Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Is Coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027 — Here’s Everything We Know

The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Florida version at Universal Orlando opens in 2027. Discover the exclusive 170-ft spike and spinning ride vehicles. Plan your trip now.

 

Universal Orlando Resort has solidified its reputation as a global leader in high-thrill coaster technology, particularly with the 2025 opening of its third gate, Universal Epic Universe. This expansion introduced Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster in Celestial Park that reaches speeds of 62 mph and features a “Celestial Spin” where vehicles crisscross while inverted. Other recent additions include Hiccup’s Wing Gliders in the Isle of Berk and the innovative “Boom Coaster” Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World, which uses specialized track technology to simulate jumping over gaps.

At Universal Islands of Adventure, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster remains a gold standard, famous for its 155-foot top hat and a barrel roll over the lagoon at 70 mph. Nearby, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure blends storytelling with seven distinct launches and a vertical drop. These modern marvels stand alongside the classic Incredible Hulk Coaster, which continues to dominate the skyline with its signature tunnel launch and seven inversions.

Universal Studios Florida is currently in a transitional phase; the long-standing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closed in 2025 to make way for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Scheduled for 2027, this spinning coaster will feature 360-degree drifting technology. Until then, the park’s coaster lineup is anchored by the indoor, special-effects-heavy Revenge of the Mummy and the multi-dimensional Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. From the kid-friendly “Trollercoaster” to record-breaking launches, the resort offers a diverse spectrum of gravity-defying experiences.

What Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is a high-speed outdoor roller coaster featuring 360-degree spinning ride vehicles designed to simulate drifting from the Fast & Furious film franchise. On January 20, 2026, Universal Orlando Resort officially announced that the attraction would be coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

Universal Studios Hollywood is receiving its own version of the coaster first, with an expected opening in summer 2026. While the two parks will share the same basic ride concept, spinning cars, high-speed launches, and franchise theming, Universal Destinations & Experiences has confirmed the Florida version will not be identical to the Hollywood version. The biggest difference is discussed in detail below.

NOTE: Details about ride vehicles, queue theming, audio systems, and technical specs currently confirmed for Hollywood have not been officially confirmed for Florida. These elements may or may not transfer to the Universal Studios Florida version.

Why a Fast & Furious Roller Coaster?

Over the past twenty-five years, the Fast & Furious franchise has evolved from a niche crime drama about underground street racing into a multi-billion-dollar global juggernaut. What began with the grounded, high-stakes drag racing of 2001’s The Fast and the Furious has transformed into a high-octane heist-and-espionage saga that consistently defies the laws of physics and critics’ expectations.

The franchise’s longevity can be attributed to its remarkable ability to reinvent itself. While the first three films, including the cult-favorite Tokyo Drift, focused heavily on car culture and the “tuner” scene, 2011’s Fast Five shifted the gears toward the heist genre. This transition broadened its appeal, turning the “Fast Saga” into a superhero-adjacent blockbuster series. By the time F9 sent a car into space and Fast X introduced complex international vendettas, the brand had become synonymous with “event cinema.”

At its core, the franchise’s popularity is fueled by its central theme: family. The diverse, multicultural cast, led by Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, resonates deeply with international audiences. Additionally, the franchise often performs better overseas than domestically; for instance, its emphasis on collectivism and loyalty has made it an absolute powerhouse in markets like China.

Cultural and Financial Impact

With a combined global box office gross exceeding $7 billion, it stands as Universal Pictures’ most successful property and the eighth highest-grossing film series of all time. Its influence extends far beyond the silver screen: The Fast & Furious franchise remains a rare example of a “living” cinematic history, one that has survived cast changes, tragic losses, and shifting tastes by doubling down on heart, diversity, and ever-escalating spectacle.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Florida’s Exclusive Feature: The 170-Foot Spike

The headline feature that sets Universal Studios Florida’s version apart from all others is an exclusive 170-foot vertical spike, nearly 17 stories tall, that will soar directly over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk Orlando. This element does not exist in the Hollywood version. It is unique to Universal Studios Florida.

At the apex of the spike, riders in their spinning vehicles are expected to face downward before launching back through the course. The spike will be a dramatic visual landmark visible from Universal CityWalk Orlando and a defining feature of the theme park resort’s skyline.

Where Will Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Be Located?

