Hey Thrill Seekers,
Universal Orlando’s next major thrill ride is beginning to rise above the skyline and recent construction photos are finally giving fans a clearer idea of what Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will actually look like.
Replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida, the new attraction promises to become one of the most ambitious roller coasters Universal has ever built, featuring spinning ride vehicles, launch sections, drifting motions and a towering vertical spike visible from CityWalk.
With track now arriving on-site and supports rapidly going vertical, here’s everything we currently know about Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift including what the latest photos may reveal about the coaster’s final layout.
🌎Universal Officially Announced Hollywood Drift Earlier This Year
Universal officially confirmed Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift for Universal Studios Florida in January 2026.
The attraction will replace:
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged (which closes in 2027)
According to Universal, guests will experience:
- 360-degree drifting ride vehicles
- Multiple high-speed launches
- A 170-foot vertical spike
- Outdoor coaster sections around the park perimeter
Universal also confirmed the attraction will feature spinning coaster technology designed to simulate drifting race cars from the Fast & Furious films.
📸Recent Construction Photos Reveal Major Progress
Construction accelerated dramatically throughout spring 2026.
Recent aerial photography from bioreconstruct and multiple construction update sites now shows:
- Large blue support columns installed
- White coaster track sections already in place
- Station construction progressing quickly
- Structural work beginning on the massive spike element
Perhaps most importantly, the latest track installation photos finally reveal how much larger the attraction footprint appears compared to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Fans online have noted that construction walls and support locations suggest the coaster may extend significantly further toward CityWalk than the previous attraction.
🏎️What the Track Layout Appears to Reveal
Although Universal has not officially released the complete Orlando track layout, recent construction updates offer several strong clues.
The Massive Vertical Spike
The biggest reveal so far is the towering spike structure now taking shape near the front of the park.
Universal previously confirmed the spike would send riders nearly 170 feet into the air above the outskirts of CityWalk.
Recent photos now show support columns curving and twisting upward leading many coaster fans to believe the spike itself may rotate riders while ascending.
If true, this could become one of the most visually dramatic elements at Universal Orlando.
A Much More Dynamic Layout Than Rip Ride Rockit
Construction photos suggest the coaster will feature:
- Multiple directional changes
- Twisting elevated sections
- Larger transitions around the New York area
- Potentially more interaction with guest pathways and CityWalk sightlines
Unlike Rip Ride Rockit’s towering vertical lift hill, Hollywood Drift appears focused on speed, launches and aggressive directional movement.
The spinning ride vehicles may also make the coaster experience feel dramatically different on every ride cycle.
🎢The Ride Vehicles Could Be Revolutionary
One of the most talked-about aspects of Hollywood Drift is the coaster train design itself.
Universal Studios Hollywood already revealed ride vehicles inspired by iconic Fast & Furious cars including:
- Dom’s Dodge Charger
- Brian’s Nissan Skyline GT-R
- Han’s Mazda RX-7
- Brian’s Toyota Supra
The trains are expected to rotate independently during the ride, creating the sensation of drifting through corners at high speed.
According to Universal, the coaster will eventually reach speeds of up to 72mph.
🗣️Fans Are Already Calling It Universal’s Next Major Coaster
Reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
Many fans believe Hollywood Drift could become Universal Orlando’s next iconic thrill ride particularly after disappointment surrounding Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
On Reddit, coaster enthusiasts have repeatedly praised:
- The ambitious layout
- The drifting train concept
- The scale of the spike element
- The visual impact around the park skyline
Others have noted the attraction appears significantly more ambitious than many originally expected.
📅When Will Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Open?
Universal has officially confirmed the Orlando version of Hollywood Drift will open in 2027.
The Hollywood version opens first in summer 2026.
Interestingly, Universal accidentally appeared to leak a June 2026 opening date for the Hollywood installation before quickly removing it.
That means Orlando fans may still have a long wait ahead but judging by the pace of construction, the coaster is already becoming one of the most exciting projects currently underway at Universal Orlando Resort.
🏃♂️➡️Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Universal Studios Florida |
| Replaces | Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit |
| Opening Year | 2027 |
| Ride Type | Launched spinning roller coaster |
| Top Speed | 72mph |
| Ride Vehicles | Rotating drifting-style coaster cars |
| Main Feature | 170-foot vertical spike |
| Manufacturer | Intamin |
| Theme | Fast & Furious franchise |
Summary
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is a new high-speed outdoor roller coaster currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida, replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The attraction will feature spinning ride vehicles designed to simulate drifting, multiple launch sections and a massive 170-foot vertical spike.
Recent construction photos show coaster supports and track sections now being installed, giving fans their first real look at the attraction’s layout. Current evidence suggests the coaster will extend further into the former New York and CityWalk areas than Rip Ride Rockit previously occupied.
The ride is expected to open in 2027 and will become one of the most technologically advanced roller coasters Universal has ever built.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is a new high-speed roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.
Is Hollywood Drift replacing Rip Ride Rockit?
Yes. The attraction is replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida.
How fast will Hollywood Drift be?
Universal says the coaster will reach speeds of up to 72mph.
Will Hollywood Drift have spinning cars?
Yes. The ride vehicles are designed to rotate during the ride to simulate drifting.
What do the recent construction photos reveal?
Recent construction photos show support columns, coaster track and the beginning of the massive spike element now taking shape.
When will Hollywood Drift open at Universal Orlando?
Universal has confirmed the attraction will open in 2027.
You can purchase Universal Orlando Tickets for 2027 and even secure them with a £10 per person deposit.
Smiles included…
Jamie
Written by the Orlando Attraction Tickets editorial team, covering Universal Orlando news, Epic Universe updates, roller coaster construction and Orlando holiday planning advice.
