News Summary
Universal Orlando has announced the permanent closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, one of its most popular roller coasters since 2009. The ride will close in September 2025 as part of a larger plan to replace it with a new attraction. While fans prepare to say goodbye, new developments are anticipated in the park’s New York section, with more details expected soon. Despite the ride’s closure, Universal Orlando continues to offer a range of thrilling experiences for visitors.
Exciting Changes Coming to Universal Orlando!
Universal Orlando is set to make a splash as it bids farewell to one of its most talked-about rides. The beloved Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, which opened its doors to thrill-seeking visitors in 2009, will officially close its gates for good in early September 2025. That’s right; it’s time to say goodbye, but don’t fret—something new and exciting is on the horizon!
A Roller Coaster Worth Remembering
For those who may not know, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been a staple in the park for almost 16 years. With its eye-catching design resembling a treble clef from above, it has lingered in the hearts of many roller coaster enthusiasts. Adventurous riders could customize their experience with a musical soundtrack that made each ride uniquely theirs. Originally, thrill-seekers had a thrilling playlist of 30 songs to choose from while soaring at speeds of up to 65 mph. However, over the years, the song options have dwindled to just five, much to the dismay of many fans.
And let’s not forget about the ride’s adrenaline-pumping features! It boasts a dramatic 90-degree lift hill and a staggering drop of 167 feet. Imagine falling from that height, equivalent to around 17 stories—no wonder it generated so much excitement! Riders would also navigate an impressive 3,800 feet of twists and turns that left their hearts racing.
Time for a Change
Despite its thrilling reputation, the ride has had its share of hiccups—often having technical issues that left riders stranded for hours. This has sparked conversations among theme park fans and industry insiders about the weathered coaster’s fate, especially following recent permits filed with the South Florida Water Management District. These permits indicate that the time has come for a change, and Universal Orlando has officially confirmed the permanent closure of this iconic ride.
The upcoming closure is part of a larger plan, as Universal Orlando has set its sights on creating a new attraction that will take the place of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. This new venture will encompass a sizeable 6.27 acres in the park’s New York section, with plans for two larger buildings. The detailed plans have been submitted but are still awaiting approval—mark your calendars, as a decision is expected by January 22, 2025.
What Will Replace the Iconic Coaster?
Details surrounding the new attraction are still under wraps, but fans can expect a delightful surprise. Universal has hinted that they’ll release more information in the future. For those looking for a peek behind the curtain, the well-known roller coaster manufacturer Intamin has been listed as the contractor for the upcoming project. So, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about what’s to come!
Even after the closure, thrill-seekers won’t be out of options, as Universal Orlando boasts three other exhilarating roller coasters: Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Trolls Trollercoaster. These attractions, combined with the exciting new addition planned for the future, guarantee that the fun will continue in Orlando.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
As we approach the closing date, it’s a fantastic time for fans of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to create some last-minute memories. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just a fan of theme park experiences, it’s hard not to appreciate the ride’s exhilarating charm over the years.
While it will certainly be bittersweet to say goodbye to such an iconic ride, all signs point to exciting changes ahead for Universal Orlando! So, keep your eyes peeled, because something spectacular is set to take flight in 2025, and you won’t want to miss it!
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Universal Studios Closing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Coaster
- Google Search: Universal Orlando Rip Ride Rockit
- Fox 35 Orlando: Goodbye Rip Ride Rockit
- Google Scholar: Universal Orlando Rollercoasters
- Orlando Informer: Orlando New Year’s Eve 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theme Parks
- Click Orlando: Universal Orlando to Replace Rip Ride Rockit
- Google News: Universal Orlando New Attraction
- Florida Politics: Universal Confirms End of Rip Ride Rockit
- Google Search: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
