Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Soft Opens!

The first-ever outdoor roller coaster at USH, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, has quietly soft opened! The high-speed ride unofficially joined the theme park family as of Monday, July 27, 2026 after delays in testing and controversy about its noise with neighbors nearby Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s everything we know about the attraction, plus what to expect going forward with technical rehearsals, AP previews, and an official opening date.

For starters, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is a dynamic new thrill ride that utilizes technology never previously employed in a roller coaster according to Universal Studios Hollywood. The innovative roller coaster features groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles as they rocket guests up to 72 MPH, making it the fastest roller coaster in Universal history.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift uses 4,100 feet of elaborate track, meticulously constructed with sound reduction technology for a breathtaking experience. The fully rotational ride vehicles will create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at furiously fast speeds while being catapulted along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

Rumors of an outdoor thrill coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood began circulating in 2022 following the permanent closure of the park’s Animal Actors on Location and Special Effects stages. Universal Studios Hollywood officially confirmed the project in July 2023, announcing a new, unnamed Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster manufactured by Swiss roller coaster manufacturer Intamin.

Because Universal Studios Hollywood is constrained by its steep hillside geography between the Upper and Lower Lots, civil engineering for the project required extensive terrain work. Groundbreaking began in late 2023. Construction crews erected a massive garage-style load station on the Upper Lot and installed custom support pillars extending down the hillside toward the Lower Lot.

Hollywood Drift Construction & Delays

By early 2025, track assembly was well underway, with key signature elements installed—including a dynamic section wrapping directly around the park’s iconic Starway escalators and an enclosed soundproofing show building to comply with local noise regulations. The entire 4,100-foot steel track layout was officially completed back in April 2025. This led many fans, us included, to erroneously conclude that the coaster would open well ahead of schedule, potentially by last Christmas. (Ha!)

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift reached a major operational milestone in October 2025 with initial launch testing. Throughout 2026, further test & adjust has taken place. The first human passenger testing began this spring, at which time Universal Studios Hollywood announced a Summer 2026 official opening. At that point, we (wrongly again) assumed that the coaster would debut in early summer.

There have been various delays since then, with testing becoming more sporadic and modifications made to elements of the ride vehicles. That has fueled the fire on a variety of rumors about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift being delayed, potentially beyond Summer 2026.

Universal Studios Hollywood shot those down and reiterated within the last couple of weeks that the ride would, in fact, open this summer and that an opening date would be announced soon. While we still don’t have that official date, this soft opening should put the rumors and speculation to rest.

Hollywood Drift Soft Openings: What to Expect

Note that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is in technical rehearsals and has not yet officially opened. This type of soft opening or trial operations allows the park the ability to find its footing in a normal operating environment. It likewise offers regular park guests the opportunity to experience the long-awaited roller coaster before its official opening to the general public.

What this means is that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not guaranteed to be open during this soft opening or technical rehearsal period. The ride could open late, close early, or remain unavailable for an entire day as crews continue testing & adjusting. This was the case back with Super Nintendo World, and there were a couple of times we had to wait for the soft opening to start, or got swept from the area early. (We never got shut out entirely, thankfully, as USH is a long drive from south of Disneyland in Orange County!)

We would strongly recommend not buying a ticket in the hopes of experiencing Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift during soft openings. If you’re already an Annual Passholder who lives locally, it’s obviously a very different story. Soft openings are often a chance to experience the ride with a much shorter wait than it’ll have once the grand opening arrives. (Assuming, of course, that there are no technical difficulties or hiccups. We’ve also had very long waits during other soft openings due to downtime and delays.)

Hollywood Drift Opening Date Expected Soon

With Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift now in soft opening mode, we’d expect an opening date announcement very soon.

As for when that might be, it’s very difficult to say. Even though it’ll easily make a technical Summer 2026 opening, it’s already late relative to expectations. Given that, it’s likely that Universal won’t go its normal route with a few weeks of soft openings followed by a couple weeks of Annual Passholder previews, and then an official opening.

The latest official opening date we’d expect is September 3, 2026, which is the start of Halloween Horror Nights. If that’s the date they opt for, there’s plenty of time for the same opening cadence that Super Nintendo World used a few years ago. I don’t expect that, though. Super Nintendo World was ahead of schedule; this is behind. Regardless, ongoing trial operations with human riders might dictate similar pacing.

