It’s been a total thrill watching a brand-new roller coaster being built at Universal Studios Hollywood. We felt the spark of that mysterious construction signage go up in 2023. We felt our stomachs flutter seeing those first lines of track being laid in 2024. We felt our jaws drop to the floor when the loop of track over the Starway clicked into place in 2025. And now, it’s 2026, and the real rush is finally here.
It’s happening, y’all. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has arrived, and Universal Studios Hollywood is has its very first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster. Too excited and need the tl;dr like, NOW? Here’s the need-to-know:
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is a brand-new, high-speed roller coaster and is officially open to the public at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- On Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, ride vehicles run along 4,100 feet of coaster track, reach up to 72 miles per hour and use 360-degree rotational technology to create a “drift” sensation.
At the Discover Universal Blog, it’s our job to keep you up to speed. So here’s everything you need to know about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
When Will Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Open?
It’s go time. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is open.
What Can We Expect from Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?
If you’ve been to Universal Studios Hollywood in the past year or so, you’ve gotten the chance to gawk at the coaster being built. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is constructed along the hill dividing the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot of the theme park, including an impressive stretch over the Starway. The aerial track spans about 4,100 feet, making it unmissable from not only the Starway, but the Studio Tour trams, too.
Now, let’s talk about the drift of it all. Yes, the title is an amazing play on the iconic third “Fast” film title. But Universal Creative means it when they say “drift.” This coaster features groundbreaking 360-degree rotation technology, which gives the sensation that you’re drifting. That’s right: As you’re zipping every-which-way along the coaster track, at certain points your ride vehicle drifts so you’re not facing forward on the track.
And, of course, the coaster is themed to the “Fast & Furious” franchise, which is celebrating 25 years since the theatrical release of its first installment. Taking a stroll on the Upper Lot, you’ll come across what resembles an auto garage, but no — that big, red brick building will actually contain the ride queue.
If you’re a real “Fast & Furious” fan, you’ll especially love the ride vehicles. They’re modeled off of four iconic cars from the film franchise. These include: Dom Toretto’s legendary 1970 Dodge Charger (blower on the hood and all, pictured above); Han Lue’s eye-popping Mazda RX-7 from “The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift;” Brian O’Conner’s dreamy Nissan Skyline GT-R; and another Brian car, the Toyota Supra from the very first “Fast” film. Take a look at all four ride vehicles right here.
Want to learn more about how this coaster was made? Ride Guys Mike and Dylan got a sneak peek of it during construction — and they’re here to share the details with you. Check out their exclusive interview with one of the ride’s creators here:
We do know one thing: You’ve never ridden a roller coaster quite like this ever before. The time is now. Are you ready to ride Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift? Pull up with your crew and get ready to feel the rush.
When are you coming to Universal Studios Hollywood to ride Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift? Let us know in the comments below.