Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: Overhated, Underrated

At Universal Studios Florida, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit stands as an iconic and thrilling symbol of modern roller coasters. Despite being overshadowed by other high-profile attractions, this ride has its unique place in the lineup of Universal Orlando. Often criticized for its intense, vertical lift and somewhat jarring experience, Rip Ride Rockit has developed a reputation among parkgoers that's both divisive and misunderstood. But beneath the surface of the complaints lies an underrated masterpiece. With its ability to allow riders to select their own soundtrack, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit offers an experience like no other coaster at Universal Studios Orlando or even Universal Studios Hollywood. The exhilarating feeling of flying through the air with your personal music choice blasting in your ears is an unmatched thrill, making it one of the most immersive rides Universal has to offer.
Universal Studios rides are known for their innovation, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit fits perfectly into that narrative. While the Epic Universe expansion and other headlining attractions often steal the spotlight, this roller coaster quietly delivers an adrenaline-pumping adventure that reminds thrill-seekers why Universal Studios remains a world-class theme park destination. For those who take the time to appreciate Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s quirks and high-energy appeal, it's clear that the ride deserves far more credit than it receives. It may not be as hyped as new additions coming to Epic Universe or the classics at Islands of Adventure, but it's a testament to Universal Studios Orlando’s ability to craft experiences that stand the test of time.
Sources:
Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster song choices reduced from 30 to five: attractionsmag...
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closure Speculation Gains Momentum, Could It Be Torn Down In 2025?: www.themeparkt...
Universal’s Rip Ride Rockit Secret Song List: www.allthingsw...
Video Credit:
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Night Universal Studios Florida: • Hollywood Rip Ride Roc...
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Universal Studios Orlando: • Hollywood Rip Ride Roc...
Rip Ride Rockit Secret Songs: • Rip Ride Rockit Bonus ...
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Maneuvers: • Hollywood Rip Ride Roc...
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Queue Video: • Hollywood Rip Ride Roc...
Rip Ride RockIT POV HHN 31 w/ Chucky: • Rip Ride RockIT POV HH...
Doctor Doom's Fear Fall Ride at Night Islands of Adventure Universal Orlando Resort: • Doctor Doom's Fear Fal...
Islands of Adventure High in the Sky Seuss Trolley at Night: • Islands of Adventure H...
2024 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster POV Universal Studios Florida: • 2024 Hollywood Rip Rid...
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Universal Studios Florida Roller Coaster: • Hollywood Rip Ride Roc...
Velocicoaster Universal Orlando Jurassic World Roller Coaster: • Velocicoaster Off-Ride...
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Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts POV: • Harry Potter and the E...
Incredible Hulk Coaster Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure: • Incredible Hulk Coaste...
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon Ride Universal Orlando: • [4k] Race Through New ...
Fast & Furious: Supercharged Universal Studios Florida 2024: • Fast & Furious: Superc...
Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue Orlando Universal Studios: • Beetlejuice's Graveyar...
Earthquake/Disaster Universal Studios Orlando: • Full Disaster experien...
Twister... Ride It Out Universal Orlando: • Twister... Ride It Out...
Twitter: / attractionidea

[@Psychotomy]

I would agree with this vid, I think this ride is overhated, and I didn’t even think it was rough

[@710moose8]

I ride it all the time it’s not rough at all 😂😂

[@sebastianquevedoramirez2984]

Hulk is way rougher lol

[@710moose8]

@@sebastianquevedoramirez2984 The hulk isn’t rough either especially since the retrack I just think half these people shouldn’t ride coasters if they are this sensitive 🤣🤣

[@graffiti.777]

The music is what really makes the ride amazing.

[@kddhd9704]

To be fair they spent hundreds of millions of dollars on it, including replacing the ride vehicle which was the main problem.

[@sergeant_sushi6078]

I think a lot of the hate for this coaster comes from mob mentality. There are SO many videos on youtube calling this ride mid, and people are conflating that with the ride being bad. This year during HHN i rode this coaster 4 or 5 times as a farewell and I honestly can't say it deserves so much hate. I think the worst problem with this ride however is its downtime, which I think is the real reason Universal might be getting rid of it.

[@maxsteamengine5986]

I agree, I love this ride the music adds so much to the ride.

[@TheGarebear420]

even the universal promo footage with riptide show a lady practically getting brain damage. I'm sorry but they need to expedite this project before they get anymore lawsuits

[@juanpabloguerrero3110]

I have been on this ride like 20 times and I keep enjoying it,always listening to humble

[@joshmaier18]

I guess I’m the odd man out I’ve had a annual pass for years and I’ve never had a bad experience on it

[@SwitchAnimationsGacha]

Yeah screw all of those haters. I will forever love this ride.

