Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening)
Universal Studios Hollywood · Upper Lot
Overview
An Intamin launch coaster built around a fleet of full-size vehicles from the Fast & Furious franchise, each spinning a full 360 degrees along the track to simulate the sensation of drifting at speed. Riders launch out of a garage-themed queue building and race across 4,100 feet of elevated track built into the hillside between the Upper and Lower Lots, passing directly over the Starway and within view of the Studio Tour route, reaching a top speed of 72 mph through three inversions. The ride vehicles are themed after Dom Toretto's 1970 Dodge Charger, Han Lue's Mazda RX-7, and Brian O'Conner's Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra, giving each train its own distinct look.
ParksLog Verdict
Shaping up to be the park's marquee new coaster — a genuinely fast, novel spinning launch coaster with real Fast & Furious pedigree. It's still running only intermittently during soft opening, so don't build a whole visit around it just yet; treat any ride as a bonus until it settles into a regular schedule.
About this experience
High-speed outdoor launch coaster with 360-degree spinning vehicles themed to the Fast & Furious franchise, launching riders across an elevated track above the Starway.
Best For
- Coaster enthusiasts chasing the fastest launch at any Universal park
- Fast & Furious franchise fans
- Thrill-seekers looking for the park's most intense ride
Tips
- It's still running only intermittently ahead of its official opening, so check the Universal Studios Hollywood app for same-day availability before counting on a ride.
- The single rider line is a good option once standby settles in, given the mandatory double-sided lockers slow down loading.
- The elevated track is visible from the Starway and the Studio Tour route, so you'll likely see it in action before you ride it.
Details
History
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was built on the Upper Lot site formerly occupied by Universal's Animal Actors and the Special Effects Stage, both of which closed in January 2023 to make way for it. It soft-opened for limited technical rehearsals on July 27, 2026, ahead of a planned official opening later that summer.
Fun Facts
- At 72 mph, it's the fastest coaster at any Universal theme park.
- Its ride vehicles rotate a full 360 degrees along the track, a mechanism new to any Universal coaster.
- It replaced Universal's Animal Actors and the Special Effects Stage, which both closed in January 2023 on the same Upper Lot site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) take?
- The experience runs about 2 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) good for young children?
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) is not marked as kid-friendly on ParksLog. Check the height requirement and thrill level before visiting with young children.
- How intense is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening)?
- ParksLog rates this as extreme — very high speed, major drops, and sustained G-forces. Recommended for experienced thrill seekers only. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- Does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) cause motion sickness?
- Motion sickness risk is high. The experience involves intense spinning or sustained disorienting motion. Guests with any sensitivity should approach with caution.
- Does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) operate in the rain?
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) operates outdoors. It may be affected by weather conditions — check with the park on the day of your visit during rain or storms.
- Should I prioritize Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) at Universal Studios Hollywood?
- Yes — ParksLog rates Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) as a Must Do at Universal Studios Hollywood. It's among the park's signature experiences and should be near the top of your itinerary. Arrive early or use Universal Express to minimize wait time.
- Does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) have Universal Express?
- Yes — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) is included with Universal Express Pass. Guests with an Express Pass can use the dedicated Express queue for this attraction.
- When did Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) open?
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) opened at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026.
- Does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) have a single rider line?
- Yes — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Soft Opening) offers a single rider queue for solo guests or groups willing to split up to fill empty seats. Single rider lines often move significantly faster than the standby queue.