Guests hoping to skip the long lines for Universal Studios Hollywood‘s newest roller coaster will soon have a new option, but it comes with an additional price tag!
Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Timed Express Access Add-On, allowing guests to purchase one-time expedited access to the park’s high-speed roller coaster. And there’s an important detail guests should know before purchasing Universal Express: Hollywood Drift is NOT included with standard Universal Express tickets!
Here’s how the new offering works.
NEW Timed Express Access Coming to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift!
Beginning November 2, 2026, guests can purchase a separately priced Express add-on specifically for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Unlike traditional Universal Express, which provides expedited access to multiple participating attractions, this new offering is exclusively for Hollywood Drift.
The add-on includes:
- One-time Express access to Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.
- A selected return time for experiencing the attraction.
- Date-specific admission, meaning the add-on is only valid on the date purchased.
- Separate theme park admission required, as the Express add-on does not include entry to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The new ticket allows guests to enter an expedited queue during their reserved time rather than waiting in the regular standby line. However, Universal Express does not guarantee immediate boarding, and some waiting may still be required.
How Much Does Hollywood Drift Express Access Cost?
The new Timed Express Access Add-On starts at $19.95 per person, with prices varying depending on the date. That means a family of four would spend at least $79.80 before taxes for one-time expedited access to the roller coaster. And that’s in addition to the cost of admission!
Unlike a traditional Express Pass, which can be used at several attractions, this purchase covers just one ride on Hollywood Drift. It’s a system that may sound familiar to Walt Disney World guests, as it operates similarly to Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass, where guests purchase expedited access to an individual attraction.
Hollywood Drift Is NOT Included With Regular Universal Express
Here’s where things get especially interesting. According to Universal Studios Hollywood’s official ticket information, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is excluded from standard Universal Express, Universal Express Unlimited, and regular Universal Express Add-On tickets. Guests who purchase those products will not automatically receive expedited access to Hollywood Drift.
Instead, guests will need the attraction-specific Timed Express Access Add-On or another qualifying premium experience. Universal currently lists exceptions for select VIP experiences, R.I.P. Tours, and guided tour products. There’s also an important exception for guests who purchased qualifying Express tickets before August 31, 2026. Universal says those guests will retain the benefits offered at the time of purchase.
And don’t worry! Hollywood Drift is still included with regular theme park admission, so guests can continue riding through the standby queue without purchasing the additional Express option.
What Is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 16, 2026, bringing an entirely new level of thrills to the California theme park.
Inspired by Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise, the outdoor roller coaster features innovative ride vehicles capable of rotating 360 degrees to simulate the sensation of drifting. The attraction reaches speeds of up to 72 miles per hour, sending guests racing along a twisting track that stretches across portions of the park. And while Hollywood Drift is currently exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando is also preparing to welcome its own Fast & Furious roller coaster in 2027.
However, Universal has not announced whether the upcoming Orlando attraction will use a similar paid Express system.
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My Take
I have mixed feelings about this one! On one hand, I completely understand the appeal of paying a little extra to avoid spending hours waiting for a brand-new roller coaster, especially when you’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for just one day. But on the other hand, I really don’t love the idea of purchasing Universal Express only to discover that one of the park’s biggest attractions isn’t included. That’s a pretty significant detail guests need to know before spending their money!
I’m also very curious to see whether Universal Orlando eventually adopts something similar for its upcoming Fast & Furious coaster. With Hollywood Drift starting at $19.95 for just one expedited ride, it certainly raises questions about how Universal might handle Express access for its newest and most popular attractions going forward.
What Guests Should Know Before Visiting
The new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Timed Express Access Add-On is scheduled to become available beginning November 2, 2026.
Guests interested in purchasing expedited access should check Universal Studios Hollywood’s official ticket website for available dates, return times, and pricing. And remember, the additional purchase is entirely optional. Hollywood Drift remains available to guests with regular park admission through its standby queue.
Would you purchase an express pass with your ticket to ride Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift FASTER at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for more Universal Studios Hollywood news, attraction updates, and the latest developments surrounding Universal’s upcoming Fast & Furious roller coaster in Orlando!
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