Opening Date Announced
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster will open on September 16, 2026. The ride, which has been in technical rehearsals since late July, was originally slated to open this summer but was delayed due to ongoing noise concerns from nearby residents, according to reports from WDW News Today and the Santa Ana Orange County Register.
Ride Details and Experience
The coaster is described as a high-speed thrill ride that takes riders on a journey inspired by the street racing film franchise. It features 360-degree rotating vehicles designed to look like authentic Fast & Furious cars, including Dominic Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger. The ride reaches speeds of 72 mph across 4,100 feet of track, with two inverted loops and a pretzel loop, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles Times describes the experience as akin to taking a joyride, with authentic engine and brake sounds. The ride, designed by Universal and manufactured by Intamin, is nestled on a steep hill between the park's upper and lower lots and represents a decade-long effort to add major outdoor attractions to the park, which is known for its studio tour and immersive lands like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
The ride is located across from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and has a height requirement of at least 51 inches for riders.
Noise Concerns and Mitigation
Noise levels have been a concern since before construction began, with Universal conducting sound tests in early 2023 and installing sound reduction technology, including sound shield panels. However, after technical rehearsals began, residents of nearby Toluca Lake complained about hearing riders screaming, leading to additional sound barriers being installed, as reported by WDW News Today and the Orange County Register. The coaster employs a low rumble track filled with pea gravel and half pipe shields to lessen noise for neighbors, according to the Orange County Register.
The Los Angeles Times noted that afternoon wait times during technical rehearsals often exceeded two hours, sometimes approaching four hours.
Ticketing and Access
The ride is included with regular park admission, which starts at $109.95 per day, though prices vary by date. Unlike Disneyland, Universal does not require reservations, but it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Express passes will not be offered for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at launch, a Universal spokesperson confirmed to the Los Angeles Times. This means all guests will wait in the same line initially; express access is expected to be added at a later time.
For guests attending Halloween Horror Nights, the ride is not included with event admission unless they purchase the $479 per-person tour, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Significance for the Park
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift marks the first high-speed outdoor coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. The park's existing coasters include the indoor Revenge of the Mummy (2004) and the outdoor kiddie coaster Flight of the Hippogriff (2016), according to the Orange County Register.
The ride's name references the 2006 film "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," and the franchise has earned $7 billion at the worldwide box office, the Orange County Register reported.
As the opening date approaches, Universal Studios Hollywood is positioning the coaster as a major draw for 2026, with the Los Angeles Times calling it the most important theme park attraction of the year.