Universal Studios Hollywood can already cost guests a pretty penny, especially once tickets, food, parking, and other expenses come into play. Now, visitors hoping to experience the park’s newest roller coaster without a lengthy wait could face another charge.
Universal is introducing a new paid option for one of its biggest thrill rides, with prices starting at nearly $20 per person.
For groups traveling together, that seemingly small purchase could quickly add up to $80 or more.
And while the announcement currently affects California park visitors, Universal Orlando fans might want to pay attention, too.
Universal’s New Roller Coaster Comes With a Catch
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has become a major addition to Universal Studios Hollywood, bringing the popular Fast & Furious movie franchise into the world of high-speed roller coasters.
The attraction delivers a different experience from many traditional coasters thanks to its rotating ride vehicles.
As guests race along the outdoor track, their vehicles can rotate 360 degrees, creating a drifting sensation similar to the driving sequences featured throughout the films.
Hollywood Drift also reaches speeds of up to 72 miles per hour, giving thrill seekers plenty of reasons to add it to their must-ride lists.
However, riding the coaster without spending too much time in the standby queue could soon require guests to pay more.
November 2 Brings a New $19.95 Purchase
Beginning November 2, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce a single-use Universal Express purchase specifically for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
Prices start at $19.95 per person, but visitors should understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
This isn’t the same as traditional Universal Express, which provides priority access to several participating attractions.
Instead, the new purchase allows one person to use the Express queue for Hollywood Drift once.
The system works similarly to Disney World’s Lightning Lane Single Pass, which lets visitors purchase priority access to one specific attraction rather than multiple rides.
And the charge comes on top of regular park admission.
For four guests, purchasing the new Express option at the advertised starting price would cost $79.80 before any applicable taxes or fees.
If additional charges apply, that total could climb beyond $80.
Universal also describes $19.95 as the starting price, meaning families shouldn’t necessarily expect to pay that amount every time they visit.
Guests Must Decide Whether Saving Time Is Worth It
Fortunately, Universal isn’t charging visitors an additional fee simply to experience its newest coaster.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift remains included with regular admission, and guests can still use the standby queue without purchasing Express.
The difference comes down to how much time visitors are willing to spend waiting.
For someone visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for only one day, paying extra to reduce a long standby wait might sound appealing.
After all, nobody wants to spend a large portion of their vacation standing in line when other attractions are waiting nearby.
However, families traveling on a tighter budget might see things differently.
Spending nearly $80 before taxes for four people to get priority access to one roller coaster can be difficult to justify, especially after paying for tickets and other expenses.
The purchase might save time, but it also adds another financial decision to an already expensive theme park experience.
And this could become especially interesting when Universal opens another Fast & Furious attraction across the country.
Universal Orlando Could Follow Hollywood’s Example
Universal Orlando Resort is currently preparing to introduce its own Fast & Furious roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
The Florida version will feature a different track layout, including a towering vertical spike, while maintaining its connection to the popular movie franchise.
With Hollywood now introducing a separately priced Express purchase, it’s reasonable to wonder whether Orlando might eventually follow suit.
Universal hasn’t announced any plans to introduce single-use Express pricing for Florida’s upcoming coaster.
The company also hasn’t confirmed how Express access will operate when the attraction opens.
Still, Hollywood’s new pricing model suggests that Universal could consider something similar for Orlando visitors.
Another Cost Families May Have to Consider
Universal’s November 2 change gives Hollywood guests another way to reduce their wait for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
But it also means families who want that convenience must decide whether the additional expense fits their vacation budget.
Regular standby access remains available, so nobody needs to purchase the new option to ride.
For Universal Orlando Resort visitors, the bigger question is whether this approach will eventually become part of the Florida coaster’s opening plans.
Until Universal confirms those details, Hollywood’s new Express purchase offers an interesting look at how premium access to major attractions could continue evolving.
