Disney and Universal are used to competing inside the theme park industry. This latest battle, however, looks very different.
Universal Studios Hollywood is facing complaints over Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, its newest roller coaster. Nearby residents say the attraction has created a noise problem that reaches beyond the park.
More than 350 people reportedly gathered for a meeting with Universal executives on September 30. Among them was a member of Walt Disney’s family, who raised questions about Universal’s land-use permits.
Universal has already explored several solutions. But one comment from an executive reportedly made the tense situation even worse.
Universal's Newest Coaster Is Frustrating Its Neighbors
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 16 after technical rehearsals began in late July.
The approximately 4,100-foot coaster reaches 72 mph and produces forces up to 3.6 Gs. It also features four launches and rotating ride vehicles.
But nearby residents aren't primarily complaining about the coaster itself. They say they can repeatedly hear riders screaming from the hillside.
Those complaints led Universal to host a September 30 meeting at Stage 7. More than 350 people reportedly attended to hear from executives and express their concerns.
That's when the Disney name entered the discussion.
Walt Disney's Great-Nephew Questions Universal's Permits
Roy P. Disney, Walt Disney's great-nephew and a Toluca Lake resident, reportedly spoke during the meeting.
“I would argue this is in violation of [Universal Studios’] land usage permits,” Disney said.
His comments don't mean Universal has actually been found in violation. Disney presented his own argument rather than announcing an official finding.
Roy P. Disney also wasn't speaking for The Walt Disney Company. He attended as a resident and member of Walt Disney's family.
Still, his involvement adds an unusual wrinkle considering the long history between Disney and Universal.
Universal Is Already Looking for Solutions
Universal isn't dismissing the complaints.
Executives reportedly told residents that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will not operate between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. through the end of 2026, including when Universal Studios Hollywood opens earlier.
Universal is also installing a temporary barrier with more than 1,900 square feet of sound-absorbing material. If successful, the company would need permits before making it permanent.
Other possibilities have apparently been considered.
Enclosed-ride vehicles were reportedly rejected due to evacuation concerns. Universal also considered helmets with face and scream shields before deciding against the concept.
The coaster's rotating vehicles could provide another option. Universal already positions riders away from Toluca Lake during portions when screams are more likely.
Still, tensions escalated during the meeting.
One Executive's Comment Sparks Anger
During the question-and-answer portion, residents reportedly pushed Universal to eliminate the screaming problem within a year.
Steve Blum, Universal's executive vice president of engineering and safety, responded with a joke.
“We could solve this tomorrow if you all want to wear noise-canceling headphones,” Blum reportedly said.
Some residents didn't find it funny.
Attendees reportedly reacted angrily, with some shouting, “How dare you?”
The comment doesn't prove that Universal isn't taking the complaints seriously. Likewise, Roy P. Disney's argument doesn't prove Universal violated its permits.
But both moments demonstrate how heated the dispute has become.
An Unusual Twist in the Disney-Universal Rivalry
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has only been officially open for weeks, yet Universal is already facing pressure over how the attraction is operating.
The company is testing sound barriers, restricting morning operations, and considering other measures to reduce the number of screams reaching nearby neighborhoods.
Now, Walt Disney's great-nephew has added his voice to those concerns.
That doesn't make this an official fight between The Walt Disney Company and Universal. But it adds an unusual Disney connection to the controversy surrounding Universal's newest major attraction.
Universal says it is working toward solutions. Residents are making it clear they want more.
For now, the effects of Universal's newest coaster are being felt well beyond the park gates.
