Universal Hollywood’s Next Mega Coaster Just Got an Official Opening Date
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially dropped a major update that thrill ride fans have been waiting for, and it’s one of those announcements that immediately changes the conversation around the park. While Universal has been keeping things relatively quiet, this latest reveal makes it clear they’re gearing up for something huge.
The attraction in question is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal’s upcoming coaster inspired by the long-running street racing franchise. Guests have been watching construction progress for months, but now the park has finally done what fans have been begging for: it confirmed when the ride will open.
According to Universal, Hollywood Drift is officially scheduled to debut in summer 2026.
That timeline might sound far away, but in theme park terms, it’s basically right around the corner. And now that Universal has put a season on it, expectations are about to skyrocket. Fans aren’t just curious anymore. They’re officially counting down.
Universal also released a short teaser for the ride, and while it didn’t reveal too much, it gave off the exact energy you’d expect from a Fast & Furious project. The footage shows guests experiencing the attraction while Universal leans heavily into the idea that this ride will deliver something “like never before.” It’s the kind of marketing language that makes it clear they’re not treating this coaster like a minor addition.
Universal wants this to feel like an event.
What makes this ride even more exciting is the direction Universal is taking with the story. Rather than leaning into the franchise’s more recent global spy-mission vibe, Universal says Hollywood Drift will return to Fast & Furious’ roots. The coaster will feature a story set in Southern California, which is where the franchise began and where many key scenes throughout the series have taken place.
That detail matters because longtime fans have always associated Fast & Furious with its early street racing era. Even though the franchise has evolved over time, the original energy of Southern California racing culture is still what many people think of first. Universal clearly understands that nostalgia, and it looks like they’re trying to tap directly into it.
Hollywood Drift is also part of a much bigger Fast & Furious push across Universal parks. A version of the attraction is also being developed at Universal Studios Florida, where it will take the place of the now-demolished Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. That replacement alone says a lot. Universal doesn’t remove an iconic thrill ride unless they believe they have something stronger ready to step into the spotlight.
If Hollywood Drift delivers the way Universal is hinting, it could easily become one of the most talked-about attractions the company has built in years. Fans already know the Fast & Furious brand has had mixed reactions in the theme park world, so Universal needs this coaster to land. This isn’t just a ride opening. It’s Universal trying to prove that Fast & Furious belongs in the parks in a much bigger way.
And now that summer 2026 is officially on the calendar, the anticipation is only going to grow. Construction updates will start feeling like breaking news. Ride rumors will spread nonstop online. Every visible change on the coaster will turn into speculation.
Universal has officially started the engine, and Hollywood Drift is racing toward one of the biggest openings the park has had in a long time.
