Universal Studios Hollywood held a “soft opening” for its new, high-speed outdoor roller coaster themed after the “Fast and Furious” film franchise.
Universal Studios surprised park guests in Los Angeles on Monday with an exclusive, early look at the adrenaline-fueled attraction, which is the first outdoor roller coaster in the park’s history.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is arguably the most ambitious attraction the theme park has ever seen, featuring 4,100 feet of track length with vehicles reaching speeds of up to 72 mph—also a milestone for the park.
Vehicles speed along the track after departing from a newly constructed loading and unloading facility that was built in the former home of the permanently closed Animal Actors and Special Effects Stage.
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Featuring four roller coaster vehicles inspired by iconic cars in the film franchise, including Dominic Toretto’s unmistakable 1970 Dodge Charger and Brian O’Conner’s vibrant Toyota Supra, the Hollywood Drift takes riders across the theme park’s sprawling campus and up and over the massive escalators that connect the upper and lower lots.
Along the way, true to the 2006 sequel “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” the cars achieve 360-degree rotations that create a feeling of high-speed drifting.
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Monday’s soft opening was considered “technical rehearsals,” part of the long testing phase before the ride officially makes its debut.
Universal Studios officials confirm to Rabble News that an official opening date is still pending.
Universal Studios continues to make changes
Universal Studios Hollywood has undergone significant changes in recent years, headlined by the aforementioned Hollywood Drift, as well as the immersive Super Nintendo World land on the lower lot.
While the Fast and Furious franchise is receiving its own dedicated thrill ride, it’s not the first time the films have been featured at Universal.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged 3D was the closing activation of the world-famous Studio Tour for nearly a decade before closing last March. A stand-alone version of the ride can be found at Hollywood’s sister park in Orlando, although it also closes next month.
The future of the long, 3D enabled structure where Supercharged used to be, located right at the end of the Studio Tour, has yet to be officially announced, although speculation has swirled. Whatever ends up being installed there, it will likely be several years before it debuts as it will be among the biggest projects for Universal Studios Hollywood in the immediate future.
While an official opening date for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift remains unknown, Rabble News will be there at the starting line.
Are you looking forward to riding it when it officially opens to the public?
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