineering triumphs, emotional memories, and sometimes—controversy.
As the courts review this case, fans continue to debate whether the coaster’s closure was simply timely… or quietly necessary.