News Summary
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, a popular coaster at Universal Studios Orlando, will close permanently on August 18, 2025. Opened in 2009, the thrilling ride gained a dedicated fan base over the years, noted for its unique design and musical experience. As the closure date approaches, riders reminisce while Universal plans a new attraction in its place, possibly themed around Ghostbusters or Fast & Furious, further emphasizing the park’s evolving landscape.
Orlando, Florida – The Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando will permanently close its doors on August 18, 2025, after captivating thrill-seekers for 16 years. The announcement has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, many of whom have started wearing “Farewell Tour 2025” T-shirts and received free commemorative guitar picks upon exiting the attraction.
Opened on August 19, 2009, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket quickly became a beloved feature in the park, known for its unique vertical tilt start and exhilarating ride experience. Standing 161 feet tall and covering 3,200 feet in length, it was once the largest X-car model coaster created by the German manufacturer Maurer Sohne. The coaster can reach impressive speeds of 65 mph and features a vertical ascent followed by a significant loop.
The decision to close the ride was made to accommodate the construction of a new attraction. Although Universal Orlando has yet to unveil specific details about what will be replacing the iconic coaster, there is speculation that it may involve themes related to either Ghostbusters or Fast & Furious. In March 2025, Universal filed a construction permit for a new two-story structure nearby, hinting at the possibility of an indoor riding element. Additionally, heavy machinery has been spotted at a construction site positioned behind the current location of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket.
Riders of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket appreciated its musical aspect, which allowed them to choose songs from a diverse list that includes tracks from artists such as My Chemical Romance, ABBA, Shania Twain, Kendrick Lamar, and Darude. The ride’s initial concept even included filming a personal music video, where guests had the option to purchase CDs featuring the ride video and their selected music.
Throughout the years, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket has garnered mixed reviews from riders. While many enjoyed the thrill of the ride, others expressed dissatisfaction with certain elements of the experience. Despite the array of opinions, the ride’s unique design effectively teased inversions without fully inverting, contributing to its widespread appeal.
The ride is not the first attraction at Universal Studios Orlando to close for a new attraction; previous closures include Dragon Challenge, Twister…Ride it Out, Jaws, and Kongfrontation. This ongoing evolution reflects Universal Orlando’s commitment to providing a dynamic and exciting experience for visitors.
As the last day to experience the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket approaches, excitement builds around its farewell. Fans are encouraged to take part in the ride’s final moments as it prepares to end its run and make way for an unknown future. Despite the date change from the initially announced September 2025, the closure marks the end of an era for one of the park’s standout features.
Universal Orlando’s second theme park, Islands of Adventure, continues to offer its own thrill with attractions like the VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. With numerous projects still in the pipeline, Universal executives hinted at ongoing developments within their theme parks while refraining from discussing details specifically related to the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket closure.
As the coaster rides into the sunset, it leaves behind not only memories and thrilling experiences but also a sense of anticipation for what might come next in the ever-evolving landscape of Universal Studios Orlando.
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Additional Resources
- People: Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket Closure Announcement
- My News 13: Last Day for Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
- WESH: Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket Closes
- Theme Park Insider: Farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
- New York Times: Universal Orlando Ride Updates
- Wikipedia: Universal Studios Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Universal Studios Orlando
- Google Search: Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket closure
- Google Scholar: Universal Studios Orlando attractions
- Google News: Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
