Universal Studios Hollywood has installed sound-shielding panels on the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster to reduce noise from both the ride and guests. These transparent panels, designed with a slight green tint, are meant to address noise concerns from nearby residents.
Sound levels were so significant that Universal had to conduct sound tests and implement sound-reduction technology to obtain approval for the coaster's construction. Operating in a densely populated area of Los Angeles County, Universal must carefully manage noise to comply with local ordinances and avoid disturbing neighbors.
The Panels Serve Double Duty
The sound shield panels don't just reduce noise. They also help catch or at least slow down any wayward objects that could fly out of guest pockets during the ride, which is honestly pretty smart design because it addresses two separate safety and operational concerns with one installation. The panels match the aesthetic of the glass canopy over the escalators connecting Universal's Upper Lot and Lower Lot, maintaining visual consistency instead of just slapping random ugly barriers around the track.
Additional construction is underway on the stairs next to the escalators, which previously lacked canopy coverage. White frames are in place on the stairs where they cross under the coaster track, and these are presumably getting filled with matching green-tinted glass that will provide both shade for guests using the stairs and additional sound buffering for the coaster passing overhead. That stretch of stairs is currently closed while crews finish installing.
The Universal Coaster Opens Summer 2026
Universal has officially announced that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in summer 2026, providing a confirmed timeline after months of construction progress. The announcement included a teaser video with the tagline, “It's time to ride like never before,” framing it as a major event. This new coaster aims to return the franchise to its Southern California street-racing roots, the location tied to the original film that fans believe marked the series' peak before it took a different turn.
The Trains Are Testing Right Now at Universal Hollywood
The coaster trains are currently undergoing testing while wrapped in dazzle camouflage that hides the actual car designs from public view. Each ride vehicle resembles a car from the Fast & Furious franchise, and aside from the lead Dodge Charger, these haven't been officially revealed yet, even though their designs were visible in a concept video. Universal is keeping some mystery around the full vehicle lineup to preserve anticipation.
In the outdoor queue, string lights were recently spotted turned on during daytime visits, crisscrossing above the queue line along with red triangular fabric shades providing both thematic decoration and practical sun protection for guests waiting in line.
The Gift Shop Got a New Sign
The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift gift shop, 101 Exchange Store, opened way back in September 2025 and finally got actual Fast and Furious merchandise a few months later. The shop recently got a new light-up red-and-white sign on the side of the brick building, way bigger and brighter than the text above the doors, presumably to help guests realize the store is open even while the coaster is still under construction.
Universal Studios Florida Is Getting This Too
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's a massive statement because Rip Ride Rockit was one of the most recognizable thrill rides at Universal Studios Florida, and tearing it down to build a Fast & Furious coaster shows Universal has serious confidence in what they're building.
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 hated additions at Universal Orlando Resort, so replacing it with a coaster feels like Universal trying to fix their Fast & Furious reputation in theme parks by building something that actually makes sense for a franchise built on speed and racing.
Three weeks ago, Universal teased a “big reveal” coming soon, but hasn't announced anything new yet, which keeps fans speculating about what they're hiding. Summer 2026 is approaching fast, and Universal is literally building technology to quiet your screams so neighbors don't complain when this thing opens.
