Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest roller coaster has started taking public riders, but the excitement is not shared by everyone living nearby. The coaster is causing some controversy before it is even fully open to visitors of the theme park.
The roller coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift entered technical rehearsals on Monday, July 27. The testing period gives some park visitors an early opportunity to ride before the attraction officially opens.
Residents in nearby Toluca Lake say they can hear riders screaming from inside their homes. Some have complained that the noise continues into the evening.
Universal says it is monitoring the sound while testing continues. The park has not announced an official opening date, although the coaster is still scheduled to debut during summer 2026.
Neighbors Can Hear Riders Screaming From Their Homes
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Residents told ABC7 Los Angeles that the coaster becomes especially noticeable when riders are aboard. One resident said he could hear people screaming late at night even with his doors closed.
Universal installed sound shields around portions of the attraction and used pea gravel to help reduce track noise, according to People. The park has also placed microphones in the neighborhood to monitor sound levels and created a hotline for complaints.
“The coaster is currently in technical rehearsals, which are designed to evaluate the attraction over time and under a variety of operating conditions,” Universal said in a statement provided to ABC7. The park added that it is reviewing sound levels to make sure the attraction remains in compliance.
The Coaster Reaches 72 MPH
According to Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood Drift is the park’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. Its vehicles rotate 360 degrees to recreate the sensation of drifting while reaching speeds up to 72 mph.
The coaster travels across 4,100 feet of aerial track and takes riders through multiple inversions. Part of the track passes over the Starway escalators connecting the park’s Upper and Lower Lots. The ride vehicles were inspired by Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger, Han’s Mazda RX-7, and two cars driven by Brian O’Conner.
Technical rehearsals do not guarantee that the coaster will operate throughout the day. Universal has not said how long testing will continue or when the attraction will officially open.