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is replacing the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit attraction, which permanently closed in August 2025. As of April 2026, construction is underway in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, with the first coaster supports already installed. Theme park observers have noted that the supports are painted blue with gray track on-site, a color scheme believed to reference Brian O’Connor’s iconic Nissan Skyline from the films. This will be in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida.

Separately, Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious: Supercharged, a simulator attraction also at Universal Studios Florida, will permanently close in 2027 to make room for a yet-to-be-announced new attraction. So, Universal Orlando Resort will move the intellectual property of Fast & Furious from an under-performing attraction to be used on a highly visible new roller coaster.

What We Know About the Ride Experience

SOURCING NOTE: The technical specifications below have been officially confirmed for the Universal Studios Hollywood version of the attraction. Universal has not separately confirmed whether all specs will apply to the Florida version, though the core ride system is expected to be shared.

The Universal Studios Hollywood version’s announced specifications give us a strong preview of what the Florida ride’s foundation will look like:

• Top speed: Up to 72 mph, making it the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio
• Track length: Over 4,100 feet
• Launch system: LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) magnetic launches by Intamin, propelling riders from 0 to 72 mph
• Vehicle rotation: Each vehicle spins 360 degrees independently from the track to simulate drifting
• G-force: Approximately 3.5 Gs at peak acceleration
• Inversions: Multiple throughout the course
• Height requirement: The Hollywood version requires riders to be at least 51 inches tall. Universal has not yet confirmed the Florida height requirement; plan accordingly if traveling with children.

The Ride Vehicles

The Hollywood version officially confirmed four franchise-themed ride vehicles, each designed to hold four passengers for a total of 16 riders per train:[6]

• Dom’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T (black, driven by Dominic Toretto)
• Brian’s 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (blue, from 2 Fast 2 Furious)
• Brian’s 1994 Toyota Supra MK IV (orange, featured throughout the franchise)
• Han’s 1997 Mazda RX-7 (from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift)

Universal has not confirmed whether these same four vehicles will appear in the Florida version. Given that the Florida version includes the exclusive spike element, the ride layout and train configuration may differ.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Orlando Resort Coming 2027

The ride is still more than a year away, but early planning makes a real difference for a high-demand opening like this one. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Book early. Major new ride openings at Universal draw massive crowds, especially in the first few months. Booking a trip later in 2027, after the initial rush, can mean shorter waits and a more relaxed experience.
• Stay on-site. Guests at Universal Orlando Resort’s on-site hotels receive “Early Park Admission,” allowing them to access the parks before the general crowds. For a high-demand ride like Hollywood Drift, this is a significant advantage. However, at the time of writing, Universal Studios Florida opens each day at 10:00 a.m. and does not have early park admission. Currently, early park admission is available at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe.
• Pair with Epic Universe. Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park is now open. Combining a visit to Universal Studios Florida with Epic Universe makes for an exceptional multi-day Orlando vacation. Your advisor at Universal Family Vacations can help you navigate the best ticket options.
• Check height requirements. The Florida-specific height requirement has not been officially announced. The Hollywood version requires 51 inches, but verify the Florida figure before booking if you’re traveling with young riders.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027 with one element no other park will have: a 170-foot exclusive vertical spike soaring over Universal CityWalk Orlando. Built on a foundation of high-speed LSM launches, 360-degree spinning vehicles, and franchise-authentic theming, it is shaping up to be one of the most technically ambitious coasters in Universal’s history.

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Resort Vacation?

As the skyline of Universal Studios Florida shifts to accommodate this latest marvel of engineering, one thing is certain: the bar for theme park thrills has been officially raised. Whether you are a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a family looking for your next great adventure, this new addition offers a blend of storytelling and adrenaline that only Universal can deliver. It isn’t just about the height or the speed; it’s about the visceral feeling of being pulled directly into the action.

Planning a trip to see the latest attractions can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the crowds alone. From securing the best resort rates to coordinating Express Passes that get you to the front of the line faster, our team is here to ensure your vacation is as smooth as the coaster’s first drop. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the wind in your hair and the pulse-pounding excitement of the world’s most immersive rides.

Ready to experience the rush for yourself? Contact us today to customize your Universal Orlando Resort package. Whether you’re coming for the screams, the snacks, or the cinematic magic, we’ll make sure your Florida getaway is nothing short of legendary. The track is set, the gates are open, and your next great story is waiting to be written, one loop at a time.