Universal Studios' first high-speed, outdoor coaster set to open in 2026
Universal Studios Hollywood has decades of history as a working movie studio and is home to more than a dozen rides and attractions that make you the star of your favorite film franchises. But there is one thing it doesn't have yet — a high-speed, outdoor roller coaster.
That won't be the case for long, though.
On May 3, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that its first-ever high-speed, outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, will open in 2026.
As you may have surmised, Universal Studios Hollywood's newest installation draws inspiration from the blockbuster "Fast & Furious" series. There are currently 10 installments in the "Fast & Furious" saga, with an 11th action-packed movie on the way. The original film, released in 2001, pulled up the curtain on the world of illegal street racing but has since evolved to include high-stakes heists, undercover spy operations and, of course, family.
When Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opens in 2026, you'll become a part of that lightning-fast family as you zip over and around the park on a winding aerial track. The coaster will utilize a state-of-the-art ride system with 360-degree rotating vehicles that recreate the sensation of "drifting." Universal has not yet announced a top speed for the coaster, but we can only assume it will be both fast and furious.
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Universal Studios Hollywood's small size is likely a factor as to why the park has waited until now to add an outdoor coaster. Though the destination is now part-movie studio, part-theme park, the space was originally founded in 1915 purely to create films — a coaster of this scale wasn't in the plans at the time. Additionally, the property sits on a relatively small lot and is beholden to local noise regulations. (Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will utilize sound reduction technology.)
"As a premier entertainment theme park destination with a rich history in immersing guests in incredible rides based on today's most inspiring movie, television and gaming properties, we are excited to introduce our very first, high-speed outdoor roller coaster," Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, said in a press release. "As Universal Studios Hollywood continues to evolve, the arrival of 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' will be a powerful game changer that will infuse a new level of thrill into our already dynamic theme park, and we look forward to welcoming guests when it races onto the scene in 2026."
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This won't be the park's first roller coaster. That honor goes to Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride, though that ride's top speed of 45 mph doesn't have the same thrill factor that this upcoming attraction is rumored to have. The "Fast & Furious" franchise is already represented at Universal Studios Hollywood as part of the Studio Tour's "Fast & Furious — Supercharged" experience. It's unclear yet whether "Supercharged" will be replaced or remain as it is today.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is one of several projects in the works right now for Universal Destinations & Experiences. Other projects include the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, DreamWorks Land opening this summer at Universal Orlando and the Epic Universe theme park coming to Universal Orlando next year.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be located on the park's Upper Lot along with attractions like the Studio Tour, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Stay tuned to TPG for further details on this ride as the opening date draws near.
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