Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift – The new speed revolution is coming to Universal Orlando

The landscape of Universal Studios Florida is undergoing a complete metamorphosis. After the full demolition of the iconic, but aging, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, completed in August 2025, Universal has finally lifted the veil on the identity of its successor. Rumors were rife, with some hoping for a return to the future or the arrival of Ghostbusters, but it is ultimately the billion-dollar-grossing franchise that will take over: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

This new roller coaster is not just replacing an icon; it is set to redefine the resort's thrill standards with cutting-edge technology and height records.

A Height Record for Universal Orlando

The most striking announcement of this project is undoubtedly its stature. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will become the tallest roller coaster in all of Universal Orlando Resort.

With a dizzying height of 170 feet (approximately 52 meters), it narrowly surpasses its predecessor, Rip Ride Rockit, which peaked at 167 feet. This structure will dominate the park perimeter and will be particularly visible from Universal CityWalk. The ride's culmination point will be a 170-foot "vertical spike" that will send riders 17 stories into the air before descending backward.

360° "Drifting" Technology

Inspired by the version set to open soon at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Orlando version promises an unprecedented driving experience. The concept relies on 360-degree controlled skidding (drifting) technology.

Unlike traditional roller coasters where the carriages follow the track's axis, Hollywood Drift's vehicles will be able to pivot on themselves while moving at high speed. This technical feat, designed by renowned manufacturer Intamin, will simulate the acrobatic maneuvers and lateral skids that made the film saga a success. Every turn and acceleration will be amplified by this rotational movement, literally placing visitors in the driver's seat.

A Colossal Construction Site Underway

Construction is progressing at a frantic pace on the site. Here are the key points of the current construction:

Foundations and structures: Concrete footings have already been installed along the entire future track layout.

The maintenance building: The steel structure of the maintenance building is already rising in the technical zones behind the soundstages. Rails have even been spotted inside this structure.

The launch station: According to building permits, the station will be located directly behind the park's "New York" area, right next to the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon attraction.

Rail appearance: Track segments have been spotted near the Epic Universe site. Although some are silver for the technical zones, it is rumored that the main track could be blue, allowing it to be visually distinguished from VelociCoaster (black) and the Californian version.

The Definitive Departure of Supercharged

The arrival of this new roller coaster also marks the end of an era for another attraction in the franchise. Universal has officially confirmed that Fast & Furious: Supercharged will permanently close its doors in 2027.

This decision seems to be unanimous among fans, as the current attraction has often been criticized for its lack of immersion compared to recent standards. Its closure logically coincides with the opening of the new roller coaster, allowing Universal to focus the Fast & Furious experience on a world-class attraction rather than a simulator. For the moment, no replacement has been announced for the space Supercharged will occupy after its closure.

Orlando vs Hollywood: Two Different Experiences

Although both parks share the same name for their new attraction, the Orlando version will be unique. The track layouts will be extremely different due to the specific space constraints of each park and the terrain configuration at Universal Studios Florida.

The Californian version is expected to open this year, while fans in Florida will have to wait until 2027 to experience their version of Hollywood Drift.

A Bright Future for Universal Studios Florida

With the arrival of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Florida strengthens its thrill ride offering. By combining a height record, 360° rotation technology designed by Intamin, and an ultra-popular theme, the park is ensuring a major success for 2027. The visual integration of the 170-foot "spike" above CityWalk promises to become the resort's new visual landmark.

For theme park enthusiasts, the coming years will be rich in novelties, and the duel between the two American coasts to see which version of Hollywood Drift is the most sensational is just beginning.