Blab Entertainment
Universal Studios Hollywood Sets September 16 for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Roller Coaster Launch
Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed that its newest thrill ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, will open to the public on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The date arrives just before the Northern Hemisphere’s summer ends on September 22, keeping the park’s promise of a summer 2026 debut.
The coaster, engineered by Swiss‑based Intamin, will feature a dual‑launch, split‑ride track that alternates trains from dispatch. Riders will feel four rapid launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall, reaching speeds of up to 72 mph and a peak of 3.6 Gs. The 4,100‑foot track incorporates sound‑reduction technology and allows each ride vehicle to drift 360 degrees while navigating the multilevel Starway escalator and other aerial elements.
According to Universal’s press release, the four ride vehicles are styled after Fast franchise cars—a Dodge Charger, a Mazda RX‑7, a Nissan Skyline GT‑R, and a Toyota Supra. Each vehicle is lap‑bar harnessed and designed to echo the high‑speed racing aesthetic of the films.
During a soft‑open phase, the park received complaints from nearby residents about noise levels. Although monitoring indicated that sound was barely audible, Universal committed to installing two additional sound barriers along the ride’s perimeter to address local concerns and demonstrate its willingness to mitigate environmental impact.
Universal Studios Hollywood, owned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, has long leveraged its film‑franchise properties to create themed attractions. The Fast & Furious franchise, distributed by Universal Pictures, is the studio’s largest media franchise and has generated over $7 billion worldwide. The new coaster adds a high‑speed, high‑thrill element to the park’s Upper Lot, complementing existing attractions such as the Hollywood Tower and the Starway escalator.
Intamin is also developing a separate Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster for Universal Studios Florida. The East Coast version will open in 2027 and will feature a distinct layout from the Hollywood version, according to industry reports. The two coasters will share the same name but will differ in track design and ride experience.
The September 16 opening aligns with Universal’s broader strategy to refresh its attractions portfolio ahead of the fall season. Based on last year’s 8.7 million guests, the park’s 2026 attendance projections suggest that the new coaster will be a key draw for both domestic and international visitors.
In summary, Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed a September 16, 2026 opening for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a 72‑mph, 4,100‑foot Intamin coaster featuring four launch elements and 360‑degree drifting vehicles modeled after Fast franchise cars. The park has addressed local noise complaints by installing sound barriers and has scheduled a separate, differently‑designed version for Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
The coaster, engineered by Swiss‑based Intamin, will feature a dual‑launch, split‑ride track that alternates trains from dispatch. Riders will feel four rapid launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall, reaching speeds of up to 72 mph and a peak of 3.6 Gs. The 4,100‑foot track incorporates sound‑reduction technology and allows each ride vehicle to drift 360 degrees while navigating the multilevel Starway escalator and other aerial elements.
According to Universal’s press release, the four ride vehicles are styled after Fast franchise cars—a Dodge Charger, a Mazda RX‑7, a Nissan Skyline GT‑R, and a Toyota Supra. Each vehicle is lap‑bar harnessed and designed to echo the high‑speed racing aesthetic of the films.
During a soft‑open phase, the park received complaints from nearby residents about noise levels. Although monitoring indicated that sound was barely audible, Universal committed to installing two additional sound barriers along the ride’s perimeter to address local concerns and demonstrate its willingness to mitigate environmental impact.
Universal Studios Hollywood, owned by NBCUniversal and operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences, has long leveraged its film‑franchise properties to create themed attractions. The Fast & Furious franchise, distributed by Universal Pictures, is the studio’s largest media franchise and has generated over $7 billion worldwide. The new coaster adds a high‑speed, high‑thrill element to the park’s Upper Lot, complementing existing attractions such as the Hollywood Tower and the Starway escalator.
Intamin is also developing a separate Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster for Universal Studios Florida. The East Coast version will open in 2027 and will feature a distinct layout from the Hollywood version, according to industry reports. The two coasters will share the same name but will differ in track design and ride experience.
The September 16 opening aligns with Universal’s broader strategy to refresh its attractions portfolio ahead of the fall season. Based on last year’s 8.7 million guests, the park’s 2026 attendance projections suggest that the new coaster will be a key draw for both domestic and international visitors.
In summary, Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed a September 16, 2026 opening for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a 72‑mph, 4,100‑foot Intamin coaster featuring four launch elements and 360‑degree drifting vehicles modeled after Fast franchise cars. The park has addressed local noise complaints by installing sound barriers and has scheduled a separate, differently‑designed version for Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
