Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) has officially announced that construction on a Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster will start soon.
The company revealed the exciting news on its social media accounts yesterday. You can read what was posted on their Facebook page below:
In an official press release, USH said “construction will soon begin on its new roller caster, themed to Universal Pictures blockbuster saga, Fast & Furious as the world-class entertainment destination continues to elevate the guest experience.”
While the announcement and press release was light on specifics, theme park experts and fans have known about this project for over a year now. Back in May 2022, Orlando Park Stop’s Alicia Stella broke the news of a rumoured Fast & Furious “drifting” roller coaster.
Since May 2022, Stella has seen permits which confirm the concept of a roller coaster that would start on the upper lot, descend to the lower lot, and then launch back up.
It’s worth noting that the press release didn’t confirm that the roller coaster would include a “drifting feature”, but it does suggest that it will be “equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic Fast & Furious universe.”
In the press release, USH said that “this all-new roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme park destinations.”
Back in October 2022, Screamscape published concept art for the then-rumoured roller coaster at USH. At the time, the concept art showed the roller coaster being called “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.”
Stella suggests the above-mentioned concept art may have already been outdated. Why you ask? The theme park expert discovered that the layout of the attraction would change before being confirmed this year.
Two shows on USH’s Upper Lot closed this year to “make way” for the Fast & Furious roller coaster. Animal Actors and the Special Effects Show last shows took place in early January 2023. After getting permit approvals for the work, demolition on the show’s buildings began.
According to multiple theme park experts, USH started testing sound in March. Roller coaster sounds and the screams of riders would be projected over the hillside from the Upper Lot.
Stella suggests that these tests will help design a way to best muffle the sounds and limit its reach (neighbouring areas/production stages).
Last month, ParkFans.net published a track layout for the Fast & Furious roller coaster (aka Project 409). You can find the exceptionally produced layout below:
ParkFans was also able to produce a possible list of roller coaster segments, including where launches may be located for example. You can find the segment list below:
Days after the track layouts were posted online, numerous roller coaster experts/fans began uploading their own prediction videos.
Over a week ago, Amusement Insider uploaded an incredible visualisation video (including point-of-view) for the upcoming Universal Studios Hollywood roller coaster. You can watch the video the established outlet uploaded below:
The press release doesn’t confirm anything relating to the roller coaster, including its name, opening date, or where it is being built within USH. Some believe that the roller coaster will open in 2025.
With that all being said, stay tuned for further updates. We wanted to applaud Alicia for her coverage of this roller coaster since last year.
H/T Orlando Park Stop, ParkFans.net, Inside Universal, WDWNT
