Universal Studios Hollywood surprised theme park visitors by launching unannounced technical rehearsals for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, drawing massive crowds to the entrance of the park’s upcoming high-speed outdoor coaster.
Technical Rehearsals Draw Crowds to Hollywood Drift
Thrilled parkgoers mobbed the entrance of the long-awaited attraction after operators opened the queue for testing. Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed the technical rehearsal phase, mirroring the strategy used for Super Nintendo World in 2023, which welcomed visitors roughly a month prior to its official grand opening. However, park spokespeople emphasize that because the ride remains in its testing phase, there is no guarantee it will run continuously throughout the day. Annual passholders and eager fans willing to brave potential downtime can test their luck, but visitors seeking a guaranteed ride experience may want to wait for an official opening date.
Engineering Design and Community Concerns
The coaster features custom ride vehicles modeled after iconic franchise automobiles, including the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra. According to Universal Studios Hollywood engineering details, these vehicles reach speeds of 72 miles per hour while rotating 360 degrees on the track to simulate a drifting sensation. While the park previously stated the ride was constructed with sound reduction technology, recent reports highlighted by the Los Angeles Times noted that Toluca Lake residents raised concerns regarding noise from early test runs. Despite rumors of potential delays stemming from the noise complaints, the technical rehearsals indicate the project is moving forward.
How Hollywood Drift Compares to Existing Park Coasters
Hollywood Drift joins a sparse lineup of high-speed attractions at the Universal lot. The park’s only other major thrill coaster, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, opened in 2004 and remains heavily attended. Meanwhile, the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff offers a much shorter ride experience lasting under a minute. Hollywood Drift introduces the park’s first high-speed outdoor coaster experience, crossing above and below the escalators connecting the upper and lower lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially open?
Not yet. Universal Studios Hollywood has placed the roller coaster in technical rehearsals, which functions as a soft opening with intermittent operating hours.
What is the top speed of the coaster vehicles?
According to Universal Studios Hollywood specifications, the ride vehicles reach speeds of 72 miles per hour.
How do the ride vehicles work?
The vehicles, modeled after cars from the Fast & Furious franchise, spin 360 degrees on the track to recreate a driving drift.
Did you know? Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’s construction path weaves directly across and under the massive bank of escalators that transport visitors between the theme park’s upper and lower lots.
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