Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: The end of a legendary roller coaster
Universal's musical rollercoaster is no longer available. Find out what it was like, why it closed, and what we know about it Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, his announced replacement for Orlando in 2027.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is closed: you can't go up there.
His last operational day was the August 17, 2025 and the final closure was made effective on August 18, 2025. Universal has included it in its official list of retired attractions. Its replacement is currently being prepared: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, announced for 2027 at Universal Studios Florida.
What was Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit It was an outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida that became famous for its almost vertical ascent and because each passenger could choose a song to listen to during the ride.
Opened in 2009, it was one of the most recognizable features of the park: its red and yellow tracks stood out against the landscape of Universal Orlando and could be seen from areas near CityWalk.
Today we remember her as part of the park's history. If you're planning a trip, the good news is that Universal still has other roller coasters and intense attractions to choose from, in addition to a new major addition announced for 2027.
Historical data on speed and ascent: Universal Orlando. The historical information on the attraction provides the approximate height and the dates of operation.
This is how Rip Ride Rockit was lived: music, height and adrenaline
Before its closure, the experience began long before the first fall. These were the details that made it different.
An ascent of 90 degrees
One of the most memorable moments was the virtually vertical ascent. Instead of the typical slope of a traditional roller coaster, the passengers looked up at the sky before reaching the top of the ride.
Then came the curves, the changes of direction and the acceleration, all accompanied by the soundtrack chosen in the seat.
- Vertical ascent of 90 degrees.
- Maximum speed close to 105 km/h.
- Exterior route visible from different points of the complex.
The music was part of the experience
The big difference compared to other roller coasters was that the passengers could choosing the music from a panel integrated into the vehicle before the tour begins.
There were also cameras recording various moments of the experience. The combination of personal sound, motion and video helped to make it a very recognizable attraction among Universal Orlando visitors.
It is a reminder of the original attraction: This function is no longer available because Rip Ride Rockit stopped operating.
A very visible experience
Its red and yellow exterior design integrated into the landscape of Universal Studios Florida and its surroundings.
It wasn't an inverted roller coaster
Although some figures appeared to be loops, their design allowed them to be traversed without traditional full inversions.
He left a mark in the park
It operated for approximately 16 years, from August 2009 to August 2025.
The music stopped, but the adrenaline continues.
Rip Ride Rockit is now part of Universal Orlando's history. A new experience inspired by the saga is being prepared in its place. Fast & Furious.
Why did Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit close?
Universal announced the removal of the attraction as part of the evolution of Universal Studios Florida and the arrival of a new experience.
The August 17, 2025 It was his last day with passengers and the permanent closure took effect the following day. Subsequently, the dismantling process began to allow the construction of his replacement.
It is not appropriate to attribute the closure to an accident or to state a specific technical cause without official confirmation. The change is part of the renewal of the park.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will replace Rip Ride Rockit
Universal officially announced a new outdoor roller coaster inspired by the movies Fast & Furious, which will take the place of Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios Florida.
What did Universal confirm?
2027: The opening date for the Orlando version has been announced, but an exact date has not yet been published.
360-degree spin: The vehicles will offer a drift or rotational drift sensation during the tour.
Vertical peak of about 52 meters: a maneuver of approximately 170 feet that will rise above the vicinity of Universal CityWalk.
Location: Universal Studios Florida, in the space of the former Rip Ride Rockit.
Get to know the California attraction
At Magic Holidays we also have a note dedicated to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood. This is a different version of the one announced for Orlando.
Read our guide to Hollywood Drift (California) ↗
For specific information about Florida, consult the Official Universal statement regarding Orlando.
This is how Hollywood Drift was presented in California
The video you shared corresponds to the Version from Universal Studios Hollywood (California), No to a recording of the new Orlando tour. We included it to get a general idea of the experience, without confusing the two versions.
Which roller coasters can you enjoy at Universal Orlando?
