Time to let us out for the summer! t’s officially Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood, and things are starting with a bang—or should we say, a turbocharged drift. The media event to launch the summer festivities was pure blockbuster energy, with Universal pulling back the curtain (or should we say garage door?) on the car that’ll soon send guests speeding through its all-new ride, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, opening in 2026.
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Set to become the fastest coaster in Universal’s global portfolio, this next-gen thrill ride will rocket guests at 72 MPH across 4,100 feet of outdoor track. And this isn’t your average coaster—this beast features 360-degree rotating ride vehicles, giving you the ultimate drift experience. Yes, you read that right. You’ll be spinning, twisting, and flying Fast-style across parts of the park, including over the iconic escalators between the Upper and Lower Lots.
The first glimpse of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger-inspired ride vehicle is already on display for fans to ogle, and we promise—this thing is sleek, savage, and screaming for action.
“Watching the progress of this incredible roller coaster come to life is truly spectacular,” said Scott Strobl, EVP & GM of Universal Studios Hollywood. “This ride will transform the topography of the park and infuse an entirely new level of adrenaline.”
The coaster station will be set in a tricked-out garage with four unique cars from the Fast franchise—because let’s be real, you can’t ride unless you ride in style. The new ride is expected to draw both thrill-seekers and Fast & Furious superfans when it opens in 2026.
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But Wait, There’s Dinos—and Witches—Too
Also spotted at the summer kick-off: Dolores, a brand-new meet-and-greet dinosaur who might be the cutest prehistoric creature we’ve ever seen. She’s posted up on the Lower Lot and ready to charm guests one tail wag at a time.
And that’s just the beginning of Universal’s summer slate:
🦖 Jurassic World—The Ride
Now featuring Mosasaurus Splash, new dino additions, and meet-and-greets for your inner paleontologist to nerd out over.
🦈 Jaws Turns 50
The iconic hanging shark returns alongside meet-and-greet favorites Captain Quint and Chief Brody. Plus, the Studio Tour gives you a refresher on that forever-haunting Jaws Lake.
⏱️ Back to the Future 40th Anniversary
It’s throwback magic with Doc Brown, Marty McFly, Einstein the dog, and—you guessed it—the Time Machine itself. Photo op? Absolutely.
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon
A 730-pound sculpted Toothless takes center stage at Universal Plaza. It’s massive. It’s adorable. It’s ready for selfies.
💚 Wicked
Rejoicify! Meet Elphaba and Glinda before the Wicked movie hits theaters. Wicked fans, your moment has arrived.
✨ Wizarding World of Harry Potter Gets Even More Magical
Starting June 28, catch the stunning new Hogwarts™ Always projection show lighting up the castle nightly. It’s a whimsical journey through a school year at Hogwarts—complete with magical creature sightings including Nifflers, Baby Dragons, and a majestic Occamy.
So, What’s the Summer Plan?
Universal’s Mega Movie Summer officially runs June 13–August 10, and all the fun is included with your park ticket. Whether you’re dodging dinosaur drool, catching spells in Hogsmeade, or revving your engines for 2026’s wildest coaster—there’s something epic waiting at every turn.
Time to grab your crew, crank up the summer playlists, and party in the park.
