Universal Studios Hollywood is giving Annual Passholders a better chance to experience its newest roller coaster, even though the attraction technically still hasn’t opened.
Pass Member previews have been announced for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift on August 19, 20, 21, and 23. Reservations will be required, and availability will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
It’s a major step for an attraction that has followed an unusual path toward opening day. Guests have already ridden Hollywood Drift during technical rehearsals, but Universal still hasn’t announced when the coaster will officially open.
Now, another construction project could keep that question unanswered a little longer.
Passholders Get Four Chances to Preview Hollywood Drift
Pass Members interested in attending one of the four preview dates will need to secure an RSVP.
There’s also good news for Passholders dealing with blockout dates. A Pass Member with a valid RSVP can attend the preview even if that particular date would normally be blocked for their pass.
The coaster has a minimum height requirement of 51 inches.
Universal is treating the previews as technical rehearsals, meaning operations aren’t guaranteed. The attraction could experience delays or temporary closures, and Universal could cancel operations if necessary.
Still, having dedicated Pass Member dates makes it much easier for some guests to plan a visit instead of simply arriving at the park and hoping Hollywood Drift happens to be running.
Technical rehearsals began July 27 without reservations, so the coaster has already been carrying guests for more than two weeks.
Universal Hasn’t Announced an Opening Date
Despite reaching this stage, Universal hasn’t confirmed an official opening date for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
The coaster reaches speeds of 72 mph across roughly 4,100 feet of track. Its spinning vehicles take inspiration from cars featured throughout the Fast & Furious franchise.
While technical rehearsals and Pass Member previews would normally suggest that a grand opening is close, Universal now has additional work to complete around the attraction.
The issue isn’t the coaster itself. It’s the noise coming from it.
Universal Adding More Sound Barriers
Los Angeles City Council Member Adrin Nazarian announced that Universal will install two additional sound barriers around Hollywood Drift following complaints from residents in nearby Toluca Lake.
According to the announcement, recent sound testing met the park’s requirements. However, nearby residents have reported hearing riders screaming as the coaster operates.
Noise concerns aren’t entirely new. Universal conducted sound tests in early 2023 and planned sound-reduction technology, including sound shield panels, as part of the attraction.
Now that actual riders are regularly experiencing Hollywood Drift, Universal is taking additional steps.
Construction on the two new barriers is expected to be completed by early September. Universal hasn’t said that this work must finish before the coaster officially opens, but an opening date may not arrive until after the barriers are installed.
Pass Members Don’t Have to Wait
Whatever happens with the official opening, Pass Members now have something concrete.
August 19, 20, 21, and 23 are the dates to watch.
Those previews don’t mean Hollywood Drift has reached normal daily operations, and Passholders should keep the technical rehearsal conditions in mind. Still, this is one of the clearest signs yet that Universal is moving toward the coaster’s full debut.
The bigger question is what happens after August 23.
Universal could move quickly toward an official opening, or the additional sound barrier work could keep Hollywood Drift in its current technical rehearsal phase into September.
Either way, Pass Members are getting an early opportunity while everyone else continues waiting for Universal to finally put an official opening date on the calendar.
