Universal Orlando has publicly confirmed one major new ride for its Florida resort: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, an outdoor roller coaster planned for Universal Studios Florida in 2027. But construction activity, demolition and permitting described by Disney Tourist Blog indicate several more projects may be taking shape across the destination.
Hollywood Drift is designed around the Fast & Furious film franchise and will feature 360-degree drifting movements, according to Universal’s announcement. The coaster will include a 170-foot vertical spike near Universal CityWalk. Track installation was completed in August, and push-pull testing has begun, a process that uses a ride-envelope vehicle to check clearance along the track.
Those milestones do not change Universal’s stated 2027 opening timeframe. Disney Tourist Blog notes that testing can take substantial time and characterizes a spring 2027 soft opening and a Memorial Day-period debut as expectations rather than confirmed dates.
At Universal Islands of Adventure, demolition is underway in parts of the former Lost Continent area. Poseidon’s Fury and the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad theater have been demolished, while Universal has said the phased closures will make way for a new themed area. The company has not announced what will replace the land.
Disney Tourist Blog reports that Pokémon is widely rumored for the redevelopment, while stressing that Universal has not confirmed that plan. The report also says Mythos Restaurant could close in 2027 as the work advances, though Universal has not announced a closure date or detailed the restaurant’s future.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Universal Orlando tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
Expansion work is also being permitted near the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Permit filings cited by the blog describe construction that was initially outlined at 150,000 square feet and later narrowed to a 96,000-square-foot, two-story pre-engineered metal building. Universal has not announced the attraction planned for that site.
For visitors, the only new attraction with an official name and opening year is Hollywood Drift. Plans for Lost Continent and the Epic Universe expansion pads remain unannounced by Universal, so travelers considering Universal Orlando tickets should treat the additional projects as works in progress rather than confirmed offerings.
