Fans of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida should prepare for a farewell tour because the roller coaster is said to be retiring soon.
Rumors have swirled of the coaster’s demise for a while, but sources close to WDWNT have reported that it’s soon to be replaced by a multi-launch Intamin coaster. Notably, Universal recently installed a multi-launch Intamin coaster next door at Islands of Adventure — Jurassic World VelociCoaster — and it’s not uncommon for theme park companies to strike multi-attraction purchase deals.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opened in 2009 and was built by German coaster company Maurer Söhne and features a non-inverted loop and a 90-degree angle climb to the launch, creating an iconic shape often used in skyline-style art on park merchandise.
The ride is loosely themed around music and riders select a song to be played from the seat’s built-in speakers. Until late 2023, a list of over 30 official songs were available to choose from in addition to a secret list. However, that list was cut down to just five choices.
Universal has yet to make an announcement about the fate of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit or a closing timeline, but as we previously reported, it’s rumored to close in 2025.
How do you feel about the rumored replacement for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit? Let us know in the comments.
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As a roller coaster enthusiast, I am always sad when the life of a coaster comes to an end, however I do think that Rip Ride Rock It has had a decent run. Considering the company that designed it is no longer in business, I can imagine new parts are hard to come by when something goes wrong. I know that the coaster cannot operate when temperatures dip below a certain temperature, wind get above a certain speed or it starts to rain in any amount. I haven’t ridden it for several years due to the increased roughness of the ride, even after prolonged refurbishments. I feel it is time for a more up to date, comfortable experience to highlight the entrance of Universal Studios is in order. The sooner the better!
Please, Please replace Rip Ride Rockit. It was smooth when it first openned now it is a real head banger.