Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift soft opened Monday, July 27. Universal Studios Hollywood let guests on the new coaster that day, and the park hasn’t said whether it runs again before the official opening. Universal can open or close it at will until that date.
The layout covers about 4,100 feet of track along the hill that splits the Upper Lot from the Lower Lot, including a stretch that arcs over the Starway, and the cars hit up to 72 miles per hour. It’s the park’s first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster.
The drift in the name isn’t just a nod to the third movie. The ride uses 360-degree rotation technology, so at points your vehicle spins out of forward-facing and you’re carrying speed down the track sideways. Universal Creative built the whole thing around that sensation.
When does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially open?
Universal hasn’t announced a grand opening date. The only window on record is Summer 2026, which is the same thing the resort has been saying since March. So if you’re headed to Universal Studios Hollywood in the near term, there’s no promise the coaster will be taking guests.
Which cars do you ride in?
The ride vehicles are modeled on four cars from the franchise: Dom Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger with the blower on the hood, Han Lue’s Mazda RX-7 from “The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift,” Brian O’Conner’s Nissan Skyline GT-R, and the Toyota Supra from the first film. Universal has already shared a look at all four of the ride vehicles.
The queue is worth a mention too. That big red brick building on the Upper Lot looks like an auto garage from the walkway, and that’s the point, because the whole thing is the line.
The timing works out for the franchise as well. The first “Fast” film hit theaters 25 years ago, and Universal is putting a coaster themed to it into service the same year.
What to know
If Hollywood Drift is the reason for your trip, the Summer 2026 window is the only commitment on the books.
Source: Discover Universal Blog
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