Universal Files Permit to Remove One Popular Roller Coaster

Universal has filed a new permit to remove and replace one of its most popular attractions. It looks like the end is approaching for one of Universal’s roller coasters.

A New Permit is Filed

Universal Orlando Resort has generated plenty of attention for everything NEW that is coming in 2025. Its brand new theme park Epic Universe opens in just a few months, on May 22, 2025.

Though work is well underway on the new theme park, Universal is also focused on improvements to the existing theme parks. For example, Universal Studios just had a KidsZone overhaul to create DreamWorks Land.

And now, Universal has filed a permit for even more changes for Universal Studios Orlando. Unfortunately, it will come at the cost of one of the existing roller coasters.

RIP Rip Ride Rockit

On December 23, 2024, Universal filed a permit with the South Florida Water Management District. This permit came along with a telling project description and detailed maps.

The project description says the plan is to “remove existing attraction and replace with proposed attraction.” The project map outlines the area surrounding Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

If the project is approved and moves forward as is, it appears that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be replaced with something new. The roller coaster is known for its visually terrifying vertical lift that leads to a huge drop. Riders enjoy picking rock songs to play during the wild ride.

KTP Note: I loved the ability to choose various genres of music, but didn’t really care for slowly being lifted straight up to the sky. It gave me a headache.

There is no official date or announcement for the attraction’s closure just yet. Hopefully, if and when the attraction does close, Universal will do a good job of publicizing it, and there won’t be a sudden closure without a proper send-off like what transpired with Kingda Ka over at Six Flags.

What Could Be Coming

While there is no official announcement, there have been rumors that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be replaced with a new launch coaster. Universal Studios will surely benefit from having another big thrill ride should the removal of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit move forward as planned.

We don’t know what’s coming just yet, but we expect it to be BIG.

There was also a recent Notice of Commencement filed for roller coaster manufacturer Intamin to complete work in Universal Studios Orlando. However, the two projects could be unrelated. If you are unfamiliar with it, Intamin is responsible for Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and is also currently working on a How to Train Your Dragon coaster for Epic Universe.

Will you miss Hollywood RIP Ride Rockit if it is indeed replaced? Let us know and be sure to share the news with the coaster fans in your life.