Neighbors in ritzy houses near Universal Studios outraged by noise coming from new Fast and Furious rollercoaster

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:56, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 20:00, 16 July 2026 California residents are outraged about the noise coming from Universal Studios' new Fast and Furious ride before it has even opened. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it is slated to open later this summer. Although it is not officially open yet, neighbors in the affluent Toluca Lake neighborhood say they are already bothered by the loud noise from the test rides. 'It's very peaceful. That roller coaster, it's a game changer,' neighbor Craig Strong told CBS LA. He explained that the riders' screams are the problem, not the ride itself. 'Like every 30-40 seconds, you just keep hearing screams. It's like this is going to be our new sound in the neighborhood all day long,' Strong said, 'I can't live here and listen to screams every 40 seconds until, sometimes, 2am. It's just unfair.'  The thrill ride features replica vehicles from the film franchise that rotate 360 degrees to create the sensation of drifting cars spinning in motion up to 72mph, according to Universal. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is the first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it is slated to open this summer Although it is not officially open yet, resident Craig Strong (pictured) said neighbors are already bothered by the loud noise from the test rides Resident Randall Hodge urged the company to address the matter quickly, noting that he has seen officials testing the sounds levels. 'Each day with microphones pointed at Universal, and I assumed that they were monitoring the level of sound,' he said. The Universal website outlines the theme park's steps to address noise problems, including installing 900 feet of sound walls, using pea gravel to help quiet the track, and designing the coaster cars to rotate so screams will not always face the neighborhood. 'The coaster is currently in its testing and commissioning phase, which includes actively reviewing sound levels to ensure the coaster operates in compliance,' a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson wrote.  'Feedback from the community is an important part of this process, and we appreciate hearing from them.' While some locals complained about the noise, rollercoaster fans on social media hit back at the residents and said they are excited for the ride to open. 'If you don't like the noise don't move next to an amusement park then complain about the noise. If you don't like it don't live next to an amusement park. It's that simple,' one person wrote. 'What do they expect when they live next to an amusement park? You're bound to here noise,' wrote a second. The thrill ride features replica vehicles from the film franchise that rotate 360 degrees to create the sensation of drifting cars spinning in motion up to 72mph Resident Randall Hodge urged the company to address the matter quickly, noting that he has seen officials testing the sounds levels 'Kind of reminds me of people who buy or build a house near an airport then complain about the airplane traffic,' added another. 'No one wants anyone else to have fun while they sit in their fancy houses sipping champagne and doom scrolling! These are the same people that complain that kids are outside playing. GO POUND SALT!' a fourth person wrote. 'Too noisy? Ugh I guess we have to shut the whole park down,' wrote a fifth. The Daily Mail contacted Universal Studios Hollywood for comment.