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The skyline at Universal Studios Florida is defined by a streak of bright red steel twisting above the park’s streets. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the towering roller coaster with its signature vertical lift hill, has long been one of Universal Orlando Resort’s most intimidating rides.
For many visitors, its draw is obvious. The coaster climbs 167 feet before sending riders plummeting down a 65-mile-per-hour drop. It also stood out for its innovative soundtrack feature, allowing each guest to select a personal music track for their ride.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
The attraction has remained a fixture at the resort since opening in 2009, though changes have gradually pared back its original concept.
In 2023, Universal cut its extensive catalog of songs from roughly 30 choices to just five: “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance, “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar, “Sandstorm” by Darude, “Waterloo” by ABBA, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain.
Despite these adjustments, the coaster has retained its fan base. It has also gained a reputation for technical hiccups—an element that has shadowed its legacy as it nears permanent closure.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will shut down on August 18, with Universal declining to confirm what will replace it. Rumors of a Ghostbusters-themed attraction have circulated among fans, though the company has remained quiet while construction continues nearby.
Guests Stranded on the Lift Hill
The end of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s run has not been smooth. Guests were left suspended high above the park yesterday after the ride came to a halt on its steep vertical lift.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit got stuck at the lift hill during UOAP Nights yesterday
byu/supremeghost123 inUniversalOrlando
“Apparently it was stuck for at least 10 minutes,” said one Reddit user who witnessed the incident.
They continued: “I know this ride hasn’t gotten stuck at the lift hill in a long time but it seems like a fitting send off considering this ride is known for having other issues. The fear of getting stuck at the lift hill and the roughness are major reasons I don’t go on this ride.”
According to other parkgoers, the ride had also stalled the day prior, leaving riders stranded “in the heat and at the top of the hill.”
A History of Nerve-Racking Pauses
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has been prone to unplanned stops over the years, and its design makes them particularly daunting. Unlike traditional roller coasters that ascend gradually, Rip Ride Rockit sends its riders directly skyward on a near-vertical track. Stalling on that climb is a fear that many Universal fans have openly voiced.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
“There is quite literally nothing universal could do to make it up to me if I got stuck there,” wrote one Reddit commenter. “I don’t think I’d remain conscious for very long. Literally one of my biggest fears.”
The attraction’s repeated hiccups have soured some guests’ memories. The park was previously even slapped with a lawsuit over allegations that it caused injuries. Yet for others, its closure marks the end of a distinctive era in Universal’s lineup of thrill rides.
Whatever attraction takes its place, Rip Ride Rockit’s towering red track will remain etched into the memory of visitors who dared—and sometimes hesitated—to board its trains.
Have you ever gotten stuck on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?
