The opening of the Fast & Furious rollercoaster at Universal Studios has provoked strong reactions from nearby residents who voice their concerns over noise levels.
On September 16, 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood officially opened its newest attraction, the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift rollercoaster. The announcement comes amidst significant controversy as surrounding residents express their frustration over the noise generated by the ride.
Roy P. Disney, a member of the famous Disney lineage and a Toluca Lake resident, has voiced his displeasure at the incessant noise from the rollercoaster. Disney, who enjoys the community’s tranquil lifestyle, noted that he can still hear the screams from the ride inside his home. The coaster is designed to reach speeds up to 72 MPH, creating a cacophony that disrupts the peace of the neighborhood.
In comments shared with Deadline, Disney emphasized the pervasiveness of the noise, stating, "I feel like I'm talking to myself. I feel like the complaints go into what I call a round file... they’re not listening to us, they’re not honoring us." He is not alone; other residents have formed a community advisory panel to address the noise issues with Universal Studios.
In response to ongoing complaints, Universal Studios has agreed to meet with residents on September 30. This meeting will take place on the Universal City Lot, where residents like Fred Berri—who has lived in the area for over 50 years—plan to propose solutions to mitigate sound issues. Berri suggests that the park could implement changes to the coaster that would help contain noise while enhancing the experience for riders.
Amid the backlash, a spokesperson for Universal Studios confirmed that customer feedback has informed their approach to noise management. They mentioned measures such as a new sound barrier to help attenuate noise levels and noted that the attraction is compliant with more stringent sound ordinances applicable to their operations than those implemented by the city or county.
Technical efforts to limit noise have included the installation of pea gravel beneath the ride's tracks and transparent "scream screens." However, skepticism remains among residents about the effectiveness of these measures. Some locals believe the adjustments have only been made to protect employees in surrounding corporate offices.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has stepped into the situation, offering her support to monitor the attraction's impact on the community. In a letter to local residents, she indicated that her office would collaborate with both residents and Universal Studios to address the issue moving forward.
As the local community grapples with the fallout from the rollercoaster’s opening, many residents, including Nancy Jundi, have expressed frustration about how the noise interferes with their daily lives. Jundi mentioned that the constant sound disrupts her work environment and has affected her professional communications.
Berri, while advocating for noise control measures, clarified, "We are not asking for Universal to close down the ride. We know it's not going to go away. But there are ways to make the noise contained."
The opening of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift rollercoaster has ignited tensions between Universal Studios and the Toluca Lake community. As residents push for changes to minimize noise disruption, Universal faces the challenge of balancing attractions that draw tourists with the needs of nearby homeowners. The outcome of the upcoming community meeting may shape the future relationship between the amusement park and local residents.
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