As a long-time fan of musicals and theme parks, I must say that the idea of a Wicked coaster at Universal Studios Orlando has me absolutely spellbound! Growing up with a love for both Wicked and rollercoasters, this potential attraction feels like the ultimate fusion of my two favorite worlds.
Among all the films scheduled for release in 2024, none seems to have sparked such excitement as Wicked. This highly anticipated movie, based on the iconic Broadway musical, is currently swimming in a sea of positive anticipation, with ticket sales indicating a likely box office success.
It’s likely that Universal will continue the celebration following the release of Wicked: Part Two next fall, and a recent rumor about one of my favorite rides from the Universal Studios Orlando rankings being removed has provided an interesting angle for discussion.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Is Rumored To Be Closing In 2025…Again
To start off, I’d like to address a potential piece of information that has been circulating. As reported by WDW News Today, there are whispers suggesting Universal Studios Orlando might retire the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in the near future. However, it’s important to note that this is not yet officially confirmed. In light of the recent instance where the rumored closure of Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure turned out to be accurate, let’s remain cautious about this news.
We’ve heard this plan before, as our theme park expert Dirk Libbey has hinted at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closures before. With the onboard soundtrack recently removed, it wouldn’t shock me if this roller coaster is nearing retirement.
I’m feeling let down because there were numerous other songs I had hoped to play during my future rides. Even though it feels like I won’t get to listen to “Ride Like The Wind” while actually riding this roller coaster, I wouldn’t mind if a new attraction themed around “Wicked” replaced the current one instead.
Wicked’s Smash Hit Success Must Mean A Theme Park Attraction Is Being Discussed
Even if you’re not tracking Wicked’s second weekend box office numbers, you know that director Jon M. Chu’s first half has already struck a chord with people. TikTok has become overrun with videos of people reenacting the company’s choreography for “What Is This Feeling?”, teases that make Wicked’s year-long intermission seem ill advised, and jokes involving that moment from “Popular.”
If such events don’t signify a significant cultural phenomenon, then what truly does? The triumphant reception of “Wicked: Part One” undoubtedly has executives at Universal Studios and their affiliated brands considering strategies to maintain the excitement and enjoyment.
As a devoted fan, I believe Universal Studios Orlando has several areas that could use an update, creating numerous opportunities for a premier theme park attraction within the park. One iconic movie scene stands out as the perfect candidate to spearhead this transformation.
Wicked’s Defying Gravity Sequence Is The No-Brainer Choice For A Potential Ride
In the musical “Wicked,” the song “Defying Gravity” strikes an ideal balance. It’s generally considered the standout number of the play and is incredibly popular among audiences. What makes it particularly appealing is that it serves as the Act I finale, revealing key aspects of the story without giving away too much. This means you can enjoy the song repeatedly without worrying about spoilers ruining your anticipation for the rest of the show. The stunning visuals in the first half of the film adaptation are sure to make viewers yearn to revisit this captivating scene.
It’s conceivable that if the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit were to shut down, it might not necessitate an extensive reconstruction from scratch. Given that the cars for this roller coaster are already equipped with sound systems, they can be effortlessly upgraded to meet the requirements of the new track. Additionally, the existing Hollywood-themed setting could serve as a charming complement to Revenge of the Mummy in the future.
It’s clear that adding a new attraction along the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track would be quite challenging due to the presence of the Universal Music Plaza Stage and Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon on its route. Any future construction should take these two locations into account.
A Wicked Coaster Could Fill Some Other Potential Gaps At Universal Studios Orlando
I need to clarify another speculation that aligns with my master scheme for developing the “Wicked”: Escape the Wizard Coaster! This is a topic that Universal Orlando enthusiasts have casually brought up. So, let’s imagine that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit miraculously escapes being dismantled.
There’s no issue there, since if Universal chooses to shut down The Simpsons-themed attractions (as some speculate they may), it opens up the opportunity for more than just a roller coaster – an entire Emerald City section within Universal Studios Orlando. Alternatively, they could utilize the land vacated by the defunct Fear Factor Live show as a foundation to build this proposed Wicked thrill coaster.
It seems that if the Universal brass prefers this choice, it might be necessary to shut down Men in Black: Alien Attack to make the desired changes. This wouldn’t be a negative outcome, considering the ample space available for a new section themed around their latest blockbuster. Additionally, I would willingly relinquish my role as a Galaxy Defender if it led to the creation of twin tracks, providing distinct experiences for both Glinda and Elphaba’s sides of the song.
Multiple Options To Weigh Gives Wicked More Time To Strengthen Its Public Image
If our discussion centered around renovating a theater for a medley of the Wicked Live! show, it could make the prospect of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande recording an original ride introduction video more likely. However, history has shown that public sentiment can change drastically between the first and subsequent installments of proposed franchises. Many people are still upset about Ralph Breaks the Internet, for instance.
2025 promises to be a bustling year at Universal Orlando Resort, with the opening of Universal Epic Universe adding to the excitement. Given this, it’s not necessary to rush for new attractions in the older parks right away. Instead, the existing attractions can take advantage of the attention diverted towards the new fourth gate. This gives us ample time to carefully consider and implement plans that work best with our budget and available space. In essence, a longer wait could actually be beneficial!
Let me reiterate, I’m just throwing this out there as a possibility, but there might not be a Wicked theme park attraction in the works at all. And if it does come to fruition, there’s a chance that the Transformers ride could be shut down to make way for the new attraction I mentioned earlier.
I think a rollercoaster is the best scenario, though, because it would live up to one of my favorite lines from the very song that inspired this madness: “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” If you’re bummed that this rollercoaster isn’t any closer to becoming a reality, allow me to remind you that Wicked: Part Two is still scheduled to debut on November 21, 2025.
You don’t need to fret about the lengthy wait as we discuss with Universal Parks and Experiences the possibility of making the Emerald City a permanent fixture in their Orlando location. However, you can still visit the ongoing experience called Wicked: The Experience at Universal Studios Orlando, where all Oz enthusiasts are welcome.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-03 16:37