Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will officially open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Wednesday, September 16. The park's first outdoor high-speed roller coaster reaches 72 mph, runs across 4,100 feet of track and uses independently rotating ride vehicles to create a drifting sensation.
Key facts
- The public opening date is September 16, 2026.
- The coaster reaches up to 72 mph across 4,100 feet of track.
- Its vehicles can rotate 360 degrees to create a drifting effect.
- Express access is not planned for launch, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Timeline
Late July 2026 — technical rehearsals begin. August — annual passholders receive preview access. August 31 — Universal announces the opening date. September 16 — Hollywood Drift is scheduled to open to the public.
Hollywood Drift changes the balance of a park historically built around studio tours and screen-based attractions. It gives Universal Studios Hollywood a large outdoor thrill ride visible across the property and arrives as the Fast & Furious film franchise marks its 25th anniversary.
The coaster is included with regular park admission, but ticket prices vary by date and demand. Technical-rehearsal waits often exceeded two hours, according to the Los Angeles Times; that is useful planning context, not a guarantee of opening-week wait times.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opening date
Universal Studios Hollywood says Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opens to the public on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Technical rehearsals began in late July, followed by annual-passholder previews in August, but those limited operations were not the ride's formal opening.
Ride speed, track and drifting cars
The coaster reaches 72 mph over 4,100 feet of track. Four launches send trains through an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop and an inverted stall. Each ride vehicle can rotate independently, creating the sideways motion that gives Hollywood Drift its name.
Height requirement and launch-day access
Universal lists a 51-inch minimum height. The Los Angeles Times reports that Universal Express access is not planned at launch, which means guests should expect the standard queue during the opening period. The ride is included with regular park admission, while ticket prices vary by date and demand.
Where the coaster fits inside Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood Drift is based in the Upper Lot, with sections of track crossing the hillside near the Starway. It is the park's first outdoor high-speed roller coaster and gives a property long associated with studio tours and screen-based attractions a large thrill ride visible across the site.
What happens next
Scheduled daily public operation begins September 16. Hours, temporary closures, queue procedures and Express eligibility can change, so visitors should check Universal Studios Hollywood's official attraction page before traveling.
What are you still wondering?
Answers will use this briefing and its cited sources.Sources and further reading
01Universal Studios Hollywood — opening-date announcement↗02Discover Universal — Hollywood Drift visitor guide↗03Los Angeles Times — opening and visitor guide↗Questions, answered.
When does Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift open?
The coaster is scheduled to open to the public at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 16, 2026.
How fast is Hollywood Drift?
Universal says the coaster reaches speeds of up to 72 mph across 4,100 feet of track.
Is Hollywood Drift included with park admission?
Yes. The attraction is included with regular Universal Studios Hollywood admission, although ticket prices vary by date and demand.
Will Universal Express work for Hollywood Drift at launch?
No. The Los Angeles Times reports that Express access is not planned when the coaster opens, so guests will initially use the standard queue.
What is the height requirement for Hollywood Drift?
The minimum height requirement is 51 inches, according to the park information reported by the Los Angeles Times.
