Universal's 'Fast and Furious' roller coaster draws noise complaints from neighbors

SOCIETY Universal's 'Fast and Furious' roller coaster draws noise complaints from neighbors By Rob Hayes Wednesday, July 29, 2026 3:46AM Residents living near Universal Studios Hollywood say they are concerned about noise from the theme park's new "Fast and Furious" roller coaster. TOLUCA LAKE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Residents living near Universal Studios Hollywood say they are concerned about noise from the theme park's new Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, which is currently undergoing testing ahead of its public opening.

Don Yorkshire, a Toluca Lake resident, said the ride has become a source of frustration for some neighbors.

"It's really loud with screaming people on it," Yorkshire said.

The new roller coaster towers over the theme park and the community surrounding it. Although the attraction has not yet opened to the public, Universal Studios has been conducting test runs.

During a recent visit, the ride appeared quiet. However, residents said that changes when riders are on board.

"You do hear the screaming, and I heard it late last night with the doors closed and you're kind of like what is that? By the third time you know what it is," Toluka Lake resident John Heim said.

Heim said Universal appears to have taken steps to reduce noise, including using quieter track technology and installing structures around portions of the attraction.

"You can see that they built something in order to kind of regulate, you know, confine the noise... Some days it's good, some days its bad," Heim said.

In a written statement, Universal Studios said it is evaluating the attraction and monitoring sound levels during testing.

"The coaster is currently in technical rehearsals, which are designed to evaluate the attraction over time and under a variety of operating conditions. As part of that process, we are actively reviewing sound levels to ensure the coaster is operating in compliance."

The theme park is located within Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's district. In a statement, Barger said county officials are continuing to engage with those involved.

"I remain committed to ensuring the County continues engaging with all parties, reviewing the facts, and encouraging solutions that respect both our communities and the economic vitality that destinations like Universal Studios bring to our County."

For Yorkshire, who said he has lived in the area for 30 years, the issue reflects the growth of the theme park over time.

"Thirty years ago, you bought a house by a motion picture studio, and there was some amusement park involved with it, but the amusement park part of it has gotten bigger and bigger over the years," Yorkshire said.

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