Universal Studios Orlando is known for its thrilling rides and experiences, but one popular rollercoaster may be reaching the end of its run. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, has been a fan favorite since its opening in 2009. However, recent rumors suggest that this iconic coaster may be permanently closing in 2025.
So why would Universal Studios want to say goodbye to such a popular attraction? Let’s take a look at the signs that point towards this rumor being true.
Major Reduction in Song Selection
One of the unique features of Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket is the ability for riders to choose their own soundtrack while on the coaster. However, in September 2023, the ride experienced a major reduction in song selection, going from over 30 songs to just five. This change may seem insignificant, but it could be a sign that Universal is looking to cut costs and prepare for the eventual closure of the ride.
Age and Durability
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opened in 2009, making it one of the newer coasters at Universal Studios Orlando. However, it has recently reached the 15-year mark, which is typically when most coasters require major refurbishments and retracking. In recent years, the ride has experienced frequent downtime due to weather and technical issues. This not only affects guests’ experience but also costs Universal money and resources to maintain.
Technical Issues and Safety Concerns
Speaking of technical issues, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has had a history of them since its opening. In 2013, riders were trapped on the ride for over two hours after it malfunctioned. And in 2019, six riders became stuck in one of the coaster’s cars. These incidents not only pose safety concerns for guests but also lead to negative reviews and complaints. In addition, a recent lawsuit filed by a Florida woman claiming injuries from the ride may have heightened Universal’s liability concerns.
The Ride’s Roughness
Along with the technical issues, one consistent complaint from guests is that Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket is too rough. This may not seem like a big deal for some thrill-seekers, but many guests have expressed that it is too rough to enjoy. For a ride that requires a significant investment in maintenance and upkeep, it may no longer be worth it for Universal to keep it open.
Location and Future Plans
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is currently located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, an odd choice for a ride with “Hollywood” in its name. With the recent addition of Minion Land in front of the park, it seems likely that Universal Creative is already working on plans for a new attraction to fit into this space. When Epic Universe opens in 2025, we can expect other parks to receive new attractions as well, making it the perfect time for Universal to close Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit for good.
What Will Replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket?
The question remains, if Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit does close permanently in 2025, what will take its place? While there have been no official announcements from Universal Studios Orlando, there are plenty of speculations among fans and theme park enthusiasts. Some believe that this could be an opportunity for a new rollercoaster or thrill ride to take over the space. Others suggest that it could be transformed into a new attraction based on popular intellectual properties already featured in the park, such as The Fast and the Furious or Despicable Me.
Conclusion
At this time, the permanent closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket is still just a rumor. However, with all of these signs pointing towards its eventual demise, it seems highly likely that guests will have to say goodbye to this iconic coaster in the near future. The constant technical issues, safety concerns, and decreasing popularity of the ride make it a costly and potentially dangerous attraction for Universal Studios to continue to maintain.
Do you think it’s time for Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket to close permanently? Or do you hope Universal keeps it open? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on this story. In the meantime, be sure to experience this thrilling coaster while you still can before it is gone for good. Farewell, Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket—we’ll miss you!
