Universal Studios Hollywood is opening its "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" roller coaster this Wednesday, weeks after nearby residents complained about screams from riders during testing.
Based on Universal Pictures’ "Fast & Furious" film franchise, the outdoor coaster is engineered for speed, hitting up to 72 mph, which makes it the fastest in Universal's current portfolio. Its vehicles are designed to rotate 360 degrees, mimicking the sensation of cars drifting in a race. Riders will experience four launches along 4,100 feet of track, with forces reaching up to 3.6 Gs.
The ride's vehicles are modeled after iconic cars from the film series, including the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra. Located on the park’s Upper Lot, the coaster travels both over and under sections of the multilevel Starway escalator. The queue promises an immersive experience, featuring recreated props from the films and murals by artist Tristan Eaton, with a segment of the track passing through a transparent enclosure within the waiting area.
Universal said the coaster was constructed with sound-reduction technology from the outset. This includes a low-rumble track filled with pea gravel, over 900 feet of sound walls, and two half-pipe shields built around specific parts of the track.
Despite these measures, noise from the attraction became a significant issue earlier this summer during testing, particularly when the park began allowing passengers aboard. Residents in nearby Toluca Lake reported persistent screams from riders, prompting concern. In response, Los Angeles City Councilman Adrin Nazarian stated last month that Universal planned to install two additional sound barriers, which were expected to be completed by early September.
Some neighbors are not just waiting to see. Universal City Neighbors, a coalition of residents living near the park, plans to gather in Toluca Lake on Wednesday as the coaster opens to the public. They aim to draw attention to the noise and allow members of the media "to hear the riders’ screams directly." The group emphasizes that they are not opposed to the attraction or Universal’s expansion but are seeking additional noise mitigation and better communication from the park regarding efforts to address the problem.
The Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council and the Studio City Neighborhood Council have both adopted resolutions calling on Universal to address the noise and pursue further mitigation measures. Universal has scheduled a community meeting with residents on September 30 to discuss sound-mitigation plans. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the "Fast & Furious" film franchise, adding a celebratory note that contrasts with the ongoing local noise concerns.
