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The Ultimate 2025 Universal Orlando Roller Coaster Closure Guide: 5 Must-Know Dates Before You Go

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Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025? You need to check your itinerary immediately. The biggest news in the theme park world right now is the confirmed, permanent closure of one of Universal Studios Florida’s most iconic, high-energy roller coasters: the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. This major change is part of a larger plan to refresh the park's offerings, making way for a highly anticipated, yet-to-be-announced new experience.

As of December 18, 2025, the park is preparing for a significant transition, and guests must be aware of the key dates for not only permanent shutdowns but also short-term refurbishments on other major thrill rides like Revenge of the Mummy and non-coaster attractions. This is your essential, up-to-the-minute guide to every major roller coaster closure and refurbishment scheduled across Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for 2025 and early 2026.

The Complete Status of Universal Orlando's Major Roller Coasters (2025)

To help you navigate your visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, here is the current operational status and scheduled closure information for all major roller coasters across both theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida): PERMANENTLY CLOSING on August 18, 2025. This is the last chance to ride the coaster with the vertical lift hill and personalized music selection.
  • Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida): Scheduled for a brief, routine maintenance closure from August 11 to August 13, 2025. It will also close from January 15 to 21, 2026.
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure): No major, scheduled closures for 2025 have been announced at this time. The ride is expected to operate normally.
  • Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure): No major, long-term refurbishments are currently scheduled for 2025. This attraction often experiences temporary operational interruptions, but is generally expected to be running.
  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure): No major, scheduled closures for 2025 have been announced. The coaster received a complete refurbishment in 2016 and is expected to operate normally.
  • Flight of the Hippogriff (Islands of Adventure): No major, scheduled closures for 2025 have been announced.

The End of an Era: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit's Final Countdown

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a staple of the Universal Studios Florida skyline since 2009, is officially scheduled for permanent closure on August 18, 2025. The decision was confirmed by Universal Orlando and marks the end of the line for the park’s most visually striking coaster, known for its unique 90-degree vertical lift and the ability for riders to choose their own soundtrack from a hidden selection of songs.

The ride, which operated for 16 years, is being retired to make way for a "new experience." This closure is a significant event for the park, as it frees up a massive footprint in the Production Central area, right near the park’s entrance. Thrill-seekers looking to experience the famous non-inverting loop, high-speed twists, and the iconic music selection feature should prioritize a visit before the August 2025 deadline.

What We Know About the Rip Ride Rockit Replacement Coaster

While Universal has been tight-lipped about the specifics of the "new experience," construction activity on the site has provided strong evidence that a brand-new, high-tech roller coaster is already being developed. Permits filed with the South Florida Water Management District hinted at the ride's removal and replacement, and now, physical work is well underway.

Construction crews have been observed working on new foundations, support pillars, and buildings. Initial reports and aerial photos suggest the installation of launch and brake run sections, pointing toward a modern, launched coaster design. The replacement attraction is expected to be a major anchor for the park, potentially opening in 2026 or 2027. This investment shows Universal’s commitment to continually introducing fresh, cutting-edge attractions to compete with other major Orlando theme parks.

Scheduled Refurbishments and Non-Coaster Closures to Plan Around

Beyond the permanent closure of the Rip Ride Rockit, several other key attractions across the resort are scheduled for routine maintenance, which is typical during the slower, non-peak seasons. These refurbishments are essential for maintaining the high standards of safety and operational excellence at the Universal Parks.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Impact

Fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter should note the planned closure of the Hogwarts Express—the train that connects Hogsmeade (in Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (in Universal Studios Florida). The train is scheduled to be closed for maintenance from February 9 through February 23, 2025. During this time, guests with Park-to-Park tickets will need to use the main park entrances to travel between the two lands.

Long-Term Water Ride and Indoor Attraction Closures

While not a roller coaster, the Jurassic Park River Adventure in Islands of Adventure is scheduled for an extensive, nearly 11-month refurbishment, starting on January 5, 2026, and not expected to reopen until November 19, 2026. This long downtime suggests a major overhaul of the ride's systems, animatronics, and show elements. Additionally, the classic E.T. Adventure ride in Universal Studios Florida has a short closure scheduled from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

These temporary closures, while inconvenient, are strategically timed to minimize guest impact and ensure the longevity and quality of the attractions. Visitors traveling during these windows should check the official Universal Orlando app or website for the most current daily operational updates.

Maximizing Your Thrill Ride Experience in 2025

For coaster enthusiasts, the 2025 season is defined by two major intentions: getting a final ride on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and experiencing the current generation of world-class coasters. Focus your planning on the following entities:

  • VelociCoaster Strategy: The Jurassic World VelociCoaster remains a must-ride, offering four inversions and two high-speed launches. Due to its popularity, utilizing Universal Express Pass or the Single Rider Line is highly recommended.
  • Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure: This highly immersive coaster in the Hogsmeade section of Islands of Adventure is one of the most popular attractions in the world. It is highly prone to long wait times and occasional weather-related downtime. Plan to ride this first thing in the morning or utilize the Early Park Admission benefit if you are staying at a Universal Hotel like the Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
  • Revenge of the Mummy: This indoor dark ride coaster is a fan favorite. Its brief August 2025 closure is only three days, so travelers should easily be able to schedule around it.

The year 2025 serves as a pivotal moment for Universal Orlando Resort. The permanent removal of the Rip Ride Rockit signals a major investment in the future of the Universal Studios Florida park. While saying goodbye to a classic is tough, the excitement for the new, unannounced coaster is already building anticipation among the Universal fans and the broader Orlando theme park community.

The Ultimate 2025 Universal Orlando Roller Coaster Closure Guide: 5 Must-Know Dates Before You Go
universal orlando roller coaster closure
universal orlando roller coaster closure

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