Construction on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is accelerating at Universal Studios Florida, with a dramatic new support structure now rising behind the Universal Music Plaza stage. Aerial and ground-level photos captured July 25 show the growing web of dark blue columns, curved track banking, and intersecting rail segments threading between existing backstage buildings — a layout that will eventually have coaster trains appearing to soar over the concert lawn below.
The coaster's signature 170-foot-tall spike — where trains will climb, twist 180 degrees at the peak, and reverse back into the course — remains one of the ride's most anticipated elements. Crews are also assembling what is believed to be an enclosed indoor scene near the station and launch areas, where guests will likely experience a themed set piece before trains hit the launch sequence.
Down at ground level, Universal Music Plaza is getting a refresh of its own. Workers have rolled up much of the existing artificial turf, with fresh green turf already laid around the plaza's outer sections. Utility work beneath the lawn has also been performed, and construction fencing keeps most of the venue closed to park guests for now. Once everything is complete, the newly surfaced lawn will sit directly beneath some of Hollywood Drift's most visible track.
Off-site, the staging yard near Universal Epic Universe is noticeably emptier than in earlier construction phases, a sign that a large portion of the coaster's steel has already made the trip to the park. Some track sections and bundled supports remain on flatbeds awaiting transport, though crews stress the cleared yard doesn't indicate the project is nearly finished.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift replaces Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in August 2025, and is expected to open in 2027. The franchise's other Universal Studios Florida presence, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, is set to permanently close August 17, 2026. Construction progress was first reported by WDWNT.
