Universal closed a historic roller coaster: the reasons behind this decision

This Monday, August 18, Universal Studios Orlando will permanently shut down the tracks of "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit," one of its most iconic roller coasters. The news marks the end of an era at the Florida theme park.

The official announcement and the future of the space

Universal confirmed the decision on its website and social media. "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will permanently close on August 18, 2025 to make way for a new experience," they stated in a release, without providing further details about the replacement.

On Instagram, the company said goodbye with a brief message: "Thank you for making music video history with us since 2009," accompanied by an image of the attraction.

Although the fate of the space has not yet been revealed, the agency Magic Holidays reported that the project will cover 0.60 square miles (1.55 square miles) (2.5 km²) and will include the expansion of the "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon" queue and the construction of two new buildings.

The reasons for the closure and the history of the ride

The measure had surfaced at the end of last year, when documents submitted by Universal to the Southwest Florida Water Management District revealed the intention to replace the attraction. Shortly after, Universal Orlando Resort's Vice President of Public Relations, Alyson Sologaistoa, confirmed the closure, initially scheduled for September 2025, although it was ultimately moved up to this August 18.

Inaugurated in 2009, the roller coaster was designed by the German company Maurer Söhne. With a height of 167 feet (51 meters) and a maximum speed of 65 mph (105 km/h), it stood out for its innovation: each rider could choose the music that would play during the ride, with genres ranging from rock and pop to rap and country.

For more than a decade, "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit" was a favorite among visitors. However, since 2011 it accumulated technical failures and limitations in its music catalog. In October 2013, it suffered its most memorable incident: it was stopped for more than two hours with passengers on board, which reinforced its record of operational problems.

Thus, Universal closes one chapter to open another: the musical adrenaline of "Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit" is now history.