[5][6] Announced on March 19, 2008, the coaster officially debuted on August 19, 2009, despite original plans to open several months earlier in the spring.

During the second week of January 2008, Universal Destinations & Experiences filed a Notice of Commencement with Orange County, Florida, indicating that they were to construct a ride system that they had code-named "Project Rumble.

[8] Although the layout was not revealed, the original press release stated that the roller coaster's vertical lift hill would be 167 feet (51 m) tall, and that the trains would reach a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h).

[8] It also mentioned that each train would be equipped with a multi-media package, LED lights, built-in video recorders, and the option for riders to choose a song from a list to be played during the course of the ride.

Guests could choose from artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Bee Gees, The Beach Boys, and Johnny Cash.

[9] Construction began in May 2008 with preliminary land clearing, including the removal of some of Twister...Ride it Out's outdoor extended queue.

Maurer issued an alert warning that stress testing of its X-Car ride vehicles had found that the coupling bars holding the trains together would not be "fatigue endurable.

[22][23] In December 2024, Universal Studios submitted plans to the South Florida Water Management District proposing the removal of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and its replacement with a new attraction, including two buildings.

[24][25] On December 27, Universal confirmed through a social media reply that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit would close in early September 2025.

[27] In each of the queue lines, there are several large screen displays that explain how to pick a song to play during the ride and important safety instructions.

[30] After dispatching from the station, the train climbs the 167-foot (51 m) vertical chain lift while the song selected by the rider begins to play, accompanied by as a male voice stating, "Hold on tight, baby, 'cause we’re taking you skyward.

The train drops down once again, passing through a hole in a wall, and enters a left-hand upward helix, nicknamed "The Treble Clef," which and resembles the musical symbol of the same name when viewed from above.

On the restraint is a touch screen where riders can choose which song they want to listen to during the ride from popular musical genres such as pop and hip-hop.