On Sunday, August 9, guests visiting Universal Studios in Hollywood had an opportunity to experience the eagerly anticipated new attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Billed as a Technical Rehearsal, the sneak peek was interrupted at least three times. Twice there were technical difficulties, which were corrected after a wait. One of the delays was due to a taping for the Peacock streaming service of a Love Island USA reunion special. Members of the cast could be spotted exiting the attraction.
The entire extended queue line was used during the sneak peek. Themed to an auto “boneyard,” the outdoor area included several iconic vehicles and devices from the Fast & Furious film franchise. The queue also offered many glimpses of the attraction itself, as the cars travel above, and in some cases, right next to portions where guests are waiting.
Placed throughout the queue line are drinking fountains, with taps to refill water bottles. It is assumed that once the attraction opens, the extended queue will be in almost continuous use during USH operating hours.
Guests are not allowed to carry any loose items of any kind while experiencing Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. This even extends to artificial limbs. All guests are offered use of a free locker while they are on board. There is a large area dedicated to these lockers, located below the main loading platform. The lockers are accessed via a bar code on a card that is provided. Guests must keep their card and remember the letter attached to their block of lockers. The lockers themselves are double-sided, with doors that open into the entry area, as well as into the exit.
Once guests have placed all items into their lockers, they are scanned through metal detectors. These are operated by costumed team members and are intended to ensure that no one will attempt to carry any item that could fall out during the ride.
The ride itself is a very untraditional coaster. It is not dependent on drops for its thrills. It is truly intended to create the feeling of being in the midst of an iconic (and improbable) car sequence in a Fast & Furious movie. This is accomplished by a series of tight loops and barrel rolls. The cars themselves are able to spin and “drift” as they move through tight turns and descend from loops. Guest safety is ensured by an over-the-shoulder restraint and a snug lap bar. Guests are also advised to keep their heads against the headrest while the car is in motion.
On-board photos are offered for sale in the exit area. There are a number of packages available, including a digital download.
The following photos were taken primarily in the extended queue and interior areas available before all possessions were placed in lockers. In addition, there are two videos. One is a walk-through of most of the queue. The other is a compilation of Views of the attraction itself, as seen from public areas, including the queue.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is scheduled to open to the public during the Summer of 2026. At this time, no opening date has been announced.
