Hold onto your seats, thrill-seekers! The highly anticipated Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood is taking shape, and we’ve got some eye-opening updates that will rev your engines. But here’s where it gets controversial: test dummies have been spotted strapped into the ride vehicles, sparking questions about safety testing and the coaster’s progress. Could this mean the opening is closer than we think—or are there hidden delays? Let’s dive in.
Our team recently caught sight of the coaster’s trains parked on the track just outside the queue building, each loaded with test dummies. These aren’t your average amusement park cars—each train consists of four vehicles meticulously designed to resemble iconic cars from the Fast & Furious franchise, with Dom’s Dodge Charger leading the pack. And this is the part most people miss: the vehicles currently sport a zebra-like pattern, but we suspect it’s actually a black-and-white camouflage wrap, hiding the final design. Remember the orange car we glimpsed last month? It’s all part of the mystery.
While the trains weren’t in motion during our visit, the presence of test dummies strongly suggests that safety testing is underway. The coaster’s 4,100-foot track, completed earlier this spring, promises a heart-pounding experience as it weaves through the park’s natural terrain, including a jaw-dropping maneuver where it curves under and over the glass-roofed escalators connecting the Upper and Lower Lots. Talk about a close encounter! The track was engineered with sound reduction technology to ensure a smooth, immersive ride—though some fans are already debating whether this will truly enhance the experience or mute the thrill.
Construction around the coaster is still in full swing. Crews are busy theming the area, with structural pylons spotted near the track’s start, likely supporting future scenic elements. Safety netting is also being installed, particularly in the section arching over the escalator plaza. Here’s a bold question for you: with so much work left, is Universal rushing to meet its 2026 opening date, or are these just the final touches of a well-planned project?
Meanwhile, the queue building itself hasn’t seen major updates, but the surrounding area is transforming. Last month, the airbrushed mural on the building’s side was completed, and the entrance was fully unveiled. The 101 Exchange Store, the coaster’s gift shop, has also opened its doors—though, oddly, it’s currently devoid of Fast & Furious merchandise. What’s the deal? Is this a temporary oversight, or a strategic delay to build hype?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to be Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor coaster, reaching speeds of up to 72 MPH. It’s not just fast—it’s a game-changer for the park. But with so many moving parts, from safety testing to theming, the question remains: will it live up to the hype? We’ll have to wait until next year to find out.
What do you think? Are you excited for this adrenaline-fueled addition, or do you have concerns about the construction timeline? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears! For more updates on Universal and Disney Parks, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and visit WDWNT for all things Disney. Stay tuned, because this ride is just getting started!
