New Coaster at Universal Hollywood Pays Tribute to Paul Walker
Universal Hollywood has introduced a new attraction, set to bring plenty of nostalgia for fans of the late Paul Walker from the Fast and Furious series.
The latest coaster, Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift, showcases two vehicles inspired by Brian O’Connor’s iconic sports cars. Walker portrayed this character throughout the series.
Visitors will have the opportunity to hop into two cars associated with Walker: a blue 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R and an orange 1994 Toyota Supra, which is fondly remembered as a standout vehicle in the franchise.
The other two vehicles in the attraction are driven by notable characters, Dominic Toretto and Han Seul-oh, played by Vin Diesel and Song Kang, respectively.
It’s been nearly a decade since Walker’s untimely passing in a car accident in 2013, leaving a noticeable gap in the Fast and Furious family. His likeness was preserved through CGI in Fast and Furious 7, which was filming at the time of his death. The emotional song “See You Again” by Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa played during Walker’s CGI appearance alongside Diesel’s character, solidifying the tribute.
Universal executives are gearing up for a thrilling ride experience when the coaster opens this summer. John Corfino, a park executive, emphasized the intense nature of the ride, noting, “This is definitely, without a doubt, a high level of intensity.”
Corfino elaborated that while the ride is intense, it’s designed to feel smooth. Riding at speeds up to 112 mph with various inversions, the 4,100-foot track will stretch across cliffs that separate different sections of the park.
“I’ve been on high-intensity coasters and they’re usually quite aggressive and rough,” he commented. “But what we’ve aimed for here is that, while it’s fast, it also feels natural for a car—it’s very smooth,” he added, although that might sound a bit contradictory given the speed.
The company’s commitment to realism extends to even including a fake odometer in the cars. Corfino admitted some challenges they faced in creating a realistic ride experience, particularly regarding sound. “To tell you the truth, I was really struggling,” he said, “You want to hear the loud launch, the NOS kicking in, but at 112 mph, the wind noise makes that nearly impossible. Honestly, visibility can be a little shaky, too, just because you’re moving so fast.”
As for the exact opening date, it appears there has been a bit of confusion. A previous statement suggested a June 26 launch, which has now been updated. While the ride isn’t open to the public just yet, anticipation remains high.
“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” is slated for a summer release, with an official date to be announced soon. Acknowledging the earlier mix-up, park officials have asked fans to stay tuned for further updates.
Recent videos showcased sneak peeks of the ride, though by Saturday, it had closed its doors to the public temporarily.
