Universal Orlando unveils newest attraction due to arrive in 2027
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its latest blockbuster attraction - and it's good news for thrill-seekers and motor heads alike. Coming to Universal Studios Floridain 2027 is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift - a high-speed rollercoaster that promises to put riders in the middle of the action made famous by the movie franchise. Riders will experience the exhilarating sensation of 360-degree 'drifting' in individual vehicles as they accelerate through heart-stopping manoeuvres at speeds of up to 72mph. The high-octane ride, which replaces the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, also includes a 170-foot vertical 'spike' that propels guests around 60 metres in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk.Orlando Version to Join Universal’s Coaster Line-Up While Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will join a world-famous collection of coaster experiences at Universal Orlando Resort next year, the ride will make its debut as an outdoor rollercoaster at Universal Studios Hollywood later this year. To make way for this exciting new experience, Universal will permanently close Fast & Furious - Supercharged in 2027. Fast & Furious fans have since taken to Reddit to share their thoughts on the new rollercoaster - as well as potential replacements for the Supercharged ride. In a thread, one person wrote: 'Universal stepping up the coaster game. Hulk and Velocicoaster at Islands, Stardust at Epic, now the new F&F sounds epic. Looking forward to it.' A second user said: This sounds like the perfect outcome. Hopefully Supercharged is replaced with a Ghostbusters dark ride.' Another, agreeing, said: 'Hope Supercharged is replaced with something more exciting… would hate if they just replaced it with a retheme to the Knight Bus from Harry Potter, for instance. Bulldoze the ride down and build something new.' A fourth chimed: 'As I’m not a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, I’ll happily ride a themed coaster which is still a coaster instead of that awful screened monstrosity known as Supercharged. I’m sure whatever replaces it will be better.' Meanwhile, although five extraordinary worlds already exist at Universal Orlando Resort, Wicked fans are convinced the cult franchise might just be the theme park's next big installment. First brought to life in 2003 on Broadway, and debuting later in the West End in 2006, Wicked has become one of the successful musicals in the world, based on a misunderstood, green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.Wicked Franchise Resurges as a Global Phenomenon Two decades on, the franchise has exploded into a global phenomenon once more thanks to the blockbuster, two-part film adaptation, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The first Wicked film, released in November 2024, grossed an impressive $758.7 million (£566.7m) globally, while its sequel, Wicked: For Good, has already passed the $450 million (£336.1m) milestone in just its third week in cinemas. With major retailers and specialist brands such as Primark, Lush, Funko and LEGO having released exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collections, it's no surprise rumours are now swirling about a potential Wicked-themed world at Universal. The sprawling Florida theme park currently features five distinct themed worlds based on popular franchises and concepts. This includes Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Since the sequel's release, fans have been paying careful attention to every potential clue that a Wicked world is next - from film director Jon M. Chu's appearance in an Epic Universe documentary, to pop-up Wicked experiences inside the parks themselves. So, could a Wicked Universe really be on the cards? While Universal has not yet announced plans for a new land, there has been a lot of speculation.