[@diegofavaratozfilms962]

Same I had a lot of fun riding it back in 2016 for my 13th birthday!

[@souporwormgaming]

I totally agree. I rode it for the first time a few weeks ago, and it was no Velocicoaster, but it was pretty cool. Free Bird hits different on a roller coaster.

[@TheNinjaDC]

I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the ride after hearing its infamy. It's janky to be sure, but like a *good* Arrow coaster, mostly the fun kind of jank. The music makes the experience, and is tuned & timed well to match the ride.

[@Tbm_961]

Rip ride rockit was the roller coaster that helped me get over my fear of coasters, i really hope it doesnt close soon and gets the hulk/mummy treatment and hopefully not the dueling dragons treatment

[@kddhd9704]

It will be gone. It’s been a maintenance nightmare and the manufacturer is defunct

[@ashleyblake6386]

I have the same nostalgia for this ride, it was my first big rollercoaster, and my first looped coaster. It would be so sad to see it go

[@m.hreels9822]

I’ve been saying this to so many content creators lately! I don’t know why this ride gets so much hate! It’s epic! ❤

[@pdmayton]

Took my brother in law for the first time about 30 minutes ago. He was blown away. Cant quit raving about it. Perfect way to end a night of HHN. As far as roughness, it was still smooth. For me, Hulk is the rough one.

[@EmberMcLain87]

i really enjoyed it. was my 1st vertical lift on a coaster, and honestly was the coaster that got me to realize i needed to get my body in check(i mean on this same trip i rode this almost every coaster i rode i could barely get any restraint to lock. if that isn't a wake up call then i dont know what is). plus can't hate on a ride that let's me play tom petty.

[@graffiti.777]

The best song on it currently is Sandstorm by Darude

[@Rockeits]

Lets be honest folks, this ride was pretty smooth when it opened, but today its so rough that it gives out free day-ruining headaches. And its been that way for 3+ years.

[@kddhd9704]

@@Rockeits definitely not when it first opened. The original ride vehicles made it rough and that’s why they changed them among other refurbishments

[@JapanD3V]

Glad its being removed in the near future. Here's hoping we get something like Hollywood Dream, but the new B&M shake is real so who knows?

[@Heitz2496]

I went on it this week, didn’t have that much of a problem. (Even rode on the back)

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Had no problem with it and I'm somebody that won't even ride wooden coasters because I think they are too rough and they give me a headache.

[@looneytoastywolf]

I absolutely looove this ride! And the music makes it super awesome imo, when I got to go here for an event, I rode it SO MUCH! Forever will love it!

[@DarkDoge]

I do love this attraction, but there is only one reason where I dislike it for. It completely taking over the original Twister...Ride It Out outside queue. Not a fan of what came of that. But I still enjoy Rip Rocket. It doesn't deserve hate.

[@ivanrobles6766]

I used to love this ride but it has gotten rougher throughout the years, I’ll get on it every once in a while only if the wait times are low.

[@rapunzel1701]

Hey, buddy, it's 'fall on the sword.' 🤭

[@elixiamakara1905]

My song choice is Paralyser, ive only gone twice but I enjoyed both times

[@kalaoahaole]

I could ride it right now nonstop forever. All i need is to be playing Rainbow Connection the entire time. Just lean forward to avoid the head bump after the loop. Heaven is the view from the top. Then arms up going thru the old Ghostbusters building.

[@tjmthegreat4009]

Front row on this ride is actually smooth and really good...tons of air time🔥

[@ryancarter2959]

I vividly remember waiting a solid 2 to 3 hours for this ride on the regular not all that long ago. Went to UO back around spring break time and it was damn near a walk on despite the parks being super busy

[@TheNo.1nerd-lookin-noob]

I agree! It’s rough sure, but it has one shocking moment of positives and some insane ejector!

[@Grimkaiser]

Thank you for finally not hating on this, first coaster I rode at universal and

[@AggressivelyAverage]

110% agree it’s overhated. It’s genuinely a really fun coaster that I enjoy throughly every time I get to ride it.

[@davidgaston7334]

First time I rode it I felt it was a more badass version of Rockin' Rollercoaster. I've ridden in all the rows and have never experienced the roughness that critics cite. The biggest blow to this coaster is removing a good chunk of the music library.

