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Universal Orlando Officially Confirms When 15-Year-Old Coaster Will Close Permanently

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Posted on by Thomas Hitchen 7 Comments
A family of four in front of the entrance to Universal Studios Florida with the word "Closed" overlay

Credit: Inside the Magic

Universal Orlando Resort is setting the stage for a huge—and transformational—2025. With Universal’s Epic Universe on the horizon and coming in just five months, the popular Central Florida theme park has confirmed when it will wave goodbye to one of its most iconic attractions.

The Universal globe with gold letters stands prominently at the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

On May 22, 2025, the theme park landscape of the Sunshine State will be changed forever. For so long, Central Florida has played host to some of the world’s biggest and most visited resorts in the world. From the 25,000+ acre Walt Disney World Resort with its four theme parks and two water theme parks to Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the U.S. state is the hub for major attractions.

But in five months, Universal will add Epic Universe–its brand new theme park–to its already existing Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The park will consist of multiple themed lands, including Celestial Park, Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic.

With new attractions, including Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Dragon Racer’s Rally, Epic Universe will be a popular–and busy–new addition to Comcast’s theme park portfolio.

An artists rendition of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, opening summer of 2025.
Credit: Universal

But, with new and exciting experiences opening, some things naturally have to end, and that is the case for Universal’s 15-year-old roller coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Back in 2009, Universal Studios Florida changed the game with a roller coaster that redefined thrills in Central Florida. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit wasn’t just a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping ride; guests could choose their very own soundtrack for the journey, adding a unique layer of fun to the coaster’s intense drops and spirals.

The ride’s signature start was unforgettable—taking guests 167 feet straight into the air while lying flat on their backs, an experience that was both terrifying and exhilarating. Over its 15-plus years of operation, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has remained a fan favorite.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at night
Credit: Universal

On December 26, Universal filed a permit to demolish the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, signaling its impending closure to make way for a “proposed attraction.” While details about this new project remain scarce, the permit confirms Universal’s long-term plans to retire the beloved coaster.

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

For many fans, this news didn’t come as a shock. Speculation about the ride’s closure has been swirling for years, but this filing is the first concrete evidence that the end is near for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Now, Universal Orlando has confirmed when Rip Ride Rockit will permanently close.

Islands of Adventure on a bright, sunny day.
Credit: Universal Orlando

Responding to a question about when Rip Ride Rockit will close to make way for the new experience, the official Universal X account replied:

Hello! Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will close in early September 2025 to make way for a new experience. More details will be available at a later date. #AskUniversal

So, what’s next? Universal hasn’t officially revealed what will replace the coaster, but early indications suggest another exciting thrill ride is in the works. The permit also reveals that roller coaster manufacturer Intamin will be behind the new attraction.

Intamin is no stranger to Universal projects. The Swiss company is currently working on two highly anticipated coasters: the How to Train Your Dragon-themed ride at Epic Universe and the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster for Universal Studios Hollywood in California.

For now, fans still have a little time to take one last ride on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit before it’s gone for good this coming September.

How do you feel about Universal bidding farewell to this iconic coaster? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

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Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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