The fact that Rip Ride Rockit no longer exists doesn't mean that emotions are lacking. These are some experiences that you can incorporate into your itinerary, depending on the park you visit.
Revenge of the Mummy
Interior Russian mountain with a horror atmosphere, darkness, and special effects. It is a good option to continue enjoying intense attractions within the same park.
See the guide to La Momia ↗Jurassic World VelociCoaster
One of the most intense roller coasters at Universal Orlando, with launches, inversions and high speed. It is located in another park; you need a valid ticket to visit it.
See VelociCoaster guide ↗The Incredible Hulk Coaster
A classic Marvel Super Hero Island with launches and investments. Ideal for those who prefer high-intensity outdoor roller coasters.
See the Hulk guide ↗Would you prefer another experience?
You can also learn more Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, At Islands of Adventure. To combine attractions from different parks, check the conditions of your tickets.
How to plan Universal Orlando for 2026 or 2027
The best strategy is to organize the visit with the attractions that are already operational and consider the new developments announced without depending on dates of opening that have not yet been confirmed.
I chose the dates
If you want to travel in 2027, keep in mind that Universal announced Hollywood Drift for that year, but has not yet released an exact opening date in Orlando.
I defined which parks to visit
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe have different offerings. Choose the parks that best suit your group.
I asked for advice
Our agents can help you with dates, hotels, tickets, and itinerary organization, depending on the options available.
Are you planning to travel to Universal Orlando?
We help you prepare a personalized proposal Hotels, tickets and dates to enjoy Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, with updated information about the attractions.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: everything you need to know
Quick answers for those who sought out this roller coaster and want to know what they can enjoy today at Universal Orlando.
Will Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit still be running in 2026?
No. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closed permanently on August 18, 2025. Its last day with passengers was August 17 of that year.
Why did Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit close?
Universal has retired the attraction as part of the evolution of Universal Studios Florida and to create a new experience. No specific technical reason has been attributed without official confirmation.
What will be the replacement for Rip Ride Rockit?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, an outdoor roller coaster announced by Universal for Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, in 2027.
When does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift open in Orlando?
Universal announced 2027 as the opening year. Until the update of this guide in October 2026, no exact date for the Orlando version had been announced.
Is Orlando's Hollywood Drift the same as the one in California?
No. Universal prepares different versions at Universal Studios Florida (Orlando) and Universal Studios Hollywood (California). The speeds, features, and dates communicated for one should not be automatically considered valid for the other.
What height will the new Fast & Furious roller coaster in Orlando have?
Universal announced a 170-foot, or approximately 52-meter, vertical maneuver that will allow it to rise above the vicinity of Universal CityWalk.
Was Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit a Disney roller coaster?
No. It was located at Universal Studios Florida, within Universal Orlando Resort, and it was not part of Walt Disney World.
What speed did the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit reach?
The old attraction reached speeds of about 105 km/h (65 mph). This is a historical fact; it does not correspond to the confirmed speed of the new roller coaster in Orlando.
Did Rip Ride Rockit have investments?
Its layout included very striking features, such as an unreversed loop. Technically, it did not have traditional complete turns.
How was the song chosen in Rip Ride Rockit?
Passengers selected a music track from a screen or panel in the vehicle before starting the experience. This feature was distinctive of the original roller coaster.
What other roller coasters are there at Universal Orlando?
You can visit Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida and other options at Islands of Adventure, such as VelociCoaster, Hulk, and Hagrid. Each park requires a valid ticket to access it.
Can I plan my trip to climb Hollywood Drift in 2027?
You can plan a trip to Universal Orlando for 2027, but it’s best to wait for the official opening date before basing your entire itinerary around that attraction. Magic Holidays can help you evaluate the available dates and options.
Sources consulted: Universal Orlando — Attractions withdrawn · Universal Destinations & Experiences — Official ad of Hollywood Drift Orlando. Information revised in October 2026.
