wows

Halfway through a ride on Universal Studio Hollywood’s new coaster, I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.

The track turned, angled so my car was completely vertical to the ground, a cliff below me. And then my ride vehicle ever so slightly started to twist, to drift as if banking around a tight curve in a video game. Straight down from me was rocky terrain, but if I looked up and beyond the tracks, I had perhaps the best view of the Valley I’ve ever seen.

Granted, it was fleeting. But I was alternately in awe and fearful of what Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was presenting before me. I held onto my lap bar, gripping it tighter as I lifted out of my seat, and I couldn’t help but smile at my predicament. I was in a mini, expertly re-created Toyota Supra, hanging over a bluff. I was soaring, the sensation of a car careening off a canyon, only here, my life, thankfully, wasn’t at risk. And I didn’t want it to end.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is intense, yes, but more important, it’s a delight. It’s a roller coaster not just full of thrills but of surprises, of wondering where and when a coaster vehicle will be spin, careen or accelerate. Every turn, twist, flip will leave you guessing. And it’s the smoothest coaster I’ve ever been on, a feeling that lends it a sense of approachability not typically found in rides of this speed and unpredictability.

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It is also a ride that will forever change the tone and tenor of Universal Studios Hollywood, a destination that just two decades ago was largely a behind-the-scenes showcase dedicated to movie-making magic. No more. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the foremost theme parks in the nation, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and now one of the strongest thrill rides in Southern California, changes that haven’t always been met with approval by the park’s neighboring Toluca Lake residents.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift surprise-opened to guests Monday afternoon. The ride is in technical rehearsals, a soft opening, more or less. That means it’s still in a testing phase and may not always be running. If getting on the coaster is a priority for you, it’s best to wait until Universal gives it a grand opening.

A look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift careening over the park’s escalators.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

The coaster — designed by Universal, manufactured by Intamin — has long been circled as the most important theme park attraction of 2026, a feat of engineering nestled on a steep hill between the park’s upper and lower lots that was 10 years in the making. Boasting 4,100 feet of track, two towering inverted loops as well as a pretzel loop and the ability to reach 72 mph through four individual launches, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is full of unique attributes, including its ability to go above and under the park’s famed escalators.

But those not attuned to coaster speak need not be overwhelmed. Know only that at times you’re upside down, at times you’re on your side, some moments you’re facing the ground, others you’re glancing at the horizon, and then you may suddenly be flipped backward. And before you have time to worry about it, you’ll be rocketing forward.

The four cars, all expertly themed to storied vehicles from the film franchise in which the coaster takes its name, can rotate 360 degrees. The choreography is sudden, but not jolting and never gratuitous. I’ve gotten motion-sick on other coasters that can rotate, ones specifically in which designers have opted to move the vehicles in time to a soundtrack, but here, the movement is cleverly attuned to the track. If we spike upward at an angle, the cars twirl as if taking off in flight. A dive downward, and we may hear braking noises as the cars lock in a side-facing position. In short, the vehicles feel forever aligned with the designed course. I rode Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift twice with no issues.

Unversal Studios’ Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift features expertly created mini cars.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

And those cars! They are not small. I’m 6-foot-2 and more than 200 pounds and I had ample leg room. And I know those bigger than I am have had no issues riding this new coaster, which seats four per vehicle. Modern coasters aren’t always known for their accessibility, but Universal has created a ride that should be accommodating for many. The ampleness of the cars, coupled with the smoothness of the track, allows Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, I believe, to alternately appease those seeking high thrills while not freaking out those who may be more coaster cautious. The goal here is fun, not to terrify.

Universal has crafted some spectacular coasters in recent years: Florida’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Stardust Racers and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, among them. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not just a worthy addition to that portfolio, but a ride that many, I bet, will declare their favorite. Universal Creative, the division of the company responsible for theme park experiences, and especially the Universal Studios Hollywood team led by Jon Corfino, have accomplished what, just 10 years ago, would have been unthinkable. A high-speed outdoor coaster, in a landlocked studio tour park? Far-fetched, at best.

But instead, it’s a reminder that theme parks are where we go to imagine the impossible.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride typically comes out every Tuesday, but we occasionally publish special editions (like this one!) when we have breaking theme park news. Make sure you’ve signed up to be the first to know.

SINGER Rita Ora has all hands on deck as she enjoys a holiday refresh with friends.

The 35-year-old wore a black bikini as she crawled on a boat in one snap, while in another she lounged on board in a silver bikini.

She was joined on her getaway to Greek island Mykonos by pals including hair salon owner Jade Rae Williams, with the pair posing for a selfie.

Rita posted on social media: “Needed a soul refresh — sun, bikinis and music.”

Recently Rita looked stunning as she soaked up the sun in Greece and flashed her bum on the high seas.

Her toned body and rock hard abs were on full display during her summer holiday which saw her sail onboard a luxury yacht.

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Rita and her crew visited the famous party island of Mykonos where she shared a traditional meal at restaurant Scorpios and also sailed on a luxury yacht.

She put on a cheeky display in a metallic bikini onboard the yacht and flashed her bum as she rode aboard a paddle board.

The singer was spotted enjoying the blue waters including diving and jumping off the yacht in beautiful style.

Her close friend and former Towie star Vas J Morgan holidayed with Rita and was close at hand to supervise her leap into the sea.

While on Mykonos, Rita also rocked a retro style leopard print halter bikini and which she accessorised with ruby coloured chandelier earrings and a black hair bandana.

