Over the last week, Universal Studios Hollywood has begun conducting technical rehearsals of its high-speed roller coaster Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift. We had the chance to ride it on Saturday, and it certainly drifts up to the hype.
When it comes to family, Dominic Toretto never hesitates to ensure they’re taken care of. That same philosophy applies to Universal’s approach with its newest attraction, Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift, now four years in the making and nearing its official opening.
Currently dubbed “Technical Rehearsals,” the Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster has recently been open on select days for guests to enjoy. While there were a few intermittent technical rehearsals early last week, Saturday proved to be the coaster’s first full day of operations for theme park guests. Opening promptly at 9 am, I rope-dropped (ie: I arrived at the exact time of the theme park’s opening) and immediately made my way to the entrance of the attraction near Universal Plaza. Between my quick wait time and general admission’s three-hour wait, here’s what you need to know to prepare for the best rider experience:
Timing is Everything
Being that I was solo during this trip and one of the first people to enter the queue, I decided to take advantage of the Single Rider Lane. This particular lane is offered at several attractions throughout the park. Essentially, you are either riding solo or acknowledging that if you enter the Single Rider Lane as part of a group, your party will be split up to account for empty seats in some of the ride vehicles. Please note that this is not a hack to skip through the line faster. Nor is it an opportunity to beg ride attendants to try to keep your party together. It’s meant to serve the ride’s requirements, not guest demands.
After entering the park and placing my items in a locker, I checked my watch, and it was 9:18 am. By the time I made my way through the queue, boarded the ride (I was assigned to the blue Nissan Skyline GT-R), and the ride came to an end at the loading bay, it was exactly 9:40 am. After retrieving my items from my locker and taking a look at my ride photo, I exited the structure at 9:46 am, making this a 28-minute experience.
At this point, the line of guests waiting to join the queue had stretched beyond Super Silly Fun Land. After chatting with a few guests and team members, the estimated wait time was two to three hours, all before 10 am. This might sound like a more personal opinion, but I think it’s safe to say that my 28-minute journey made rope-dropping the park 100% worth it.
By referring to the Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift ride’s current state of operations as Technical Rehearsals, theme park guests should expect that the ride may close at any time, entrance to the attraction is not guaranteed, and delays may be long as team members continue to troubleshoot all aspects of the attraction’s operating systems. This also means that the ride won’t be open to guests every day, and while you may be in the queue to ride it, they may ask guests to leave at any time, at their discretion. Guests must follow team member instructions at all times, while keeping in mind that employees may not have the answers to all your questions in the moment.
Lockers are Mandatory
Absolutely no loose items are permitted when riding this coaster. This includes items that would typically fit in your pockets. Security is strict about ensuring that all riders place everything in the lockers stationed along the queue before going through a mid-point metal detector. Caught with a phone, keys, sunglasses, or other item? You will be sent back to place your items in a locker, and they won’t guarantee you’ll be able to return to the same spot you held before.
I happened to be behind two different individuals who refused to acknowledge the three different employees who asked them to put their phones in a locker at various points before the mid-point metal detector. When they arrived at the mid-point security team, the two individuals tried to argue but were both sent back. Save yourself the embarrassment of the walk of shame (and adding to your wait time) and just put everything away beforehand.
Brace Yourself
The ride is marketed as a high-speed coaster, and it certainly is. With a 51-inch minimum height requirement, an immediate drop to start the ride, speeds reaching 72 mph, inversions, and spinning vehicles, this ride is not for the faint of heart. The duration is fairly short at 60 seconds, yet the coaster packs so much punch during its run that it’s hard to deny the thrill and fun it brings. I found the track to be incredibly smooth, and the drifting sensations were seamless without feeling like wild spins. I only really felt the physical effects of the coaster’s rush after the very last inversion coming off of the Starway drift.
Overall, I give this coaster a 9.5 out of 10 Coronas. Half a point is deducted solely based on the duration of the ride. It could easily be an additional 15-30 seconds longer for my personal preference. I do recommend utilizing Express Pass to save on waiting for several hours, or try to join the queue at different times of the day that look less crowded. Otherwise, be patient, stay hydrated, and get ready to drift.
Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage of the Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster’s official opening later this summer — and until then, check out our recap of Universal Fan Fest Nights for more from the park this year.
