Universal Studios' Long-Awaited Fast & Furious Coaster Is Finally Here

The FOMO is very real right now. After changing the game with Epic Universe last year, Universal Destinations & Experiences hasn’t slowed down in delivering exciting thrills. Between the debut of a ~furiously fast~ new roller coaster and the return of fan-fave seasonal events, booking a trip belongs at the absolute top of your to-do list.

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who has yet to try Butterbeer IRL or an adventure seeker chasing a jump scare at a haunted house, there’s no shortage of things to do across the parks. As a passholder at Universal Studios Hollywood, my go-to move is grabbing a drink to enjoy on the backlot tour, all while trying to spot a TV show or movie in production.

Throughout the remainder of the year, there are plenty of new sips to try, especially with the return of Halloween Horror Nights in full swing, plus upcoming chances to make a viral TikTok with the Grinch. For all of those and more, here’s everything you need to know about what’s currently taking over both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort through the end of 2026.

What’s New At Universal Studios Hollywood

Fast & Furious Is Here, But The Movie Magic Doesn't Stop There

The biggest addition to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026 is the all-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, which officially opened on Sept. 16. This attraction is the West Coast’s first high-speed, outdoor coaster in the theme park, and features ride vehicles with 360-degree rotation. Every car offers a brand new experience, so it’s something you’ll want to ride multiple times.

Along with the new coaster, USH spent the year hosting events like Mega Movie Summer. To celebrate the season of cinema, one of the boats from The Odyssey was added to the backlot tour — and yes, it’s still available for you to check out. Production shot additional scenes at Universal Studios last year, so this the perfect opportunity to set-jet to the actual filming location after seeing Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway in the film.

Now that August has slipped away, Halloween Horror Nights is finally here. The special ticketed event runs from now through Nov. 1 with all-new haunted houses, scare zones, and themed menu items — like Steve Harrington’s beloved Peanut Butter Boppers from Stranger Things Season 5 and cocktails from Sinners’ Club Juke.

Speaking of which, fans can’t get enough of the Sinners house at Universal Studios Hollywood, which drops you right into the middle of the Oscar-winning film and features some Michael B. Jordan lookalikes that have guests doing a double take.

The Upside Down & The Internet's Most Divisive Final Girl

TikTokers were speculating what houses might be coming to HHN very early on this year. Rumors included a Lady Gaga Mayhem experience, but that actually ended up being an Ozzy Osbourne tribute house. However, the theorists were spot on about both the Sinners walkthrough (announced in May), and a Stranger Things Season 5 maze. On Instagram, Universal teased that guests will get to experience the Upside Down again to “join the gang for one last adventure as you try to defeat Vecna.”

At MidsummerScream on Aug. 9, Universal also revealed Nikki Freeman (Inde Navarrette) from Obsession was joining the lineup as a walk-around character for the fall. Last year, Art the Clown from the Terrifier series was spotted around the park, but this year, he’s heading up the Terror Tram (aka the backlot tour experience) for Halloween Horror Nights.

Art was a viral success in 2025 with fans catching him in stores and standing outside mazes. However, the Nikki news has HHN enthusiasts divided. Even though some are excited to see 2026’s fave new final girl, others are worried that Universal Studios missed the point of Obsession. “Nikki is a victim, not a villain,” said one user on Instagram, but Navarrette is all here for it. “I want to honor Nikki's experience, but I also want to honor the fact that Hollywood Horror Nights has given her an opportunity to roam around and kind of be seen. And I just love that they're protecting her,” she said.

Once Halloween wraps up, the holidays will begin at Universal Studios. The seasonal festivities will include new treats, merch, and the return of the viral Grinchmas.

What’s New At Universal Orlando

Epic Coast Celebrations & Non-Stop Scares

Just like Hollywood, Halloween Horror Nights has returned to Universal Studios Florida. The popular scarefest began on Aug. 28 and runs through Nov. 1 with all-new haunted houses inspired by movies and original ideas, including Sinners and Stranger Things mazes.

Once Halloween is over, the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will begin Nov. 14 and run through the new year. Guests can expect seasonal fun with Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

What’s Going On At Universal Horror Unleashed

Year-Round Thrills In Vegas

For anyone who would rather celebrate the spooky vibes at any given time, Universal Horror Unleashed opened in 2025 across from The Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. The spooky experience with movie-themed mazes, like Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, continues to run and be open Wednesday through Sunday in 2026 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

If you are headed to Sin City, be sure to order the smoked paprika cheese-stuffed Boiler Bread from the Blumhouse-themed Premier House. It’s a 5 out 5 appetizer that I’m still dreaming about.