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The Clues Are There – Is Universal Orlando Building a ‘Ghostbusters’ Attraction?

When a legacy attraction shuts down, it doesn’t take long for the speculation to start. Universal Orlando’s upcoming closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit—confirmed for late 2025—has already triggered a wave of fan theories about what could replace it. In a park dominated by IP, a vacant plot this prominent is rare.

And while nothing official has been announced, there’s one title being whispered more than most: Ghostbusters.

The Library Ghost in the 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' trailer
Credit: Sony Pictures

The Firehouse Is Still Standing

For longtime parkgoers, Ghostbusters never fully left. Though the original street show vanished decades ago, the New York firehouse façade never did. It’s remained largely untouched, resurfacing during tribute store activations and seasonal overlays. That kind of quiet preservation often signals intent.

More recently, the franchise has made a comeback inside the park in another form: Halloween Horror Nights. In both 2019 and 2024, Ghostbusters-themed houses were featured—and both were standouts. The 2024 version, based on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, received particular praise for its effects, humor, and design accuracy.

Slimer in the new 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' trailer
Credit: Sony Pictures

More Than Just a Nostalgia Play

Rip Ride Rockit’s closure opens up more than space—it creates opportunity. The coaster’s footprint is one of the most prominent in the park, right in Production Central. It’s a high-visibility location that demands a marquee replacement.

A Ghostbusters attraction wouldn’t just be a crowd-pleaser. It would be a strategic move. The franchise offers built-in appeal to both older guests and younger audiences discovering the new films. It has brand recognition, tone flexibility, and strong merchandise potential. And crucially, Universal already owns it.

The mechanics of a potential ride are still up for debate. Some imagine a next-gen shooter ride—an evolution of Men in Black: Alien Attack—with guests using proton blasters in a city-wide ghost hunt, similar to an existing Ghostbusters ride at Motiongate in Dubai. Others picture a story-focused dark ride with large-scale sets, animatronics, and practical effects capturing both the comedy and chaos of the films.

The Ecto-1 in 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire'
Credit: Sony Pictures

Either way, it wouldn’t be difficult to integrate the nearby firehouse into the experience, giving it purpose beyond photo ops.

What gives the theory even more weight is timing. With Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire keeping the franchise relevant and Rockit set to retire this fall, Universal has a rare alignment of open land, active IP, and fan enthusiasm. That convergence doesn’t happen often—and when it does, Universal tends to act.

The original Ghostbusters around Ecto-1
Credit: Sony Pictures

So far, the park has made no comment on what’s coming next. But fans are already connecting the dots. The firehouse is still there. The coaster’s days are numbered. The ghosts, in some form, may already be on their way.

In a studio built on blockbusters, sometimes the quietest corner of the park holds the biggest clues. And in this case, there may be something strange coming to Universal’s neighborhood.

Do you want to see a Ghostbusters ride at Universal?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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