Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit officially ceased operations this week, and the demolition process has already commenced. Additionally, Halloween Horror Nights kicks off next week, while props from How to Train Your Dragon are being removed at Islands of Adventure. This Universal Orlando photo report includes these updates and more.
Dead Coconut Club
New theming and signage have been added to the Dead Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk. This venue is a reimagining of the Red Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights, featuring decorations, drinks, and more with a horror theme.
Halloween Horror Nights Merchandise Now Available at More Locations
Merchandise for Halloween Horror Nights is now offered at additional locations across Universal Studios Florida and has finally arrived at Universal CityWalk. Previously, these items were only available at Five & Dime in Universal Studios Florida and All Hallows Eve Boutique in Islands of Adventure.
We saw Halloween Horror Nights signage and window displays outside the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios Florida, along with merchandise available inside the store.
Halloween Horror Nights products were also for sale at the San Francisco Candy Factory in Universal Studios Florida.
You can now purchase Halloween Horror Nights merchandise outside of the theme parks. The Universal Studios Store in CityWalk has Halloween Horror Nights window displays and items for sale.
Select Halloween Horror Nights merchandise is also available at various outdoor kiosks in CityWalk.
Islands of Adventure Entry Refurbishment
The renovations near the entrance to Islands of Adventure have been completed. Walls that were erected in late July for the renovations have now been taken down.
How to Train Your Dragon Props Removed
Various materials promoting the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film, which debuted in theaters on June 13, 2025, have been taken down from The Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure. These include the Stormfly figure that was showcased on an arch, the Toothless photo opportunity, and prop replicas from the movie.
If you’re interested in seeing what these looked like, you can check out our past photo report from May 23, 2025, which showcases them when they were set up.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Demolition
The final day of operation for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was August 17, 2025. The following day, construction walls were set up around the entrance of the attraction.
The vertical lift and non-inverting loop remain intact.
Recently, a crane was positioned nearby at the back of Universal Studios Florida.
Parts of the track have already been dismantled. Here’s a look at a recently removed segment located at the back of the park in the New York area, where the track passes through the firehouse facade.
Here’s a view of the portion of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit that runs near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida. The following photos show the ongoing site work for the ride that will replace it. Construction on the upcoming attraction actually commenced several months prior to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s closure. Drainage systems are being installed at the location, and as of this week, sections of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s track, along with support pillars, have started to be dismantled. You can see some of the removed track pieces set aside.
Universal Orlando has not yet announced what will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Restroom Refurbishment near London Waterfront
Construction walls have been taken down around the restroom located between the London waterfront and the former Fear Factor Live auditorium. This restroom has been undergoing refurbishment since February 2025. However, as of today, August 22, 2025, the facility is not yet open to guests.
Universal Studios Florida Bridge Renovation
Here’s an updated view of the ongoing renovation of the bridge over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon, situated near the London waterfront and The Simpsons Ride. It appears to be approaching completion. Universal is likely aiming to have this finished before Halloween Horror Nights officially starts on August 29 to aid in managing crowd flow.
Chief Wiggum and Police Car Statues Removed
Chief Wiggum and the police car statues have been removed from the Springfield section of Universal Studios Florida, and striped boxes have been added in their place.
Additional Halloween Horror Nights Updates
The Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store sign and additional signage have been installed on the exterior of its new location for this year. The Tribute Store will still be located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, but this time it will take over Sahara Traders, Revenge of the Mummy‘s exit gift shop, along with the adjacent Palace Arcade.
A photo opportunity for Black Phone 2 was recently added to the San Francisco area.
This wraps up this week’s photo report for Universal Orlando.
If you’re visiting Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, take advantage of our FREE planning guide. It offers extensive information about the event, expected crowd levels, a touring plan, and much more, ensuring you make the most of your experience.
Stay tuned to AttractionInsight.com and follow our social media channels for more Universal news and beyond.
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