Universal Studios Hollywood's newest roller coaster has only been officially open for a matter of days, and Halloween Horror Nights guests already have a new way to experience it.
It just won't be included with their regular event ticket.
Universal has introduced a $19.95 add-on for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift during Halloween Horror Nights. The upgrade gives eligible guests access to the attraction from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Guests will still need Halloween Horror Nights admission for the same date. The add-on doesn't include daytime admission to Universal Studios Hollywood either.
That makes the new option an extra purchase for people who already planned to attend Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal’s New Coaster Changes the Halloween Horror Nights Equation
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially opened on September 16 after beginning soft openings in July.
Its debut created an interesting situation for the 2026 Halloween Horror Nights season.
Universal Studios Hollywood now has a major new coaster that many Halloween Horror Nights visitors haven't experienced. Some guests may be traveling specifically for the Halloween event and won't have a separate daytime ticket.
The $19.95 add-on gives those visitors another option.
Instead of buying daytime admission simply to experience Hollywood Drift, they can add access to their Halloween Horror Nights evening.
For solo travelers, approximately $20 might seem like a reasonable addition to an expensive theme park trip. Once multiple people are involved, however, the total increases quickly.
Two guests would pay just under $40. Four would spend almost $80.
That's before paying for Halloween Horror Nights admission.
Is Riding Hollywood Drift Worth Giving Up HHN Time?
There is another cost that doesn't appear on the receipt: time.
Halloween Horror Nights visitors usually have a long list of things they want to accomplish. The event revolves around its limited-time Halloween experiences, meaning every hour can matter.
Guests who purchase the Hollywood Drift add-on will need to work the coaster into their plans between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
That may be easy for someone who considers the coaster a priority. It could be harder for visitors who want to experience as much of Halloween Horror Nights as possible.
Unlike the seasonal Halloween offerings, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift isn't disappearing when the event ends.
Frequent visitors may therefore prefer to experience Hollywood Drift during another trip. Guests coming from farther away might see things differently. If this is their only Universal Studios Hollywood visit for a while, combining the coaster and Halloween Horror Nights could make sense for their schedule.
The New Add-On Gives Guests Another Choice
Ultimately, the $19.95 upgrade isn't necessary to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights.
It's another option.
That's important because the value can look completely different depending on how often someone visits Universal Studios Hollywood.
A local visitor who expects to return soon may have little reason to sacrifice Halloween Horror Nights time for a permanent attraction. Someone visiting Southern California for a limited period could see the upgrade as a convenient way to experience Universal's newest coaster.
The biggest thing is understanding exactly what the purchase includes.
The $19.95 add-on provides access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. It does not provide Halloween Horror Nights admission, and it does not provide daytime theme park admission.
With Hollywood Drift officially opening September 16, the coaster has immediately become another factor in Halloween Horror Nights planning.
Now guests have to decide whether riding Universal Studios Hollywood's newest attraction during their Halloween evening is worth another $20.
