Buckle Up, Gearheads!
Universal Studios Hollywood just fired the starting pistol on its newest—and fastest—attraction: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Slated to open in 2026, this outdoor roller coaster will launch riders to a blistering 72 mph, dethroning the mighty VelociCoaster in Orlando (70 mph) as the speed champ of the entire Universal Destinations & Experiences lineup.
1. What Was Announced?
- A high-speed, outdoor coaster themed to the Fast & Furious film franchise.
- Projected top speed: 72 mph.
- Opening year: 2026.
- It will be the first true roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. (Revenge of the Mummy is an indoor launch coaster, but Hollywood Drift will be the park’s first large-scale outdoor thrill machine.)
2. How Fast Is 72 MPH in Theme-Park Terms?
| Coaster | Park | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (2026) | Universal Studios Hollywood | 72 mph |
| Jurassic World VelociCoaster | Islands of Adventure | 70 mph |
| Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure | Islands of Adventure | 50 mph |
| Revenge of the Mummy | USH & USF | 45 mph |
The new coaster will edge out VelociCoaster by 2 mph, giving the West Coast park bragging rights—and creating buzz that could lure coaster fans who normally flock to Orlando.
3. What We Know (and What We Don’t)
- Multiple Launches: Universal’s teaser hints at powerful launches, likely using Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs) for quick acceleration.
- Drift-Inspired Elements: Expect tight, over-banked turns that mimic the sideways slide of street racing.
- Outdoor Setting: The track is rumored to snake past the backlot hillside, blending real studio scenery with the ride.
- Ride Duration & Height: Universal hasn’t shared stats yet, but most modern thrill coasters run 90–120 seconds with heights between 150–200 feet. Stay tuned.
4. Why This Ride Matters for Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) has been on a roll:
- Super Nintendo World (2023) delivered Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and boosted attendance.
- Halloween Horror Nights draws record crowds every fall.
- Hollywood Drift fills a thrill-ride gap, giving USH something it’s never had: a headliner outdoor coaster that can compete with Six Flags Magic Mountain, 35 miles north.
5. Universal Parks’ Bigger Strategy
Across its global portfolio—Singapore, Japan, Beijing, Orlando, and soon Texas—Universal is:
- Diversifying IPs: From Harry Potter to Mario to classic monsters, the company courts different fandoms. Fast & Furious taps into action-film lovers and car culture.
- Chasing Capacity: High-throughput coasters move thousands of guests per hour, easing lines elsewhere.
- Balancing Family & Thrill: Hollywood Drift adds adrenaline while Epic Universe (opening 2025 in Orlando) tilts toward family-friendly lands like How to Train Your Dragon.
In short, Universal wants each park to offer a unique must-ride. Hollywood now has its own.
6. When Can You Ride?
Construction is expected to rev up later this year, with the grand opening targeted for 2026. Universal’s past projects (e.g., The Wizarding World, Super Nintendo World) typically soft-open a few months before the official debut—so keep your 2026 calendars flexible.
Final Lap
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift isn’t just another coaster—it’s Universal Studios Hollywood planting a checkered flag in the ground, signaling that the park is ready to race alongside the world’s top thrill destinations. Start polishing your quarter-mile quotes now; you’ll be screaming them at 72 mph soon enough.
Source: Universal News Today