Credit: UniversalAfter 16 years of loops, drops, and custom playlists, Universal Studios Florida is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most distinctive thrill rides. The resort announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will officially close on August 18, 2025, to “make way for a new experience.”
While Universal hasn’t yet confirmed what’s coming next, insiders and online chatter are pointing to a Fast & Furious-themed coaster as its likely successor.
A Roller Coaster Like No Other
When Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit debuted on August 19, 2009, it was unlike anything else in Orlando. The towering steel coaster, built by German manufacturer Maurer Söhne, stood out for several reasons: its 167-foot vertical lift, speeds of up to 65 mph, and most famously, its custom soundtrack system that let riders pick from a menu of rock, rap, country, or electronic music to score their ride.
The coaster’s tagline, “Pick Your Own Soundtrack,” made it one of the most personalized ride experiences ever built. Hidden song easter eggs, such as ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” or The Muppets’ “Movin’ Right Along,” only added to its cult appeal among theme park fans.
Its towering red track weaving through the upper skyline of Universal Studios made it an icon in the park’s skyline — especially during night rides, when its LED track lighting lit up the park.
A History of Bumps Along the Track
Despite its popularity, Rip Ride Rockit has had its share of operational hiccups over the years. Just a year after opening, the ride was shut down indefinitely in 2010 due to concerns over the durability of its trains. It eventually reopened with refurbished vehicles and continued running — though with occasional mechanical downtimes.
In November 2023, the ride made headlines when a technical fault left guests stranded near the vertical lift hill. Emergency crews responded, and while no injuries were reported, the incident added fuel to long-standing rumors about the ride’s reliability and future.
Why Now?
The timing of Rip Ride Rockit’s closure coincides with the launch of Universal’s Epic Universe — the company’s brand-new theme park set to open on May 22, 2025. While Epic Universe steals the spotlight with lands themed to Super Nintendo World, Universal Monsters, and How to Train Your Dragon, Universal is also quietly reimagining its existing parks.
Rip Ride Rockit’s footprint is large and centrally located — prime real estate in a park that’s constantly evolving to keep pace with modern tastes and technology. While Universal has only teased a “new experience” coming to the site, speculation is strong that it will be replaced by a Fast & Furious coaster to better capitalize on the blockbuster franchise’s global appeal.
A Shift Toward IP-Driven Thrills
Universal has leaned heavily into film franchises in recent years, reimagining attractions to reflect characters and universes from its most bankable properties. In 2021, the park opened the VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure, based on the Jurassic World series — a high-thrill hit praised for both its intensity and storytelling.
Meanwhile, the Fast & Furious – Supercharged attraction at Universal Studios Florida — a screen-based ride — has received mixed reviews. A new coaster-based attraction tied to the Fast franchise would give Universal a second chance to deliver the adrenaline-fueled, high-speed experience fans expect from the series.
When to Ride One Last Time
If you’re hoping to ride Rip Ride Rockit before it closes, you’ll have until August 18, 2025. Universal has not announced any special send-off events, but longtime fans are already planning final rides to say goodbye to what many consider one of the park’s most iconic thrill rides.
Whether you loved it for the vertical drop, the soundtrack, or the sheer novelty of rocking out to The Beastie Boys while barreling through the sky, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s final days are officially numbered.
Stay tuned — Universal is expected to announce what’s replacing the coaster later this year. For now, it’s the end of an era… and the start of something fast.