[@MCPro413Gaming]

The clean version of Humble has to be the funniest on this ride. But highkey as an Orlando resident I usually only do this one during HHN or for the joke since sometimes it’s fun to feel like I’m gonna have concussion ever

[@KaiDub24]

The first time I rode this I loved it. Was smooth and fun. The last time it was rough. I had a headache coming off and haven’t touched it since lol

[@alexalolz689]

i actually LOVE rip ride rockit. more often than not i'll play waterloo and even though i was a fan of that song long before i ever rode the ride, i've associated them together. i know that the ride will most likely close soon and that breaks my heart!!!

[@4thwallstudios]

*LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER*

[@mcadr4925]

I will say row 3 is rough asf (in 2021 at least) but the rest were pretty smooth

[@LuckyPierre789]

The original plans had the ride going out out into City Walk. By shortening the ride it totally changed the entire experience. And TBH-It should have NEVER come tearing out into the NY area. Keep in mind that existing backstage areas at USF are going to be relocating to Epic. That is going to make room available for more experiences. It's part of the overall evolution of the parks. Remember Jaws?

[@itsthegasman449]

I love this coaster! I've never felt the infamous roughness and the stop-starts don't really bother me. Hope it's here to stay

[@StormRunnerSam]

I also think the Rockit is overhated. I have loved it ever since my first ride and I always will love it.

[@luisLP5752]

My gf and i always ride at the front and we have the time of our lives, but when we rode at the back of it OH BOY. So we kept riding at the front, and we have the time of our lives.

[@brendanhatzyanks]

Im in the minority I love the coaster! Its such a vibe ride and takes up a unique plot would suck to loose it unless we get a great replacement coaster

[@danilyons2367]

Just come back from my first trip, and was prepared to hate it. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed up! Used the low wait times to lap it a few times.

[@nighthawkgaming2953]

Let’s go! Another episode of the universal podcast!

[@OakForestBoys]

I love this ride personally and am sad it's going away

[@1359...]

I feel like such an easy way to get more people to ride this ride is to update the song list to play newer songs. Even if Universal had to pay more for the rights, Rip ride Rockets reputation could easily be improved by adding songs from newer artists and it would be an way to market the ride to younger audiences.

[@chrisose]

If it does get taken out, I wouldn't be too sure that there will be a new ride put on its place. It occupies space between other active structures which necessarily limits what could replace it. Best case scenario would be another coaster but due to the limitations it wouldn't end up being different enough to justify the cost.

[@mary-an6070]

I love Rip Ride Rock it with all my heart. Its my favourite roller coaster all time, i feel very sad about the rumor, also because I practicly grow up with the atracction. Like the firts time I get into was when I was 12 and now I'm 20. So I just hope universal make a new roller coaster but keeping the music element.

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Tough spot to put this ride with its crappy trains but it has some good elements. Good thing they got their act together after this year.

[@n111ck]

haven’t watched the vid yet but i already agree with title, swear its become a trend to hate it. ride with secret code 301 and it will your mind/life, best song to ride with and hits every part of the track perfectly

[@Kei-hz2bj]

I honestly really liked Rip Ride, mostly for its music gimic and the hidden songs, but it can be pretty fun ride. If i was going to choose which Universal Orlando coster should be hated, it'll have to be Hulk. Fun ride, but i don't want to leave it with a concussion every time.

[@DarkCrystalSage]

I'll be honest, as someone who loves rollercoasters...this one gave me bad adrenaline. No joke, I was shaken pretty badly and was close to a break down (Positive side, kindness of strangers appeared in the form of elderly people, some family's gran was ready to buy me ice cream. Important to note that I look younger than I am). And uh, what caused it was the 90 degree lift; I don't know what it was about the lift that started the bad shake up but...Yeah, I'm on the 'hate it' team and not because of everything else about this ride.

[@iilikeitlikethatii]

The way I gray out on the helix ⚰️

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

I skipped it the first time I went to Universal because it had such a terrible reputation but when I went back two years later I made it a point to ride it at the end of the day in case it really was as rough as people claimed it was. Turns out it's reputation for roughness is completely undeserved. I've ridden steel coaster that are far rougher than this one and I really enjoyed it. I thought the first drop and loop were great elements and of course the music concept is really neat. If you have doubts about riding this one I'd say don't believe everything you hear. You are probably doing yourself a disservice if you skip this one because of other people's opinions.

[@propaintedstudios23]

I finally rode this on my 4th trip to Universal, mostly as I wanted to ride at night during HHN. Love the music, however my head was killing me after riding, it rattled my head around horrendously/ I will not make an effort to ride this again.

[@StadiumofLOLMAPS]

The music makes this ride awesome. Rocking out to Sandstorm during a HHN night ride is my actual favorite ride experience in Universal. I will say though, some rides are way more rough than others. might be the row (1/4 is nice. 3/6 is not)

[@Shoes8969]

I would say that Welcome to the Black Parade doesn't really fit the ride because they chose to use the slow tempo start of the song and it cuts off right when the song picks up.

