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Universal Studios Hollywood Denies Delay of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Coaster Amid Noise Complaint Rumors
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially denied reports that its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster will be delayed because of noise complaints from nearby residents. The park, which is operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences and owned by NBCUniversal, says the coaster is still on schedule to open in the summer of 2026.
The rumors began on July 17 when Fox 11 reported that early passenger tests of the 72‑mile‑per‑hour ride had produced “intermittent screaming that carries directly across the fairway of the nearby Lakeside Golf Course and into the surrounding Toluca Lake neighborhood.” Fox 11 described the noise as a “wave of screams echoing into nearby residential areas.” The outlet suggested that the complaints could push the opening to the end of the year.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a spokesperson for the park said the reports are “not accurate.” The spokesperson added that the park “expects to announce an opening date soon” and that the information circulating online is incorrect. The Times also noted that sources familiar with the ride’s operation deny that noise is the reason for any delay, pointing instead to routine mechanical issues that have arisen during the testing phase.
Prior to construction, Universal conducted a series of tests to determine how sound would travel through the surrounding neighborhoods. The park installed multiple sound walls and shields to muffle noise. Lead creative Jon Corfino told the Times that the ride’s interior “is incredibly quiet.” He explained that materials such as pea gravel and rocks were placed inside portions of the track to deaden sound. Corfino said the ride is quieter than expected, but the measures were taken to “do the right thing.”
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is Universal’s first high‑speed outdoor roller coaster. The attraction is located on the Upper Lot of the park and features a 4,100‑foot track that winds over the Starway escalator, which connects the Upper and Lower Lots. The coaster’s vehicles are modeled after four cars from the Fast & Furious franchise: the Dodge Charger, the Mazda RX‑7, the Nissan Skyline GT‑R, and the Toyota Supra. Riders experience a 360‑degree rotation that simulates drifting cars at speeds up to 72 mph.
The coaster is manufactured by Intamin, according to Wikipedia. It is part of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ broader strategy to expand its themed land offerings. The park, which hosted 8.7 million guests in 2024, is one of the oldest and most visited theme parks in the world.
The Fast & Furious franchise is Universal’s biggest film series, with a combined gross of more than $7 billion worldwide. The franchise’s popularity has driven several theme‑park attractions, including the upcoming coaster. The park’s spokesperson said that the coaster’s opening is a key milestone for the 2026 season and that the park remains committed to meeting its schedule.
While the park has not yet announced a specific opening date, it has confirmed that the coaster will be available to the public in the summer of 2026. The park’s spokesperson reiterated that the rumors of a delay are unfounded and that the park is working to resolve any remaining mechanical issues before launch.
The situation highlights the challenges theme parks face when building large attractions near residential areas. Universal’s approach—testing noise impact, installing sound barriers, and using materials to reduce sound—reflects industry best practices for mitigating community concerns.
In the meantime, Universal Studios Hollywood continues to prepare for the 2026 season, with other attractions slated for opening and the park’s annual attendance expected to grow. The park’s management remains focused on delivering a safe, high‑quality experience for guests while addressing any operational hurdles that arise during the final testing phase.
The coaster’s opening will be a significant addition to Universal’s lineup and is expected to draw fans of the Fast & Furious franchise and roller‑coaster enthusiasts alike. The park’s official website and social‑media channels will likely provide the exact opening date once the final testing and safety approvals are complete.
The rumors began on July 17 when Fox 11 reported that early passenger tests of the 72‑mile‑per‑hour ride had produced “intermittent screaming that carries directly across the fairway of the nearby Lakeside Golf Course and into the surrounding Toluca Lake neighborhood.” Fox 11 described the noise as a “wave of screams echoing into nearby residential areas.” The outlet suggested that the complaints could push the opening to the end of the year.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a spokesperson for the park said the reports are “not accurate.” The spokesperson added that the park “expects to announce an opening date soon” and that the information circulating online is incorrect. The Times also noted that sources familiar with the ride’s operation deny that noise is the reason for any delay, pointing instead to routine mechanical issues that have arisen during the testing phase.
Prior to construction, Universal conducted a series of tests to determine how sound would travel through the surrounding neighborhoods. The park installed multiple sound walls and shields to muffle noise. Lead creative Jon Corfino told the Times that the ride’s interior “is incredibly quiet.” He explained that materials such as pea gravel and rocks were placed inside portions of the track to deaden sound. Corfino said the ride is quieter than expected, but the measures were taken to “do the right thing.”
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is Universal’s first high‑speed outdoor roller coaster. The attraction is located on the Upper Lot of the park and features a 4,100‑foot track that winds over the Starway escalator, which connects the Upper and Lower Lots. The coaster’s vehicles are modeled after four cars from the Fast & Furious franchise: the Dodge Charger, the Mazda RX‑7, the Nissan Skyline GT‑R, and the Toyota Supra. Riders experience a 360‑degree rotation that simulates drifting cars at speeds up to 72 mph.
The coaster is manufactured by Intamin, according to Wikipedia. It is part of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ broader strategy to expand its themed land offerings. The park, which hosted 8.7 million guests in 2024, is one of the oldest and most visited theme parks in the world.
The Fast & Furious franchise is Universal’s biggest film series, with a combined gross of more than $7 billion worldwide. The franchise’s popularity has driven several theme‑park attractions, including the upcoming coaster. The park’s spokesperson said that the coaster’s opening is a key milestone for the 2026 season and that the park remains committed to meeting its schedule.
While the park has not yet announced a specific opening date, it has confirmed that the coaster will be available to the public in the summer of 2026. The park’s spokesperson reiterated that the rumors of a delay are unfounded and that the park is working to resolve any remaining mechanical issues before launch.
The situation highlights the challenges theme parks face when building large attractions near residential areas. Universal’s approach—testing noise impact, installing sound barriers, and using materials to reduce sound—reflects industry best practices for mitigating community concerns.
In the meantime, Universal Studios Hollywood continues to prepare for the 2026 season, with other attractions slated for opening and the park’s annual attendance expected to grow. The park’s management remains focused on delivering a safe, high‑quality experience for guests while addressing any operational hurdles that arise during the final testing phase.
The coaster’s opening will be a significant addition to Universal’s lineup and is expected to draw fans of the Fast & Furious franchise and roller‑coaster enthusiasts alike. The park’s official website and social‑media channels will likely provide the exact opening date once the final testing and safety approvals are complete.
