Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious coaster sparks noise complaints from neighbors

Universal Studios Hollywood is testing its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, an outdoor attraction featuring rotating ride vehicles that simulate drifting cars and reach speeds of up to 72 mph along more than 4,100 feet of track. During employee preview testing, residents of the Toluca Lake neighbourhood and users of the adjacent Lakeside Golf Course reported continuous screaming and engine noises echoing throughout the day and night.

In response, Universal says it is installing sound‑reducing walls around high‑velocity sections, laying specialized gravel beneath the track to curb vibrations, and programming the coaster cars to face away from nearby homes during the loudest moments. The park is monitoring sound levels and plans to continue mitigation work ahead of the ride’s planned summer opening.