Credit: Inside the MagicUniversal Studios Hollywood is installing sound shield panels on the new roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is set to open in summer 2026. This initiative addresses noise concerns from nearby property owners. The clear panels with a slight green tint will cover white frames along the coaster track to reduce noise from the ride and guests.
Noise was a significant worry even before construction began, prompting Universal to conduct sound tests and use sound-reduction technology. The panels not only help minimize noise but also serve to catch items that may fall during the ride.
They match the glass canopy over escalators connecting the park’s Upper and Lower Lots, ensuring a consistent aesthetic. The panels are part of improvements on adjacent stairs, which will now provide shade and additional noise reduction. Currently, this area is closed for construction as preparations continue for the opening of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
Why Sound Reduction Matters to Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood faces unique challenges due to its location in a developed area of Los Angeles County, surrounded by residential neighborhoods and commercial properties. To address noise concerns from theme park operations, Universal actively manages sound to comply with local ordinances and maintain good relationships with neighbors.
The installation of sound shield panels on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift exemplifies this proactive approach, as the park conducted sound tests and applied noise-reduction technology early in construction. This strategy not only enhances the park’s reputation as a responsible neighbor but also helps avoid potential opposition from local government and community stakeholders regarding future expansions or operational changes.
The Coaster’s Development Timeline
Universal Studios Hollywood officially announced that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in summer 2026, providing a firm seasonal timeline after months of watching construction progress without confirmed opening windows. That announcement came with a short teaser video showing guests riding the new coaster and the line “It’s time to ride like never before. Buckle up for the next chapter of Fast & Furious at Universal Studios,” framing the attraction as a major event rather than just another ride tucked into the park’s lineup.
The coaster represents Universal’s attempt to return the Fast & Furious franchise to its roots by emphasizing the street-racing identity that made the films famous, rather than focusing on international missions and elaborate action sequences that dominated later installments. The story will be set in Southern California, the region tied to the original film and several key moments throughout the franchise, creating authentic connections to Fast & Furious history that should resonate with fans who prefer the series’ earlier street racing focus.
The coaster trains are currently testing while still wrapped in dazzle camouflage that conceals the actual car designs. Each ride vehicle resembles a car from the Fast & Furious franchise, though aside from the lead Dodge Charger, these haven’t been officially revealed. Their designs were visible in a concept video, but Universal has maintained some mystery around the full vehicle lineup to preserve anticipation leading up to opening.
Additional Queue Details
In the coaster’s outdoor queue, string lights were recently spotted illuminated during daytime visits, crisscrossing above the queue line along with red triangular fabric shades that provide both thematic decoration and practical sun protection for guests waiting in line. These details suggest Universal is building a fully themed queue experience rather than just utilitarian switchback lines, investing in atmosphere and guest comfort throughout the entire attraction experience from entry to exit.
The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift gift shop, 101 Exchange Store, opened in September 2025 and finally received Fast and Furious merchandise a few months later. The shop recently installed a new light-up red-and-white sign on the side of the brick building, much bigger and brighter than the text above the doors, helping indicate to guests that the store is open and operating even while the coaster itself remains under construction.
The Universal Florida Connection
Universal announced last month that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is also coming to Universal Studios Florida, where it’s already under construction, replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. That decision to replace such an iconic and recognizable thrill ride with a brand-new Fast & Furious coaster demonstrates Universal’s confidence in what they’re building and willingness to move aggressively into the future by completely clearing out old attractions to make room for new concepts they believe will be major upgrades.
The Florida version will also see Fast & Furious: Supercharged close, just like it did at Universal Studios Hollywood. That attraction became one of the most controversial additions at Universal Orlando Resort, making the coaster replacement feel like Universal attempting to reset the narrative around how Fast & Furious functions in theme parks. A coaster fits the franchise naturally because the movies are built on speed, adrenaline, and racing energy, creating better thematic alignment than screen-heavy dark ride technology.
The “Big Reveal” Tease From Universal
Three weeks ago, Universal Studios Hollywood teased a “big reveal” about their upcoming coaster, “Hollywood Drift,” but has yet to announce details. This mystery keeps fans engaged and speculating about unique ride elements, vehicle features, or special effects that may set it apart from standard thrill coasters. The name suggests a focus on the feeling of drifting, possibly involving unique ride vehicles or track elements that emulate a high-speed street race.
However, without specifics, anticipation mixes with uncertainty about whether the final product will meet expectations.
What This Means for Theme Parks
The installation of sound shield panels reflects a growing trend in theme park development, where noise management is vital, especially in urban and suburban areas. Theme parks must now consider their attractions’ impact on nearby properties, making sound reduction technology essential in coaster design.
Universal’s proactive measures for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift set a precedent for future attractions, integrating noise considerations from the outset. This approach may influence the type and placement of future rides to minimize neighborhood impact while still delivering thrilling experiences.
With a summer 2026 opening, Universal has ample time for construction, testing, staff training, and marketing, positioning Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift as a highly anticipated addition. The ride’s success will depend on its execution, but Universal is moving into a new era of thrill rides, featuring sound-reduction technology to harmonize with neighbors.