The Black Widow singer showed off her impressive collection of swimsuits as she relaxed on a sailboat, feasted with friends and took in the sights.

The singer shared a video montage of her on the island of Hydra which included scaling down stone steps, admiring the island’s cats and sunbathing on the sailboat as they cruised over crystal blue waters.

Rita is one of many celebrities known for stripping down to their birthday suits in the hopes of avoiding tan lines.

SUPERMODEL Irina Shayk runs rings around her rivals in a swimsuit held together by gold bands. 

She also wore gold hoop earrings in a shoot for Spanish department store El Corte Ingles and showed off her wild side in a tiger-print bikini. 

Russian Irina, 40, is mum to nine-year-old Lea — whose dad is Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper. 

She has become one of the modern modelling industry’s greats after being discovered in her small Russian hometown of Yemanzhelinsk. 

Irina, whose full name is Irina Valeryevna Irinahlislamova, received international recognition when she became the first Russian model to appear on the cover of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. 

As a child, she pursued her love of music while her mum Olga worked two jobs to provide for the family.

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While she was training at a beauty school, Irina was noticed by a model talent scout.

In 2004, she won the Miss Chalyabinsk contest, which propelled her into the fashion industry.

She has become a runway staple, working with prestigious fashion houses worldwide.

It’s no surprise that Irina has become the model with the 8th biggest social media presence, as she’s graced numerous magazine front covers, including GQ.

The stunning star has also been ranked first in the 50 Hottest Russian Women list, which was compiled by Complex magazine.

When she’s not busy walking the catwalk or filming, Irina gets stuck in with charity work.

Irina has been heavily involved with the construction of a maternity ward in her hometown, Yemanzhelinsk, as well as helping to renovate the children’s section.

HELEN Flanagan has shrugged off any over-sharing memoir doubts – and dazzled in a sexy corset.

The former Coronation Street actress posted a video on social media flashing the flesh in a frilly black and cream number.

The soap star wore her long hair half-up half-down in curls, with flat colour-coordinated sandals.

The 35-year-old model wrote alongside the footage: “Can’t not wear flights I’d die,” she added with a laughing emoji.

Posing in the mirror of a swanky venue, she flashed her toned pins in the revealing getup.

It comes after the former Rosie Webster actress admitted she may have revealed a little too much in her recent autobiography.

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After penning the explosive tell-all book – Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie – the reality TV star spoke about the reason for opening up.

She admitted she was ‘maybe too honest’ in the book but had no regrets in sharing her mental health journey.

The panto star – who has just appeared on Celebrity Ex On The Beach – recently told celeb interviewer Lewis Nicholls her mindset for a future relationship.

“My next relationship I have I think will be my husband, because I won’t be wasting my time, really.”

On keeping it to herself, she predicted: “I think it will be the real thing. I will choose to protect it and I will keep that private.

“I will probably say who that person is, but I will want to protect it. I will want to keep it private.

“I’ll want to keep it really special, because I kind of feel like everybody’s always got something to say.”

The single mum has just moved out of her former family home she shared with ex Scott Sinclair.

Helen parted ways from her long-term fiancé in 2022 after 13 years together.

The model shares three children with footballer Scott – Matilda, 10, and Delilah, seven, and five-year-old son Charlie.

Earlier this year, Helen was forced out of her £1million family home by Scott as they never married and the house near Bolton is solely in his name.

The Celebs Go Dating star previously slammed Scott for leaving her skint and having a lack of involvement in their kids’ lives.

Helen was recently busy working abroad as she filmed Celebrity Ex On The Beach.

However, the bombshell admitted she felt ‘old’ while filming the MTV dating show after her splits from exes Scott and Robbie Talbot.

She was voted off after just four episodes when her co-stars were forced to send someone home.

After her split from Scott, Helen was linked to David Haye in 2023.

BARBIE actress Margot Robbie stands and delivers in a dandy highwayman outfit.

The Aussie, 35, wore a black tailcoat jacket with gold embroidery — like 1980s singer Adam Ant.

She was attending the London West End premiere of the play 1536 — a drama about three Essex women set in Tudor England during Anne Boleyn’s downfall.

Margot, a producer on the play, said at The Ambassadors Theatre: “The conversations these women have are the same ones that women now are having.”

Earlier this year we revealed how Margot was named the world’s most beautiful woman.

The Aussie beat fellow actress Scarlett Johannson to the honour in the poll organised by website Ranker.

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There were more than seven million votes cast in total.

But the married mum-of-one has not always been convinced about her looks.

She once said: “In my big group of girlfriends at home, I am definitely not the best looking.

“I did not grow up feeling like I was particularly attractive.”

MODEL Irina Shayk is in hot pursuit of the perfect picture on a baking day at the beach.

In her latest bikini photoshoot, she also wore a butter yellow two-piece from El Corte Inglés in the Canary Islands.

The Russian, 40, is the face of the brand’s new swimwear campaign.

She said: “This collection invites you to enjoy every ray of sunshine and every sea breeze.”

Irina, who posed for the pics in La Palma, was engaged to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

She also has a daughter with Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper.

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Irina has also been romantically linked to footballer Tom Brady.

She has become one of the modern modeling industry’s greats after being discovered in her small Russian hometown of Yemanzhelinsk. 

Irina, whose full name is Irina Valeryevna Irinahlislamova, received international recognition when she became the first Russian model to appear on the cover of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. 

She has become a runway staple, working with prestigious fashion houses worldwide.