The countdown to closures 🕛

The year is quickly winding down and it’s a reminder that we only have so much time left before some attractions close for refurbishment or for good.

Hello, In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops subscribers. It’s Haley here with the final newsletter of 2024.

There were a lot of major park announcements this past year about what’s coming. Epic Universe comes to mind as Universal Orlando brilliantly gave proper introductions to each world within its fourth theme park.

There was also a plethora of announcements about planned changes.

Universal Orlando

Rip ride removal? 🎢

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s rumored demolition appears to be definite.

According to a new filing with the South Florida Water Management District, Universal plans to remove the Universal Studios ride and replace it with a proposed attraction.

The towering roller coaster — known for its 90-degree climb, non-inverted loop, and music playlist — has undergone changes since it opened in 2009. In 2015, the addition of medal detectors was met with fan criticism and then last year, the theme park downsized the music playlist selection.

The coaster has also had a few rider rescues over the years.

Universal has not officially confirmed that Rip Ride Rockit is going away. We’ve included all the permit details in this web story.

Walt Disney World

Wildest transformation 🏜️

Yet another Frontierland attraction will be closing.

Granted, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t closing permanently. It’s undergoing a lengthy refurbishment. According to Disney, the coaster will reopen in 2026 “with a little bit of new magic.”

Disney has not said whether this closure is tied to its Villains Land plans, but seeing that it’s a year long, it’s probably linked somehow.

Frontierland has undergone so many changes, it called for a timeline.

The last day to ride Big Thunder before its year-long closure is Jan. 6. You’ll want to experience Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America while you can, too, before they permanently close next year.

Take it for one last spin 🦕

I’m not ready to talk about Dinoland U.S.A. closures. 😞

I have such fond memories of this land. Between the dinosaur dig site that allows you to be a pretend paleontologist and the carnival games, you can easily embrace your inner child.

But alas, next month begins the phased farewell of Dinoland. The attractions aren’t going extinct all at once — TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games and Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures are shutting on Jan. 12.

If your heart desires a New Year’s Eve celebration out amongst the people, the theme parks are where it’s at.

Be sure to share your holiday photos on our PinIt! page. There’s an In The Loop channel.

Feel free to keep me in the loop on all things theme parks through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

See you next year.