Universal Orlando, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Universal Orlando is making significant upgrades to its Epic Universe, including the construction of a new 17-foot sound wall designed to reduce noise and improve visitor experience. This project, valued at approximately $5 million, spans over 0.53 miles and features robust engineering to withstand high winds. Along with this, Universal has initiated demolition of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster and is planning future expansions at the park. These enhancements aim to elevate the attractions and overall guest satisfaction at Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando Expands Epic Universe with New Sound Wall and Commences Demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
The first big update from Universal’s Epic Universe project this season shows the construction team back at work behind the Stardust Racers roller coaster. A large sound wall is moving forward, and demolition has begun on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. The changes signal a shift in the park’s landscape as crews push ahead with major infrastructure and potential new developments around the site.
Open permits confirm that the upcoming sound wall will be built with green materials and designed to shield the park and its surroundings from noise while blocking outside views. The wall is planned to rise to 17 feet tall and stretch for 0.53 miles, with a wind tolerance published at up to 139 mph. The construction value for this segment is listed at $5 million.
The wall’s structural system will feature steel columns erected every 20 feet, with panels infilled between them to create a continuous barrier. Its purpose mirrors similar barriers built behind other attractions—primarily to curb noise from the active work areas and to prevent sightlines into the construction zone. The project is being managed under permits filed by Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District, with an expiration date of February 2026.
Progress, land, and temporary routing
Land cleared for the sound wall extends from Sand Lake Road to the edge of the water treatment plant’s property. A temporary bypass road has been put in place to allow Team Member shuttles to navigate the workspace while the wall is built. Footings for the new structure are currently being installed, and heavy machinery remains on site as crews prepare the foundational work.
Separately, new permits have been filed for a nearby 53.76-acre parcel described in filings as “West Parcel Mass Grading”. While the exact use of this area isn’t disclosed in the filings, documents indicate planning for new works and a stormwater management system. Speculation from observers points to possibilities such as additional hotels, entertainment districts, or expanded park venues, but officials have not released a final plan.
Express service expansion and the Rockit closure
In other operational news, Universal Express access has been added to two more attractions: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness. This enhancement will allow guests to skip regular lines and move more quickly through popular experiences as the park reconfigures parts of its guest flow around ongoing construction.
The once-popular Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster officially closed on August 17, 2025, after a 16-year run. Demolition of the ride began swiftly, with large sections of track already removed within days. On its final operational day, guests encountered characters themed after the attraction, and memorabilia was distributed as part of a farewell phase. Observers expect that a new roller coaster will replace the Rockit in a similar footprint, based on permit activity and project filings.
Refurbishments and future plans beyond Epic Universe
Looking ahead, Volcano Bay is scheduled for a major seasonal refurbishment from October 26, 2026, to March 24, 2027. During this period, the park’s TapuTapu wearable system will be retired as part of the modernization effort. Refurbishments are also anticipated for attractions at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, with rumors of a major overhaul of the Jurassic Park River Adventure and other popular experiences. Universal indicates that major updates are planned for top attractions at Volcano Bay to boost guest experiences overall.
The company says more updates and visuals on the projects will be shared through multiple channels, including a video story that outlines progress and future phases. The layered improvements across Epic Universe, its adjacent parks, and surrounding lands show a broader strategy to expand guest experiences while managing construction and noise in nearby areas.
Overall, visitors and industry watchers should expect a combination of new physical barriers, upgraded guest services, and potential hospitality and entertainment developments as Universal continues to transform the property around Epic Universe. The timeline for some projects remains tied to permits, site readiness, and seasonal planning, but the pace of construction and the scale of changes indicate a sustained push toward the park’s expanded footprint and upgraded guest journey.
Public-facing notes
Updates will continue to roll out through official channels as planners refine the scope and timing of each phase. The developments described here reflect current filings and visible site activity. Plans may evolve as new permits are issued and as project goals are adjusted in response to engineering, safety, and guest experience considerations.
FAQ
- What are the key specifications of the new sound wall?
- The wall will be 17 feet tall and run for 0.53 miles, with a wind tolerance of up to 139 mph. It is designed to shield noise and views and costs about $5 million.
- Who filed the permits for the sound wall?
- Permits were filed by Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District, with an expiration date of February 2026.
- What is the West Parcel Mass Grading project?
- The 53.76-acre West Parcel is described in filings as a site for new works and a stormwater management system; possible uses include hotels or entertainment venues, though a final plan has not been disclosed.
- When did Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit close and what’s happening to it?
- The ride closed on August 17, 2025, after 16 years of operation. Demolition began soon after, with large sections removed; a new coaster is expected to occupy a similar footprint based on filings.
- What about Universal Express and other refurbishments?
- Universal Express has been added to two attractions, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness. Refurbishments are planned for Volcano Bay (late 2026–early 2027) and major updates for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, including a potential overhaul of the Jurassic Park River Adventure.
- Will there be more updates on these projects?
- Yes. Additional updates and visuals are expected through official channels, including a video story that highlights progress and future phases.
Key features chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sound wall height | 17 feet |
| Wall length | 0.53 miles |
| Wind resistance | Up to 139 mph |
| Construction value | $5 million |
| Column spacing | Steel columns every 20 feet |
| Land area for West Parcel | 53.76 acres |
| Closure date for Rockit | August 17, 2025 |
| Volcano Bay refurbishment window | Oct 26, 2026 – Mar 24, 2027 |
| Express service additions | Two attractions: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry; Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Orlando Park Stop
- Wikipedia: Universal Orlando Resort
- New York Times
- Google Search: Universal Orlando Epic Universe
- Theme Park Tribune
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
- Attractions Magazine
- Google News: Universal Orlando Epic Universe news
