Credit: UniversalUniversal Orlando Resort has been absolutely on fire lately. With Epic Universe officially open and the resort stepping into a new era of themed entertainment, the energy feels fresh, ambitious, and almost unstoppable. But with every big step forward comes tough decisions about what stays, what changes, and what quietly slips into the past.
As Universal grows and reshapes its identity, a few longtime attractions appear to be inching toward what feels like an inevitable end. It’s not official—yet—but the writing is definitely on the wall. Today, we’re looking at three well-loved rides that may be facing their final days of operation as the parks continue to evolve.
Before diving into those specific attractions, it’s helpful to take a quick look at the resort as a whole and how each park contributes to these changes.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Theme Park Powerhouse
Universal Orlando isn’t just growing—it’s transforming into a complete, multi-park destination with its own distinct personality. Islands of Adventure, the original thrill-heavy park, still brings some of the resort’s most iconic moments to life. From Jurassic Park to Marvel Super Hero Island to the enchanting Hogsmeade, this park built Universal’s reputation as a place where storytelling and intensity collide.
Universal Studios Florida, meanwhile, continues to lean into the idea that movies come alive all around you. It’s the home of Springfield, Transformers, and Harry Potter, along with numerous shows and street entertainment that give it a lively studio feel. Studios mixes nostalgia and innovation in a way that keeps longtime fans hooked while still bringing in new audiences.
And now, Epic Universe has entered the chat—and changed everything. With entirely new experiences, cutting-edge technology, and immersive lands like Celestial Park and Dark Universe, the park set a new bar for what Universal can deliver.
It’s no exaggeration to say Epic Universe has shifted the entire resort’s trajectory. But with all that new energy must come space, resources, and a clear identity across all three parks. That means some older attractions, even beloved ones, may no longer have a place in Universal’s future road map.
Let’s get into the three rides most likely to face retirement sooner rather than later.
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride continues to draw crowds, and the franchise itself remains thriving, with new episodes being released. But behind the scenes, there’s a bigger issue at play: Disney now owns The Simpsons. Universal’s contract to use the property reportedly expires in 2028, and that clock is ticking faster every year.
While the attraction still gets plenty of foot traffic, Universal has reached a point where it needs every square foot to contribute to the resort’s long-term vision. Simpsons may be iconic, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect where Universal is headed. Plus, the area it occupies could easily support a large-scale, modern franchise—one with broader appeal, newer storytelling, and stronger synergy with the parks’ overall movie-centric theme.
There has been endless speculation about what might replace it. One of the loudest and most persistent rumors involves The Lord of the Rings, a franchise that fans have been begging Universal to incorporate for years. A LOTR land or attraction would be a massive draw, and it would fit the movie theme far more cleanly than Springfield ever has.
Nothing’s confirmed, of course, but if Universal wants to elevate its line-up with more globally resonant blockbuster properties, The Simpsons Ride may be one of the earliest casualties of that shift.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Some rides fade quietly. Others go out with fans kicking and screaming. And then there’s Fast & Furious: Supercharged, an attraction that many guests jokingly claim they wish Universal would retire immediately.
The ride has struggled since day one. It leans almost entirely on screens, which makes the experience feel flat compared to the high-energy thrills promised by the Fast & Furious franchise. The pacing feels awkward, the story never entirely takes off, and guests often leave wondering how something with such blockbuster potential turned into such an underwhelming attraction. Universal has heard the complaints—trust that.
As the resort attempts to bolster its offerings with rides that pack a more brutal punch, innovate more, and truly match the hype surrounding their source material, this one stands out as an obvious candidate for closure. Its location is also incredibly valuable real estate.
Universal Studios Florida could use that space for a franchise worthy of a robust, modern dark-ride experience—something that delivers on thrills instead of relying on a pre-show, a bus vehicle, and a wall of screens. If any attraction looks like it’s running out of time, it’s this one.
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Over at Islands of Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls remains a fan favorite for one primary reason: Florida heat. A good water ride is priceless on those sweltering days, and Ripsaw Falls delivers a soaking drop that guests absolutely love. But the ride’s longevity has little to do with its source material—because, truthfully, many guests don’t even realize it has source material.
The attraction is based on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, a cartoon that aired decades ago and hasn’t maintained the same generational grip as modern animated franchises. Younger guests often assume the characters and storyline were created specifically for the ride, not realizing they’re stepping into a deeply obscure piece of cartoon history.
As Universal continues updating its lands to reflect more recognizable IP, this ride becomes harder to justify. That’s where a property like Scooby-Doo comes in—a character instantly recognized across multiple age groups. A Scooby-Doo-themed water attraction would fit perfectly within Toon Lagoon, providing Universal with a modern, family-friendly anchor that aligns with the playful spirit of the land. It would also breathe new life into an area that hasn’t seen significant investment in years.
Ripsaw Falls still attracts guests because the ride experience itself is enjoyable. Still, as Universal seeks to strengthen its branding and IP presence, this attraction is a prime candidate for reimagining.
The Future Is Bright—But Some Rides Won’t Make the Journey
Universal Orlando Resort is racing toward a massive future. Epic Universe changed the game, and the resort now has more momentum than ever before. However, even the strongest theme parks must evolve, and part of that evolution involves letting go of attractions that no longer align with their vision.
The Simpsons Ride may fall victim to a contract countdown. Fast & Furious: Supercharged may be discontinued due to overwhelming guest frustration. And Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls may fade out simply because its original IP has lost cultural relevance. Together, these three rides paint a clear picture: Universal is preparing for an era of bold new experiences, and to make room, some long-standing favorites are likely nearing the end of their operation.
Change can be bittersweet, but if Universal replaces these attractions with fresh, high-quality ideas, the future looks incredibly exciting.