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Universal Orlando pushes back opening for Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit

By Robert Niles
Published: April 22, 2009 at 4:50 PM
This shouldn't surprise anyone, given the wall of silence that Universal Orlando has offered all questions about when its Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster would debut, but Universal's now confirmed that it will not open this spring.

Instead, Universal's pushed the opening date back into summer, according to several sources. (Here's one that got its story up earlier.)

Universal folks and fans, give us your thoughts and estimates on HRRR, in the comments.

Update: Now SeaWorld is pushing *up* the opening date for Manta. Look for a soft opening the first week in May. Trip reports, with photos, will be greatly appreciated, as I won't be in Orlando that week.

Readers' Opinions

From Deidre Dennis on April 22, 2009 at 7:27 PM
That's too bad. We were looking forward to riding this in June.
From Raul Araoz on April 22, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Well, this isn't much of a surprise. The rumors were flying that there was a problem with the coaster's lift hill and/or evacuation system. This is not unexpected for a, somewhat, new style of coaster. Cedar had a lengthy delay for the Maverick before it opened. The Manta is based on an already existing concept and was simple to construct.

In the long run, this might hurt Universal slightly, but I feel it might be better since they won't directly compete with Sea World. It is wise for them to perfect it than come out with a subpar ride.

From Deidre Dennis on April 22, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Better a delay to have a safe attraction for all. Sucks that we won't get to ride it but I'm sure we'll return to Orlando another time.
From Pyra Dong on April 23, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Sadly, this wasn't a big surprise... although I would have thought that the delay would be more related to money.

I planned on going to USO around June and figured the HRRR would be open for a month by then. My personal scaredy-cat rule is "NEVER RIDE A NEW RIDE UNTIL IT'S BEEN OPEN FOR A MONTH" --->>>> wimpy pyra.

So now I'm partly freaking out b/c w/ the HRRR's delay, my June visit may place it squarely on opening day. Wahhhhh I might be too scared to ride. Oh well... Manta here I come.

From TH Creative on April 25, 2009 at 10:01 AM
We were at Hard Rock Live last night (REO Speedwago). We walked past the coaster -- it looks like its gonna be a MONSTER!

It will be worth the wait!

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