rides

Orlando, Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
Universal Studios Florida is set to permanently retire the legendary Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster on August 18, 2025, marking the end of a 16-year thrill ride era. Known for its unique musical experience where riders could choose their soundtrack while traversing a 51m-tall track at 65 mph, the attraction has been a park landmark since 2009. The closure signals Universal’s strategic attraction refresh, creating anticipation for a yet-to-be-announced replacement. This retirement comes shortly after the opening of Epic Universe, Universal’s newest theme park, suggesting a broader transformation of the resort’s entertainment landscape. Fans are invited to take their final rides, with some commemorative experiences planned to celebrate the coaster’s memorable history.

Upper Marlboro, Monday, 18 August 2025.
A dramatic technical malfunction at Six Flags America in Maryland prompted a swift rescue operation on Saturday afternoon. Emergency crews from Prince George’s County Fire and EMS responded at 3:25 p.m. to a ride that unexpectedly halted mid-cycle, leaving 32 riders stranded. Technical rescue units collaborated with park staff to safely evacuate all passengers within approximately 30 minutes. One rider was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, which was reportedly unrelated to the rescue incident. The park has committed to conducting a thorough review of the ride to determine the cause of the malfunction, underscoring the critical importance of theme park safety protocols and rapid emergency response capabilities.

Orlando, Sunday, 17 August 2025.
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing has strategically expanded its North American presence with two groundbreaking family-friendly roller coasters. At Santa’s Village in Ontario, the Yeti Trek offers an exhilarating 400-meter ride through dense pine forests, reaching speeds up to 61 km/h. Meanwhile, Cedar Point introduces Siren’s Curse, a innovative tilt coaster featuring a dramatic 160-foot vertical drop and immersive maritime mythology theming. These installations represent more than mere attractions; they showcase Vekoma’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and creating memorable guest experiences that blend cutting-edge engineering with storytelling, signaling a significant investment in the theme park ride technology sector.