Universal Studios Hollywood has officially confirmed the opening date for the upcoming Fast & Furious movie. The attraction will open to the public on September 16, 2026, ending months of testing and uncertainty surrounding its debut.
The announcement comes after the park had previously said the ride would open during summer 2026 without providing a specific date. Universal’s confirmation now gives visitors a firm date to experience the attraction, which is being billed as the park’s first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster.
Universal’s New Coaster Takes the Fast & Furious Franchise Outdoors
Located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is built around the street-racing identity of the movie franchise. The ride occupies a large red-brick, garage-style structure, with its track extending across sections of the park.
Rather than simply sending riders forward along a conventional coaster track, the attraction uses technology that allows individual ride vehicles to rotate 360 degrees while moving. Universal designed the system to reproduce the sensation of a drifting car, giving riders changing orientations as they travel through the course.
The coaster features approximately 4,100 feet of track and can reach speeds of up to 72 mph, making it the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. The aerial track also passes above portions of the theme park, including the multi-level Starway escalator connecting the Upper and Lower Lots.
The Ride’s Opening Follows Months of Testing
Although the September date is now official, guests have already seen the attraction undergoing technical rehearsals. The ride entered an extended testing phase before Universal confirmed its public opening, allowing the park to evaluate the coaster ahead of daily operations.
The attraction was originally announced as a 2026 opening in 2024, with construction and ride-system testing continuing throughout the following years. Universal later announced that the coaster would open during summer 2026 but did not initially provide a specific day.
Universal also faced online speculation about a possible delay. In July, a company spokesperson disputed reports that the ride had been pushed to the end of 2026, saying the attraction remained on track to open before the end of summer.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Is Part of a Bigger Franchise Expansion
The Hollywood attraction arrives as the Fast & Furious franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary. Universal has also announced another version of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift for Universal Studios Florida, where it is scheduled to open in 2027 and replace the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster.
The Florida version will have a different layout and include a 170-foot vertical spike, while the Hollywood attraction focuses on its rotating vehicles and long aerial course.
The franchise itself is also continuing on the big screen. Universal has announced Fast Forever, the next theatrical installment in the series, for March 2028.
