The highly anticipated high-speed outdoor rollercoaster based on the mega movie franchise “Fast & Furious” is now open at Universal Studios. Filled with heart-dropping turns and dips, this thrill ride delivers what it promises – fast and furious.
The Movie Couple was invited to media day for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, along with a group of journalists, to check out its extensive line queue and, of course, experience the rollercoaster firsthand. Set in the upper lot just past Universal Plaza, the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride is stationed inside a large red brick garage facade. The exterior wall features an original mural by street artist Tristan Eaton. The design features Dom Toretto’s Dodge Charger drifting atop the ride’s title in large letters.
The Line Queue
With all the buzz surrounding this rollercoaster, Universal Studios Hollywood is well prepared for this attraction to be extremely busy. The line queue is long and extensive, with countless switchbacks ready to intake a large number of guests. Plenty of props are sprinkled throughout the queue, like Letty’s motorcycle from F9, a garage facade, and more.
The best part of the queue is the plexiglass wall that overlooks the ride track. As guests wait, they’ll see the rollercoaster zoom past, building excitement and anticipation before they finally get on the ride themselves.
Complimentary lockers are available to all guests, as no loose items are allowed on the ride.
The Ride Experience
There is always a little bit of nerves and anxiety before getting on a rollercoaster. Before stepping into the ride vehicle, I was definitely having second thoughts. I like rollercoasters, but I was afraid of how intense the “drift” element of this coaster would be. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift boasts a top speed of 72 MPH, faster than the Velocicoaster’s 70 mph at Universal Studios Orlando, making it the fastest rollercoaster in Universal Parks’ roster.
The speed wasn’t what scared me. It was the winding track and 360-degree vehicle movement during the ride, while the coaster takes you upside down and high above the iconic Universal Studios Hollywood starway.
We boarded car 3 – the blue Nissan Skyline GT-R (as driven by Brian in the film). A GoPro was mounted to the ride vehicle to capture the experience and screams. This ride doesn’t give you time to think about what you’re committing to as the lapbar comes down. There is no incline to continue to build the nerves; once the cars leave the station, it’s go time.
The ride is thrilling from the first drop, and after the initial break, it supercharges into more inversions, drops, going backward, and 360-degree spins before launching you into the last bit of track that takes you high above the Universal Starway. The best part about this rollercoaster, aside from the thrills, is how smooth it is. There is no rattling or shaking as you might experience on an older rollercoaster. The ride glides seamlessly through, letting you feel all that G-force and upside-down hang time.
You can have a different experience each time you ride, depending on which car you are in. The fourth car, the Toyota Supra, has more 360-degree rotation, and riders will have a more intense experience, as it is the last car.
I also rode in the first car – Dom Toretto’s Dodge Charger – and had a completely different experience. It felt like it rotated more than the Nissan Skyline, and since it’s the first car, you get an incredible view of the park and the city.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – Is It Worth The Hype
This ride is as intense as it looks, wth 4100 feet of winding tracks, heart-stopping inversions, and that incredible drift sensation. While it is intense, it was also fun – probably the most fun I’ve had on a rollercoaster in a while. The ride is just over a minute long, and its ever-changing elements give you a unique experience every time.
I would definitely go on this again, and maybe even be brave enough to ride in the Toyota Supra!
