Full Breakdown
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Soft Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood
7/28/2026, 2:12:29 PM
Core Event
Universal Studios Hollywood began “technical rehearsals” for its first outdoor high-speed roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, on a Monday. The soft opening allows guests to ride while the attraction remains in a testing phase, meaning operation is not guaranteed daily and a formal grand-opening date has not yet been announced.
Background & Context
The coaster has been in development for roughly ten years, positioned as the most intense ride in Universal’s global portfolio. It is built on a steep hill that spans the park’s upper and lower lots, causing the track to pass over and under the iconic park escalators.
Key Figures & Groups
Data & Statistics
- Maximum speed: 72 mph (as stated by Universal).
- Ride vehicles rotate 360 degrees and feature independent onboard audio matching the specific car model.
- Four vehicle designs: Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, Han Seoul-Oh’s Mazda RX-7, Brian O’Conner’s blue Nissan Skyline GT-R, and his orange Toyota Supra.
- Ride duration: just under two minutes.
Official Statements & Responses
Universal Studios Hollywood officials confirmed that the coaster is in a “technical rehearsal” phase and emphasized that the attraction may be closed at any time during this period. The park reiterated its earlier indication that the coaster is slated to open later this summer, though no exact date has been set.
On-the-Ground Reports
Visitors captured video of guests queuing while the coaster raced overhead, confirming that the queue wraps closely around the track and offers close-up views of the vehicles. These videos illustrate the ride’s operational status during the soft opening.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Universal has not announced an official grand-opening ceremony, and the park’s prior statement that the coaster would open “this summer” has been met with speculation about possible delays.
- Social-media rumors suggested a postponement to year-end due to noise complaints, but no formal confirmation of such a delay exists.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Universal Studios Hollywood indicates that the coaster will continue its technical rehearsals until it can operate reliably, after which a formal opening is expected later in the summer season. No specific timeline has been provided.