At the other end of the spectrum, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Universal Studios Hollywood opted to fast-track everything, and announced that Hollywood Drift will open on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The advantage of the accelerated timeline would be capturing some last-minute ticket sales before Los Angeles schools go back into session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Neighbor Noise Complaints

As noted above, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. This park is both a theme park and an active studio where film production occurs. On top of that, it’s also perched on a hillside and has neighbors. All of this means that aggressive noise dampening and mitigation measures are needed, and strategic rotation to muffle screams is necessary.

Way back in 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood conducted noise tests. On top of this, the drift effect also utilizes controlled movement to minimize noise to the greatest extent possible. Earlier this year, sound shield panels were installed around certain sections of the tracks to muffle noise so it doesn’t carry across the valley.

With its white frames and green glass, the sound shield is both practical and cool-looking, mirroring the design of the iconic Starway escalators between the Upper and Lower Lots at Universal Studios Hollywood. They also serve the dual purpose of protecting walkers from items falling out of guest pockets on the roller coaster (although mandatory lockers and a strict no loose items policy should address that).

Nevertheless, there’s been a resurgence of complaints from neighbors of Universal Studios Hollywood as the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’s opening date has drawn nearer.

These have appeared on the local news, along with in a recent article by the Los Angeles Times. That interviewed several local residents living near Universal Studios Hollywood who are making a last-ditch public appeal to stop the coaster from opening. Toluca Lake residents have complained that the screams from the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster are “like someone getting murdered.”

These articles have made the rounds in theme park circles among people who have, apparently, never participated in city council meetings, used the Nextdoor app, or watched Parks & Rec (lucky them–I’m earnestly envious). It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who is familiar with any of those things that property owners, and in California of all places, would do everything in their power to stop a roller coaster from opening anywhere in the same zip code as them.

On any given day, I hear or see complaints about trees, dogs, restaurants, parking, traffic, schools, skateboarders, surfers, and much more. If every exaggerated grievance of homeowners was considered newsworthy, the local news would be 8 hours long per day. I’m not really sure why this is being spotlighted, or frankly, why I’m even giving it oxygen here–except to add a bit of context as to why this the complaints are inconsequential, and completely expected.

With all of that said, I can absolutely see the neighbors’ perspective on this one. Many of them have been there since before USH transformed into a theme park, and even if they haven’t, I can empathize with not wanting a roller coaster in my backyard. And I say that as someone who is very excited for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift! Actually, I’ve gotta hand it to these homeowners for being persistent and trying to exhaust all possible recourse right up until soft openings…and probably beyond.

Here are previous updates on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift:

Hollywood Drift Past Progress

In March 2026, USH unveiled the remaining three ride vehicles joining the previously announced Dodge Charger that will comprise each of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift trains.

Within the load platform, the ride vehicles will be set against an original large-scale mural created by world-renowned artist Tristan Eaton. The freehand, spray-painted mural will be splashed across an interior brick wall and will depict the finale street racing scene in the original film with a montage of the aerial-bound Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra vehicles racing against a speeding train. Included within this mural is a homage to Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto.

Here’s a look at the design inspirations for the four Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride vehicles:

Dodge Charger. This iconic ride vehicle is inspired by Dominic Toretto’s signature car featured throughout the film franchise. With its sleek black frame, this souped-up, 900-horsepower, 1970 Dodge Charger is considered the ultimate American muscle car.

Mazda RX-7. This ride vehicle is inspired by the 1997 model car driven by Han Seoul-oh. Featuring 19-inch wheels, racing seats, upgraded suspension and custom interior detailing, the Mazda RX-7 is considered one of the most iconic cars in the Fast & Furious film franchise.

Nissan Skyline GT-R. This ride vehicle is inspired by Brian O’Conner’s 2002 blue Nissan Skyline GT-R which was enhanced with extensive performance and styling modifications and is renowned for its unique appearance.

Toyota Supra. This ride vehicle is inspired by Brian O’Conner’s orange 1994 car featuring the legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine. O’Conner owed Toretto a “10-second car,” and this one more than delivered on that promise. It is recognized as one of the most memorable cars in the film franchise.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films. The ride vehicle modeled after Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger is currently on display at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The groundbreaking Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift benefits from Universal Creative’s decades-long expertise in developing contemporary roller coasters. Given what they just did with Stardust Racers at Epic Universe (my favorite roller coaster ever) and Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure, I’m really curious to see how Universal Creative tops themselves with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift!

