Universal Studios Hollywood is adding a major new thrill ride to its lineup. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opens on September 16, 2026. It brings a new type of coaster experience to the park.
The attraction is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster. It also becomes the fastest coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio.
The ride combines multiple launches, rotating vehicles, steep elements, and hillside views above the park.
This guide explains the most useful details before your visit. You will find information about the ride system, speed, vehicles, lockers, tickets, and nearby attractions.
If you are planning a September trip, read our guide to things to do in Los Angeles in September 2026. It can help you plan the rest of your stay.
What Makes Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Different
A High-Speed Outdoor Coaster Built Into the Hollywood Hillside
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift sits on the Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood. The entrance uses a red-brick garage style that fits the street-racing theme.
However, the biggest difference starts once the train launches.
Universal built the coaster across the park’s hillside terrain. As a result, the track moves above and around parts of the multilevel Starway escalator.
The ride reaches speeds of up to 72 mph. It also sends riders through four launches along about 4,100 feet of track.
During the experience, forces can reach up to 3.6 Gs.
The layout includes an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall. Riders can also see views of the San Fernando Valley and the movie studio.
In addition, parts of the theme park become visible from the elevated track.
Universal says the track uses sound-reduction technology. That detail matters because the coaster stretches across an exposed hillside instead of staying inside a building.
Why the 360-Degree Ride Vehicles Matter
The coaster’s biggest feature may be its rotating ride vehicles. Each vehicle can turn independently while the train moves along the track.
Therefore, riders do not simply face forward for the entire experience.
The vehicles can rotate through 360 degrees. This movement creates a drifting effect while the coaster travels through turns and other elements.
Universal programs each vehicle independently. Because of that, your view and motion can differ depending on where you sit.
The attraction uses four vehicle themes from the Fast & Furious film series.
They include a Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra.
Each vehicle also has its own audio system. The sound design uses engine effects that match the style of the car.
That feature helps the coaster feel more like a high-speed driving sequence than a traditional outdoor ride.
The Queue Adds More Than Just a Waiting Area
The attraction starts before riders reach the platform. Universal designed the queue around cars, props, and production details from the Fast & Furious films.
One section of the coaster track passes through a transparent enclosure in the queue.
Therefore, waiting guests can get a close look at trains moving through part of the course.
The queue also includes recreated movie props. Examples include a car cannon, vault truck, motorcycle, NOS system, and other pieces inspired by the films.
Some displays include QR codes. Guests can scan them to access Universal’s Backlot Club.
The digital experience provides more information about selected props and displays.
Artist Tristan Eaton also created large murals for the attraction. One mural references the final street-racing sequence from the original 2001 film.
Lockers and Loose Items Are Important
This coaster has strict rules for loose items.
Universal requires riders to place their belongings in complimentary lockers inside the queue. This includes mobile phones and other loose objects.
Riders must also pass through metal detection before entering the ride platform.
Therefore, organize your belongings before you reach the final part of the queue. Carrying only what you need may make the process easier.
These steps can add time to boarding. However, they help keep loose objects away from a fast outdoor coaster.
Before visiting, check the official Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift attraction page.
Universal can update rider requirements, attraction access, and operating procedures at any time.
How to Fit Hollywood Drift Into a Full Park Day
A major new coaster can change how visitors move around a theme park.
During the first weeks, many guests may make Hollywood Drift their first stop. Therefore, it helps to start the day with a simple plan.
Check the Universal Studios Hollywood app or current park information after you arrive. Then compare the wait time with your other priorities.
If Hollywood Drift is your main reason for visiting, make it a high priority.
Afterward, explore other Upper Lot attractions before heading down the Starway.
You could also combine the coaster with the Studio Tour. The tour provides a very different experience because it focuses on the working studio and movie backlot.
Later, you can head to the Lower Lot.
Popular options there include SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World—The Ride, and Revenge of the Mummy.
However, travel between the Upper and Lower Lots takes time. Avoid making that trip more often than necessary.
Do Not Assume Universal Express Covers the New Coaster
Current Universal ticket information lists Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift as excluded from standard Universal Express access.
The current Universal Express Unlimited terms also list the coaster as an exclusion.
Therefore, check the latest conditions before buying Express mainly for Hollywood Drift.
Express can still save time at many other participating attractions. However, it may not reduce your wait for the new coaster under the current rules.
The same caution applies during Halloween Horror Nights.
Standard Halloween Horror Nights admission currently does not include access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift during the event.
Some R.I.P. Tour products currently include limited same-day access. Still, terms and operating times may change.
Always check the ticket description before purchasing.
Planning Your Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood
Tickets, Timing and a Smarter Day at the Park
Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, California.
Park hours change throughout the year. They can also vary from one day to another.
For that reason, check the schedule before leaving home.
You can find current hours on the official Universal Studios Hollywood calendar.
Major attraction openings can create strong demand. Buying your park admission before arriving may make planning easier.
Ticket prices also vary by date.
Universal currently sells several ticket types. Options include general admission, multi-day tickets, Express products, annual passes, and VIP experiences.
If you visit during Halloween Horror Nights season, check your ticket carefully.
Daytime park admission and Halloween Horror Nights admission are different products in many cases.
Arriving early can also help. Give yourself enough time for parking, security, and the walk through Universal CityWalk.
Once you enter the park, group nearby attractions together.
For example, complete several Upper Lot activities before heading to the Lower Lot. This approach reduces unnecessary walking and saves time.
Also, do not build such a strict schedule that one delay ruins the day.
Ride wait times can change. Weather, maintenance, crowds, and other factors may also affect attraction operations.
For lunch or dinner ideas beyond the theme park, browse our Los Angeles food and drink guide.
You can also explore the Driving Down Sunset local directory for more places around Los Angeles.
If you stay near the park after closing, Universal CityWalk offers restaurants and entertainment next to the entrance.
Hollywood and Studio City are also nearby. However, Los Angeles traffic can change quickly.
If you have a dinner reservation elsewhere, leave extra travel time.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift gives Universal Studios Hollywood a new signature thrill ride.
Its 72 mph speed, four launches, rotating vehicles, and hillside track make it very different from the park’s older attractions.
The smartest plan is simple. Check current operating details before your visit.
Next, understand the locker rules and confirm what your ticket includes. Then give Hollywood Drift enough room in your schedule without letting one ride control your entire day.
After your visit, continue exploring through our Los Angeles local guides and things to do in Los Angeles.