A Universal Orlando Ride Just Permanently Closed. Here's What Might Replace It

Yesterday was a big day in Universal Orlando, because an iconic ride in Universal Studios had its final day of operation.

Rip Ride Rockit

Rip Ride Rockit opened in the park in August 2009, meaning that it was in operation for (almost) exactly 16 years to the day! This was one of the most thrilling rides in the park, so now that it’s gone, what will be replacing it? Well, there are a few ideas flying around.

Universal hasn’t announced that anything official right now, but many fans are expecting that another thrill ride will replace the attraction. It remains to be seen if the new attraction will reuse the track and ride system already in use, or if it’ll be demolished all together.

Construction walls are up

Back in March 2025, Universal filed a permit for a new two-story structure to go in this same spot, but that’s about all we have for the new attraction on its way. What does that mean? Well, it could indicate that an indoor element is coming for the new ride. The theming for the new ride hasn’t been revealed, but some people are thinking Ghostbusters, while others are thinking it’ll be themed to Fast & Furious like the new roller coaster being built in Universal Hollywood (however, it’s important to note that there’s already a Fast & Furious ride in this park that currently isn’t very popular, but there aren’t any public plans to close or demolish it).

Construction walls

We stopped by the park today to check out how the construction walls were looking, and as it currently stands, the ride is still intact. We did see some workers taking the loft up to the top of the ride and taking some photos of the view from there, likely for dismantling purposes. You can hear some banging and sawing from the backside of the ride on occasion, so we do know they’re already hard at work.

Hello up there!

This certainly isn’t the first roller coaster to close in Universal Orlando throughout the years, and it’s unlikely to be the last. The most recent closure before this was Dragon Challenge closing in 2017 to make way for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and in 2015, Twister…Ride it Out was closed and replaced with Race Through New York With Jimmy Fallon.