[@christopherreichart9193]

I love you you love me best song ever

[@christopherreichart9193]

Caillou, Caillou best song ever

[@3Gads]

I wonder how much of the headache is from the multiple intense ejector airtimes. I still enjoy the ride. I wish the rattle wasn't so strong though.

[@rct3isepic]

I harshly disagree on the point about the music being synced up, and the dubstep thing. Music is subjective so while one person may hate dubstep, other people love it. I personally love it so getting a dubstep track doesn't hurt the ride for me at all. As far as how the music is synced up, a few of the songs are technically lined up to the ride, there are better points to sync up to in those tracks than what the park went with.

[@nathanr7599]

I don’t think it’s a bad ride by any means I just think it takes up too much space

[@Nate-rs9jb]

I think the same also we have the same name hi

[@BoyFlorentin]

What is it in the way of..I think it's pretty cool how it goes outside the park and goes all the way to the back.

[@nathanr7599]

@@BoyFlorentin I just think it takes up space that could be better well spent

[@discipleofmatanui1362]

It’s not really wasting any space since it’s on a thin strip of land next to the park that you can’t really put a show building on.

[@BoyFlorentin]

@@nathanr7599 I see

[@edcola6671]

HRRR does look like a good rollercoaster, my main complaint with it is that it’s an eyesore that ruins the look of the park. The bright-red track just doesn’t fit in with either the “theming” of Minions and the facades of New York, ruining the immersion particularly of the latter by busting through the old Ghostbusters facade. Best course of action to me would be to tear it down and do some minor landscaping to cover it over. It also might just be because I’m a sucker for classic USF and the more rugged, industrial studio look the area had pre-Rockit though.

[@mattlucas7869]

Love this thing

[@livefromconcerts]

this is so real last time i went i went on rrr 7 times in a row its just so fun i cant get enough (the best row for *less* roughness is 2 or 5) if they remove rrr i will riot universal

[@plighting_engineerd]

13:25 actually, the roughness may very well vary from ride to ride - apparently, some trains are much smoother than others; in ElToroRyan's problematic coasters video about Rip Ride Rockit (which I highly suggest you watch), he says that they have reportedly spend nearly $300 million on top of the ride's original price trying to fix its plethora of issues!

[@ItsYaBoyCarson]

FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT!

[@Tbm_961]

Real this ride is amazing

[@frankwaddell7942]

I don’t know, it was the only coaster I rode that hurt my neck after and made my wife sick. I’d say the negative rep is well deserved, glad they’ll be replacing it.

[@dariosantos9445]

Bro, Sabotage by Beastie Boys on this ride was S Tier

[@davidjameshahn1240]

I may be not remembering the layout that we'll, but we all know Studios is going to have go through a massive transformation to keep up with Epic and Islands. From what I remember, isn't the Nickelodeon Studios building right behind this ride? Is there any thought that they would demolish that building, take out this ride and recreate that entire area?

[@Southeastern_Thrills]

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is just ok in my opinion. The non-inverting loop does give good airtime but, the rest of the ride is pretty forceless. It also constantly gives me a headache.

[@hollyrose2418]

I love this ride

[@Xenon9119]

My headache after getting off this ride begs to differ

[@710moose8]

You’re just wrong or soft I ride it all the time 😂😂

[@fanta104]

idk how ppl say that abt this ride but then love something like Kumba at busch gardens. Ts so bad, literally: Headache the ride

[@Cheezbat]

@@fanta104Kumba has gotten rough lately…but the rip Ride Rockit is awful as well.

[@za_curry2101]

Honestly Hulk was worse for me bc of the headrests but just leaning forward helped me a lot on both

[@Floridapanthers2020]

If they did a whole retrack and re design I which is what I hope they do then yea.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

I agree

[@A.F.Whitepigeon]

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills with the discourse around this ride. Like, are people riding a different coaster than me? Because people talk about this thing like it's a Vekoma SLC, but it's... totally fine? It's not rough at all, the seats are super comfy, and the layout is outstanding. Yes, even the brake runs. Every single one gives a 2-for-1 special of solid airtime. Add in the music aspect, and I legitimately believe this is a better ride than Mako.

[@Cheezbat]

You are crazy…Mako is phenomenal compared to this monstrosity. I didn’t think it was possible to get slammed around as much as I have on my most recent rides on a coaster without over the shoulder restraints, but boy was I wrong.

[@A.F.Whitepigeon]

@@Cheezbat Like I said. You must've ridden a different coaster than me.

