Universal Orlando Resort has a habit of staying one step ahead, and right now it feels like the resort is already pressing forward with whatever comes next. There’s been no flashy announcement. No concept art drop. No big reveal moment. But if you look closely enough, it’s clear that something significant is already taking shape behind the scenes. The signs point to Universal moving ahead with its next roller coaster project long before most guests even realize it’s happening.That slow, deliberate momentum is very much in line with Universal’s brand. The resort rarely waits around once it commits to a direction. And while nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the groundwork being laid tells a story of a park that isn’t done pushing boundaries just yet.Universal Orlando Has Built Its Reputation on ThrillsBefore diving into what’s happening now, it’s worth taking a step back and remembering what Universal Orlando Resort does best. This resort leans heavily into high-energy attractions and isn’t shy about delivering an intense experience. Roller coasters aren’t just part of the lineup here—they’re the backbone of the experience.The Incredible Hulk Coaster still stands as one of the most aggressive launches in Orlando, throwing riders into a zero-to-sixty moment before they can even catch their breath. Jurassic World VelociCoaster raised the bar even higher, blending storytelling with raw speed and airtime that rivals anything else in the region. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure redefined what a family-friendly coaster could be, mixing launches, drops, and narrative beats in a way few rides ever have.Even attractions that blur the line between coaster and dark ride, like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts or Revenge of the Mummy, prove that Universal knows how to use thrills to tell a story. This is a resort that doesn’t just add coasters—it builds headliners that shape guest expectations for years.Credit: UniversalSaying Goodbye to Hollywood Rip Ride RockitThat history makes the farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit feel especially significant. For years, the towering coaster near the front of Universal Studios Florida served as a visual icon. Its vertical lift hill dominated the skyline, and its customizable music tracks made it a unique experience for repeat riders.But time catches up with every attraction. As Rockit aged, maintenance challenges grew, and fans began to notice the ride feeling rougher and less reliable. When Universal officially announced its closure, it wasn’t entirely shocking—but it did leave a big question hanging in the air.What could replace something so prominent?The ride’s location alone makes it impossible to ignore. Sitting near Music Plaza and visible from multiple angles, that footprint demands something bold. Fans immediately began speculating, knowing Universal wouldn’t leave such valuable real estate empty for long.Credit: Inside the MagicLeaked Images Suggest Major Construction Is Already UnderwayWhile Universal hasn’t shared any official plans, recent leaked aerial images have fueled speculation in a big way. According to reports circulating online, multiple concrete footers have been installed in the former Rockit area. The earliest foundations reportedly appeared last month, with even more added in recent weeks.Observers have noted steel rebar protruding from the ground in several locations, a classic sign of structural preparation. Wire frames appear to outline where additional footers will eventually go, suggesting a layout far larger than a simple refurbishment. Temporary wooden forms have also been placed around many of the existing footers to protect them while work is in progress.Perhaps most interesting is where everything seems to be heading. Much of the rumored track layout appears to extend into the canyon area behind Music Plaza, while construction on a station and service buildings is already taking shape. That kind of setup strongly suggests a large-scale roller coaster rather than a flat ride or small attraction.Aerial photos of roller coaster construction in Universal Studios Florida. Where the station and service buildings will be. pic.twitter.com/nMrHvKUeXe— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 22, 2025Universal Hasn’t Confirmed Anything—But the Evidence Speaks LoudlyTo clarify, Universal Orlando Resort has not confirmed that a new roller coaster is forthcoming, nor has it announced what will officially replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. There’s been no press release, no permits publicly tied to a named attraction, and no timeline shared with guests.Still, the foundation work of this scale is hard to misinterpret. These aren’t cosmetic changes or backstage improvements. The amount of concrete, steel, and planning visible in the area strongly suggests a major attraction is being built. For fans who closely follow construction patterns, the signs feel familiar—and very exciting.Universal has used this quiet-build approach before, allowing progress to happen in plain sight while keeping details locked down until the moment feels right.Credit: UniversalWhat Kind of Coaster Could Be Coming?With no official details, speculation has naturally taken over. One popular theory points to a Fast & Furious–themed roller coaster, similar in concept to the one already announced for Universal Studios Hollywood. Given the franchise’s focus on speed and spectacle, it would fit right into Universal’s thrill-forward identity.Another idea gaining traction involves Ghostbusters. With the franchise continuing to resonate across generations, a coaster themed around paranormal chaos could blend humor, storytelling, and thrills in a way that feels uniquely Universal.Of course, there’s always the chance this ends up being something entirely unexpected. Universal has proven before that it’s willing to surprise fans with concepts that don’t neatly fit existing molds.Credit: UniversalUniversal Is Already Building the FutureRegardless of what the final attraction turns out to be, one thing feels clear: Universal Orlando isn’t waiting around. While guests debate rumors and trade theories online, heavy construction is already reshaping a key part of the park. That kind of forward motion suggests confidence—and ambition.If history is any indication, once Universal starts laying foundations, things tend to move quickly. Whatever rises from the former Rip Ride Rockit site may arrive sooner than many expect.A New Era Is Taking ShapeUniversal Orlando has earned its reputation as a thrill destination by constantly evolving. Saying goodbye to a longtime coaster is never easy, but it also opens the door to something bigger, faster, and more refined. While details remain under wraps for now, the groundwork tells a compelling story all by itself.Whatever Universal is building next, it’s already well on its way—and fans are watching every step of the process with anticipation.The post Universal Orlando Quietly Sets Foundations for a Major New Roller Coaster appeared first on Inside the Magic.