Construction Reaches a Major Milestone
The skyline at Universal Studios Florida is changing once again. For over fifteen years, the red track of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was a staple of the park entrance. Following its permanent closure in August 2025, crews moved quickly to clear the site. Now, the first structural pieces of its successor are officially in place. Construction teams have begun installing the base supports for the highly anticipated Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster.
Visible from both the CityWalk pathways and inside the park, these vibrant blue supports mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the most technologically advanced thrill rides in Orlando. While the site is still heavily walled off, the height of these initial beams gives us a clear idea of the footprint this new high-speed experience will occupy.
What to Expect from Hollywood Drift
Universal is not just building another coaster. This attraction is designed to bring the sensation of “drifting” to the tracks. The ride vehicles are engineered to rotate 360 degrees while moving at high speeds, mimicking the physics of a street race. This isn’t a slow spin like you might find on a family ride. Instead, it is a controlled drift that reacts to the turns and launches of the course.
One of the most impressive features of the layout is the 170-foot vertical spike. This element will send riders nearly 17 stories into the air, making it the tallest roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort. This spike will be located near the edge of the park, providing a massive new visual landmark for guests walking toward the front gates.
The Great Fast & Furious Trade-Off
For fans of the franchise, the news gets even bigger. Universal has confirmed that the opening of this new coaster in 2027 will coincide with the permanent closure of Fast & Furious – Supercharged. This simulator-based attraction has had a rocky reputation since it opened in 2018, and it seems Universal is ready to move the brand toward a more physical, thrill-heavy experience.
By 2027, the San Francisco area of the park will likely look very different as Supercharged begins its final phases. While no replacement has been officially announced for that specific building, the shift toward a massive outdoor coaster suggests a new direction for the park’s thrill-ride strategy. If you are a fan of the current simulator, you have roughly a year left to experience it before it hits the brakes for good.
Planning Your 2026 and 2027 Visits
Because the California version of this ride is set to open later in 2026, we will likely get a much better look at the ride vehicles and exact mechanics very soon. However, Orlando guests should keep in mind that construction of this scale often involves temporary pathway shifts around the New York and Production Central areas. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your next trip:
- Viewpoints: The best views of the vertical spike construction will be from the bridge connecting CityWalk to the Universal Studios Florida entrance.
- Timeline: Expect heavy testing to begin in late 2026, with a grand opening targeted for the 2027 season.
- Skyline Changes: With the 170-foot height, this ride will be visible from several areas within the neighboring parks and even some resort hotels.
We are watching the construction walls closely to see when the first actual track pieces arrive. Stay tuned as Universal continues to “rev up” for this major addition to the park lineup.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.