[@millabasset1710]

I always feel a little sore after riding this, I never have that issue with Hulk or Velocicoaster

[@thecluckster3908]

I don’t think the ride would be replaced because what would even replace it? It’s not exactly in the most convenient spot since it goes in and around so many buildings. The only thing that could possibly replace it is a coaster but a coaster usually shapes the land around it so it’s incredibly hard to plop a coaster in the same place unless you also move around parts of the land.

[@Southeastern_Thrills]

I could see a Gerstlauer Infinity or Mack Stryker coaster. Those rides could work with a narrow strip of land.

[@zacharydeboer7911]

Giving Counting Crows the credit for Big Yellow Taxi over Joni Mitchell is this videos biggest sin.

[@diegofavaratozfilms962]

They should add songs from Jimmy Eat World Blink-182 The Offspring and Green Day that would be awesome

[@benhaskin2754]

1:40 Do they still have the secret track hacks or have they taken them out? That added some many songs! I rode once while listing to Rainbow Connection😂😂

[@jgd5ygdyhcr6]

For me personally, I have to disagree with this video. As a tall guy this ride is just so painful for me and I tend to be really good with roughness. This is one kf the coasters I refuse to ride

[@jonny-b4954]

Come on Universal, build an RMC or a B&M Hyper/Giga. Or I'd take an inverted coaster to take Dueling Dragon's place.

[@RipRideVlogIt]

I approve this message

[@CSReed]

Unpopular opinion I liked the Chucky song!

[@largeformatmaster2994]

I think they’ll close this and Fast and Furious Supercharged and replace it with the Fast and Furious roller coaster they’re building in Hollywood.

[@Irodefury325fiftytimesthisyear]

I didn’t get to ride it yet

[@nathanielcardona283]

Hey so before it goes, ride row 3 or 4 and then let me know how rough it is, I need Tylenol everytime I ride no matter the row other than that it is a pretty fun ride

[@IAmMiami]

What? No Dolly Parton? Tear it down!

[@Toonrick12]

Are you ever going to talk about the whole Six Flags/Cedar Fair thing? It's been months since it happened.

[@AttractionIdeas]

Waiting for their first earnings report as a merged company in Nov. That should give us a good idea of where this company is going.

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

Who put Six Flags in my Universal Studios?

[@710moose8]

People that say this ride gotta go wants to see studio die. If it wasn’t for HHN this park would be useless 😂😂😂😂

[@WiiDude83]

Nah. I just think the ride is bad lol. Not only is the layout itself unintresting, the track is very rough now adays. But most damning of all, you compare it every other rollercoast at both parks, it's so clear its at the bottom of the list. Hell right up the street is Mummy. Which yes is in doors, but the ride is MUCH more fun than rocket. And I think this problem of comparison is only going to get worse after Universe opens.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

in terms of rollercoasters it’s a pretty bad ride. between the lift hill and the turn around through the building is good but it just turns into brake run after brake run after that. as an attraction it was fun but has become dated since probably 2015 in it’s theme.

[@toadsicle1200]

This just feels like a Gerstlauer in all the worst ways.

[@cooperhoffman8303]

Easily the most painful ride in all of Orlando

[@NL2Designs2826]

Remove the brake runs, redo the restraints, refurbish it, you've got a good ride. But for now, this ride is at the bottom of the list. 🤷

[@metallicnole4514]

The track has gotten rough over the years and the multiple midcourse breaks really hurts the pacing. Of all the thrill coasters in FL, it's bottom tier. It's definitely one that needs to be replaced.

[@305Coasters]

This ride is Not Rough, Has Great Airtime, and is not PAINFUL!!! How do people hate this ride? It has Velocicoaster Level Airtime

[@kmccurdy21]

For me it’s more about that it holds us back from getting another premier attraction. New Universal coasters are S-tier. This ride is not.. Get rid of it..

[@Cheezbat]

Anything would be better than this now. The ride was decent its first year or so, but all the block zones and the ugliness of this ride really brought it down…and now not only does it not have any songs worthwhile, but it’s also painful and boring.

[@pvdLIVE]

u sound like ludwig, i joke hoe this is his second channel lmao

[@mattd1645]

disagree. This thing hurts

[@AlexLobatomecinas-gk7tb]

Here is a deal you have 3 more chances to make a Nintendo theme park video and if you do it then I will do the opposite and like every video you make

[@danielriccardo6592]

It's easily one of the worst coasters in central florida that benefits from being in a park that doesnt have many rides. Ill do it as a walk-on but that doesnt happen much do to its capacity . Remember people universal spent hagrids money on this ride

[@thecluckster3908]

:}