Universal Studios Hollywood’s long-awaited Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift began technical rehearsals on Monday, July 27, 2026, giving park guests their first chance to ride the attraction ahead of its official grand opening. The soft opening was confirmed by multiple outlets, including WDW News Today, Inside Universal, and Time Out Los Angeles, after guests reported riding the coaster during testing.
The steel spinning launch coaster, manufactured by Intamin, sends individually rotating vehicles up to 72 mph across roughly 4,100 feet of track winding through the park’s Upper Lot, including sections that pass above and below the Starway escalators connecting the Upper and Lower Lots. It is billed as the fastest roller coaster in Universal’s global portfolio and was built on the footprint of former Studio Tour and backlot attractions, including the Fast & Furious – Supercharged tram segment.
Stats at a Glance
- What: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift soft opens for technical rehearsals
- Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
- When: Soft opening began Monday, July 27, 2026
- Speed/Length: 72 mph top speed across ~4,100 feet of track
- Manufacturer: Intamin (steel launched spinning coaster, 4 inversions)
- Why it matters: Fastest coaster in Universal’s parks worldwide; a Florida version is planned for 2027
The Story
Guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood on July 27 found Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift running for regular park visitors as part of ongoing technical rehearsals — a stage parks typically use before a formal grand opening. Universal has not announced an official opening date, and operation during rehearsals isn’t guaranteed; the ride can open late, close early, or sit down for adjustments on any given day.
The coaster’s individually rotating cars are designed to simulate the sensation of drifting as they launch through the park’s Upper Lot. First confirmed in July 2023 and officially named in 2024, the project has faced construction delays and noise complaints from neighboring residents during testing in the months leading up to this week’s rehearsals.
What It Means for Visitors
During the rehearsal period, ride availability will be inconsistent, so visitors hoping to experience Hollywood Drift should check Universal’s app for standby and single-rider status on arrival rather than planning a visit solely around the ride. A grand opening event, complete with a confirmed public date, is still expected before the end of summer 2026.
For coaster enthusiasts, Hollywood Drift’s debut is notable beyond Los Angeles: a second version is already planned for Universal Studios Florida, where it will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, extending the ride concept to Universal’s Orlando resort in 2027.
Explore more: more new roller coaster openings.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift FAQs
Can guests ride Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift right now?
It’s possible but not guaranteed. The ride is in technical rehearsals as of July 27, 2026, meaning it may operate for guests on some days and remain closed on others until Universal announces an official opening date.
How fast is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?
The Intamin-built spinning launch coaster reaches speeds up to 72 mph across about 4,100 feet of track and includes four inversions, making it the fastest roller coaster in Universal’s global park portfolio.
Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coming to other Universal parks?
Yes. A version is planned for Universal Studios Florida, where it is set to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, with an opening targeted for 2027.
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Photo: CrispyCream27 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.