Universal Studios Hollywood · Upper Lot
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
The Upper Lot outdoor coaster opened September 16, 2026: four launches, three inversions, rotating cars and a 51-inch minimum.
Ride facts
- Type
- Roller coaster
- Height
- 51in (130cm)Minimum 51 inches (129.5 cm); a test seat is available.
- Intensity
- Extreme
- Motion sickness
- High motion risk
- Getting wet
- Stay dry
- Indoor / outdoor
- Outdoor
- Air conditioned
- No
- Single rider
- Available
- Rider Switch
- Available
- Inversions
- Yes
Last verified September 2026
What it is
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opened on September 16, 2026, on the Upper Lot. It is Universal Studios Hollywood's first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. Its 4,100-foot track runs over and under the Starway hillside at speeds up to 72 mph. Universal lists four launches, three inversions and forces up to 3.6 g.
Individual vehicles rotate through 360 degrees as the train travels. Universal has four vehicle designs modeled after cars from the films: Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. Universal says the independently programmed vehicles can deliver different rides depending on which car you board.
The minimum height is 51 inches (129.5 cm), with a test seat available. Single Rider and Child Swap are listed on Universal's ride page. Universal's current daytime Express and Express Unlimited ticket descriptions exclude Hollywood Drift; check your exact ticket if that benefit matters.
What riding it is actually like
The queue enters an Upper Lot garage-like building and displays props from the Fast & Furious films. A transparent section exposes part of the track from inside the queue.
The published ride layout includes four launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop and an inverted stall. The rotating vehicles add movement beyond the track layout.
Universal requires every rider to place all belongings, including phones, in complimentary lockers in the queue and pass through metal detection before boarding.
Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift scary?
An outdoor coaster with four launches, three inversions, rotating cars, speeds up to 72 mph and forces up to 3.6 g. The 51-inch minimum is the highest at this park. These are published ride specifications, not an on-ride review.
Scores are editorial, on a 1–5 scale, judged against what frightens a typical four- to seven-year-old rather than an adult.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair
- Must transfer to the ride vehicle
- Audio description
- Not offered
- Handheld captioning
- Not offered
- Assistive listening
- Not offered
- Sign language
- Not offered
- Service animals
- Must use a kennel or wait with a companion
The ride uses lap-bar restraints. Universal provides a test seat. Ask a team member about transfer and accessibility details for your needs. All belongings go in complimentary in-queue lockers, followed by metal detection before boarding.
Tips that actually help
- Measure riders against the 51-inch minimum before committing to the queue; use the available test seat if fit is uncertain.
- Use the complimentary in-queue lockers for every loose item, including your phone, before the metal detector.
- Single Rider and Child Swap are available according to Universal's ride page; the Single Rider line does not guarantee a shorter wait on every visit.
- Current daytime Universal Express and Express Unlimited ticket descriptions exclude this coaster. Check the ticket terms before paying for Express specifically for Hollywood Drift.
Timing
- Best time to ride
- Check the live Universal app on your visit date; the new coaster may draw changing queue patterns.
- Typical wait
- New in September 2026; check the live Universal app rather than relying on a historical average.
- Express Pass
- Standby only
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift: common questions
Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift open?
Yes. Universal announced that it opened September 16, 2026, on the Upper Lot.
How tall do you have to be?
At least 51 inches (129.5 cm). Universal lists a test seat at the attraction.
Does it go upside down?
Yes. Universal lists three inversions and four launches, with speeds up to 72 mph.
Can I use Single Rider or Child Swap?
Yes. Universal lists both on the official ride page.
Is it included with Universal Express?
Universal's current daytime Express and Express Unlimited ticket descriptions exclude Hollywood Drift. Check the terms of your exact ticket and visit date.