The new Fast & Furious ride will join Universal Studios Hollywood’s slate of attractions, including the new Super Nintendo World, featuring the critically-acclaimed Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride. There’s also the Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, which is on par with the best Disney dark rides from the last decade.

Other relatively-recent additions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff rides; Jurassic World—The Ride; Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; Springfield U.S.A. and The Simpsons Ride. As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, Universal Studios Hollywood has radically transformed and expanded since we first got our APs a decade ago.

That’s all in addition to Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. Since 1964, the Studio Tour has offered guests a front row seat to filmmaking magic on an authentic movie and television production studio backlot for an exclusive peek at original film sets.

Supercharged Closed

To make way for Hollywood Drift, the Fast & Furious – Supercharged segment of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood has permanently closed. As we’ve been saying for years, this is one of the worst theme park experiences anywhere, ever. We were absolutely shocked when it was cloned to Orlando, and remain convinced that the Comcast executives that greenlit that terrible decision never saw the Studio Tour version.

It does have a slight campy quality and has developed a minor cult following in the last few years, but those fans are misguided. Fast & Furious – Supercharged is not so bad it’s good. It’s just plain bad. The Fast & Furious film franchise is much better suited with a thrill ride than anything with any semblance of story or narrative. Just exhilaration, excitement, and crazy car vibes.

Universal Studios Hollywood has not yet announced what will replace it, but literally anything would be better than the Fast & Furious – Supercharged segment in the Studio Tour. That includes absolutely nothing at all, just a tunnel of darkness and sorrow. Good riddance.

Why We’re Excited for Hollywood Drift

The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster sounds fantastic to us. This will likely be a great thrill ride, and Universal has proven in recent years with VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure that they can do unique coasters like this really well.

Between its location and layout, this Fast & Furious roller coaster looks like it could be even better than those recent additions to Universal Orlando. It should be absolutely awesome, and offer some insane valley views–including the surrounding studios.

It’ll be the best coaster addition to Southern California in a long time, at least until Knott’s Berry Farm finally gets its act together and confirms the long-rumored (but repeatedly debunked) Giga Coaster rumors.

The bottom line is that it’s tough to be disappointed by a new roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. The park has been on a roll lately, and it appears that trend will continue with the Fast & Furious roller coaster. I’m personally really looking forward to riding it.

With that said, Universal Creative has also proven that they can do family-friendly attractions really well. Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is an underrated masterpiece, and proof-positive that elaborate Audio Animatronics-driven rides still can resonate with today’s audiences.

Not just that, but that dark rides can be built in tight spaces, on efficient turnaround times and with relatively limited budgets (just not by Disney). Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is hardly low-budget or underrated, but it’s another example of Universal pushing the envelope and delivering something ambitious for the whole family.

Honestly, I want to see more of that from Universal. For one thing, I think it’s what Universal Studios Hollywood truly needs. The park just added a big draw for families, but otherwise doesn’t have a ton for kids to do. It also doesn’t have much for older guests or those with motion sickness; as we’ve mentioned, Sarah can only do a handful of rides at USH, and even fewer now that she’s pregnant. While I don’t think every new addition needs to cater to my preferences, I am a bit surprised that Universal isn’t adding more for all-ages.

For another thing, great roller coasters can be done by just about any regional amusement park in the United States, but there are only a handful of theme park operators that can do dark rides well. Other than Imagineering, it’s pretty much just Universal Creative able to execute on that level and with the same polish and attention to detail. Roller coasters are nice, but I wish they’d bet bigger on elaborate family-friendly attractions, especially given how great Monsters Unchained and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry turned out.

If you’re preparing for a Southern California vacation, check out our other planning posts, including our exhaustive Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood. Need advice for LA? Read our Ultimate Los Angeles, California Planning Guide. Visiting other SoCal theme parks? Consult our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide and Knott’s Berry Farm Planning Guide.

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think about the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood? Will you try to ride during soft openings? Expecting it’ll be the West Coast’s “answer” to VelociCoaster or Stardust Racers? Excited for a thrill ride, or wish it were something more family-friendly or accessible for all ages? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!