Universal Orlando Confirms New Roller Coaster Opening in 2027

Orlando

Published on 07/07/2026
5 min read
Amusements
By Want Travel

What Makes Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Stand Out?

Opening in 2027, Universal Studios Florida’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift offers several distinctive features:

360-degree spinning ride vehicles: Designed to simulate car drifting, enhancing the thrill beyond traditional coasters.
170-foot exclusive vertical spike: This towering element will soar over Universal CityWalk Orlando, providing dramatic skyline views and a unique visual trademark for the park.
Top speed around 72 mph: Making it one of the fastest coasters in Universal’s portfolio.
Launch System: Utilizes Intamin's LSM magnetic launches for a smooth, powerful acceleration from 0 to 72 mph.

This combination of cutting-edge technology and iconic Fast & Furious franchise theming is expected to put this coaster in the top tier of Universal Orlando experiences.

Replacing and Closing Attractions: What to Know

The new coaster will replace the iconic Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in 2025 to make room for this fresh experience. Notably, the popular but divisive ride Fast & Furious – Supercharged is also slated to close in 2027. If riding Supercharged or visiting its area is on your agenda, planning an early 2027 visit is advisable before it closes for good. This transition allows Universal to concentrate the Fast & Furious franchise excitement around the new Hollywood Drift coaster.

Planning Your Trip Month-by-Month in 2027

Timing your visit can greatly influence your experience, especially around major new ride openings and park refurbishments. Here's a monthly breakdown focused on Universal Orlando and Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift:

Month	Considerations	Impact on Visit
January - March	Early 2027 visit can catch Fast & Furious – Supercharged before closure; Volcano Bay reopens by March 24 after refurbishment.	Cooler weather, smaller crowds but potential closures; Verify Volcano Bay status and Supercharged availability.
April - June	Potential targeted opening window for Hollywood Drift is spring to early summer, but no official date.	Warmer weather, increasing crowds; book in advance to avoid long waits on the new coaster.
July - September	Peak summer season with maximum crowd levels and heat; Hollywood Drift fully operational likely.	Prepare for high temperatures and longer waits; consider Express Passes and early park entry for comfort.
October - December	Fall brings cooler weather and holiday events; possible off-peak times towards late November and early December.	Opportunity for lower wait times during off-peak days; enjoy seasonal celebrations and new ride without summer crowds.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Universal Orlando in 2027 Post-Coaster Opening

Aspect	Pros	Cons
New Attraction Launch	Exciting new ride with cutting-edge thrills and immersive theming; fresh entertainment for all ages.	High demand means long wait times and large crowds especially during initial months.
Crowd Levels	Early and late year visits offer smaller crowds; seasonal events add variety to experience.	Summer and holiday seasons are crowded; requires strategic planning to avoid long lines and heat.
Weather	Mild winters and pleasant fall make for comfortable park days.	Mid-summer heat and thunderstorms may impact comfort and ride operations.
Park Access	Staying on-site offers Early Park Admission to beat crowds; convenient transport options.	Universal Studios Florida does not have early park entry, but other Universal parks do.

Real-World Travel Tips for 2027 Universal Orlando Visitors

Experiencing a major ride debut like Hollywood Drift in its first year requires practical considerations:

Book your trip late in 2027: To avoid the initial rush and enjoy shorter wait times once hype stabilizes.
Stay onsite if possible: Get early admission to nearby Universal parks to maximize park time and avoid peak heat hours.
Prepare for height requirements: The ride likely requires riders to be at least 51 inches tall, so check specifics if traveling with children.
Check ride and park updates: Construction and opening dates may shift; use reliable planning tools like Want Travel to stay current.
Consider comprehensive ticket packages: Combining Universal Studios Florida with Epic Universe visits maximizes your Orlando vacation.

If you're planning to visit Universal Orlando for its new roller coaster opening in 2027, it may also be worth reading Should You Split Your Hotel Stay Between Disney and Universal Orlando? to decide whether staying at both resorts could improve your overall trip experience.

Conclusion

Universal Orlando’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster is poised to be a game-changer in 2027, combining franchise excitement with innovative ride technology. Travelers aiming for the ultimate thrill should plan for a visit in the latter half of the year to dodge initial crowds and catch the park fully ready. Early 2027 visits are best for enjoying soon-to-close attractions like Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Using a smart travel planning tool like Want Travel ensures you navigate dates, crowds, and accommodations efficiently—making your Universal Orlando trip both thrilling and smooth.

Turn your next trip into a smoother and more memorable experience — click here and build your itinerary on Want Travel.

FAQ

What makes the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster unique at Universal Orlando?

The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, opening in 2027, features 360-degree spinning vehicles simulating car drifting, a 170-foot vertical spike soaring over Universal CityWalk, top speeds around 72 mph, and Intamin's LSM magnetic launch system, offering an unmatched fast and thrilling ride experience.

When is the best time to visit Universal Orlando in 2027 to experience the new coaster with fewer crowds?

Visiting Universal Orlando in the latter half of 2027, especially from October to December, offers cooler weather and lower crowd levels, making it ideal to enjoy the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster with shorter wait times and pleasant park conditions.

How does crowd size and weather vary throughout 2027 for Universal Orlando visitors?

Early 2027 months have cooler weather and smaller crowds but possible closures; spring to early summer brings warmer weather with increasing crowds; summer sees peak crowds and heat; while fall offers cooler weather and occasional off-peak days, easing wait times and enhancing comfort.

What should travelers consider when planning their Universal Orlando trip around the Fast & Furious attractions in 2027?

Travelers should visit early in 2027 to experience Fast & Furious – Supercharged before it closes, then plan a later visit after the new coaster fully opens to avoid initial hype crowds. Staying onsite can provide early admission benefits, and checking height requirements and reliable updates via tools like Want Travel will optimize the trip.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Universal Orlando during the new coaster launch year?

Pros include experiencing a cutting-edge, immersive coaster with franchise excitement and smaller crowds in early and late year visits. Cons involve high demand causing long waits in the initial months, summer heat and thunderstorms impacting comfort, and some ride closures.

How can Want Travel assist visitors planning for Universal Orlando in 2027?

Want Travel provides up-to-date ride and park information, helps navigate opening dates, crowd patterns, and ticket packages, and supports efficient accommodation planning to make a trip to Universal Orlando smoother and more enjoyable amid the new coaster launch.

What practical tips help manage the high demand for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2027?

Booking trips late in 2027 reduces wait times as hype subsides, obtaining Express Passes, arriving early, using onsite accommodation benefits, and staying updated on ride status through smart planning tools are practical strategies based on real traveler experiences.

Want Travel

Create the Perfect Itinerary
for Your Trip!