Universal Studios Hollywood has a growing problem with its newest roller coaster, and now Walt Disney’s family has entered the conversation.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has only been officially open for a matter of weeks. But complaints from nearby residents have already pushed Universal to consider operational restrictions, sound barriers, and potential changes to the attraction.
Those frustrations came to a head during a September 30 meeting attended by more than 350 people.
Then, Walt Disney’s great-nephew raised an even bigger question about Universal’s permits.
Universal’s New Coaster Is Creating Trouble Outside the Park
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 16, following technical rehearsals that began in late July.
The approximately 4,100-foot outdoor coaster reaches speeds of 72 mph, features four launches,s and delivers forces up to 3.6 Gs. Its ride vehicles can also rotate during the experience.
But the issue bothering some neighbors isn’t necessarily the sound of the coaster racing along the track.
It’s the riders.
Residents near Universal Studios Hollywood say they can repeatedly hear guests screaming from the hillside, creating a noise problem that extends into surrounding neighborhoods.
Universal eventually held a September 30 meeting at Stage 7 to address those concerns. More than 350 people reportedly attended, allowing residents to confront executives about the ongoing situation.
One of those residents had a very familiar last name.
Walt Disney’s Great-Nephew Raises Permit Questions
Roy P. Disney, Walt Disney’s great-nephew and a Toluca Lake resident, reportedly addressed Universal during the meeting.
“I would argue this is in violation of [Universal Studios’] land usage permits,” Disney said.
His statement doesn’t establish that Universal has actually violated its permits. No official finding was being announced. Instead, Disney was making his own argument about the coaster’s impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
There’s also an important distinction when discussing his involvement.
Roy P. Disney wasn’t representing The Walt Disney Company. He spoke as a resident and member of Walt Disney’s family.
Even so, seeing Walt Disney’s great-nephew publicly challenge Universal adds an unusual layer to a controversy involving two names that have competed in the theme park business for decades.
Meanwhile, Universal says it is trying to address the underlying problem.
Universal Considers Changes to Hollywood Drift
Universal executives reportedly told residents that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will remain closed between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. through the end of 2026. That restriction will remain in place even if Universal Studios Hollywood opens earlier.
The company is also installing a temporary barrier featuring more than 1,900 square feet of sound-absorbing material. Universal would need permits to make the addition permanent if the temporary solution proves successful.
Other potential fixes have been more unusual.
Universal reportedly considered enclosed-ride vehicles but rejected the idea due to evacuation concerns. Helmets featuring face and scream shields were also considered before the company decided against the idea.
Universal can also use the coaster’s rotating vehicles to help. Riders already face away from Toluca Lake during portions of the attraction where screams are expected.
Despite those efforts, the September 30 meeting became heated.
A Universal Executive’s Joke Doesn’t Go Over Well
Residents reportedly demanded during the Q+A portion that Universal eliminate the problem of screaming within a year.
Steve Blum, Universal’s executive vice president of engineering and safety, responded with a comment that didn’t go over well.
“We could solve this tomorrow if you all want to wear noise-canceling headphones,” Blum reportedly said.
Some residents responded by shouting, “How dare you?”
Whatever Blum intended, the comment came as residents were asking Universal for solutions to a problem they say is affecting their homes.
That doesn’t mean Universal isn’t taking the situation seriously. The company has already considered several possible changes.
Likewise, Roy P. Disney questioning Universal’s permits doesn’t mean the company has violated them.
But the exchange shows how tense the situation has become.
Disney Name Adds Another Twist to Universal’s Problem
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was designed to add another major thrill ride to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Instead, only weeks after opening, Universal is dealing with complaints from neighbors, operating restrictions, potential changes to attractions, and questions about its land-use permits.
Roy P. Disney’s involvement makes the controversy even more unusual.
This isn’t an official dispute between The Walt Disney Company and Universal. But having Walt Disney’s great-nephew publicly raise concerns about Universal’s newest coaster inevitably adds another dimension.
Universal is pursuing solutions, while residents continue pushing for more action.
What began with screams coming from a new roller coaster has quickly become a much larger fight outside Universal Studios Hollywood’s gates.
