Thanks to @bioreconstruct on X, we have another new look at the construction currently underway for the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Construction
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Universal Orlando Resort recently announced that the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida. Since the announcement, construction for the coaster has continued at a rapid pace.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Pilings were recently cast for Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. An auger drilled holes in dirt, which were then filled with concrete to form roller coaster track footers.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Crew members were on the scene when photos were taken. Several sections of roller coaster track footers exist between the former Blue Man Group building and the current Villain-Con Minion Blast building.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
From this angle, you can also tell that there are different types of footers being used for the coaster. A set of three rectangular concrete forms sits at the top center, while other footers nearby are circular and cast on underground sheet foundations. The pilings round out the various types of supports.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Steel frames for the coaster’s service building can be seen at the top right from the Music Plaza Stage.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Another small building has gone up near the former firehouse entrance, where the Rip Ride Rockit track went through.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Whatever this structure may be, it has gone up quickly since our last aerial update and appears to have the beginnings of a second floor.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
The Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift service building also has two floors, and it seems like a service elevator is in development on the right side.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
From CityWalk, roller coaster footers seem ready for supports and track. In the background, you can see framing for the service building.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
A straight line of footers is located on the right of this photo and could be related to a launch in the ride.
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
Image Source: @bioreconstruct on X
The rectangular concrete forms at the construction site of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift hints to where a sliding track switch could be located.
The first version of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open at Universal Studios Hollywood this year. It consists of 4,100 feet of track, sound reduction technology, and 360-degree rotation to create the sensation of drifting. Differences in land mean the Florida version of Hollywood Drift won’t be identical to the California version — it’s on a mountainside in California, but will be in a long flat space in Florida. It will likely have the same theming and drifting effects, though. The announcement stated the new ride will open in 2027.
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