Residents living near Universal Studios Hollywood are expressing frustration over the noise generated by test rides of the upcoming "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" roller coaster. The new attraction, which is set to open this summer, is reportedly causing disturbances for people in the affluent Toluca Lake neighborhood.
Craig Strong, a local resident, told CBS LA that the issue is not the ride itself but the sound of the riders. "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. He added that the noise, which can continue until as late as 2 a.m., is an unfair imposition.
Another resident, Randall Hodge, has observed officials monitoring sound levels with microphones pointed at the park, suggesting an awareness of the noise issue. "Each day with microphones pointed at Universal, and I assumed that they were monitoring the level of sound," he stated.
The "Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift" is described as the first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride features replica vehicles from the film franchise that rotate 360 degrees, simulating drifting cars at speeds up to 72 mph.
Universal Studios Hollywood has outlined measures to mitigate noise problems. These include the installation of 900 feet of sound walls, the use of pea gravel to dampen track noise, and a design that allows the coaster cars to rotate, theoretically directing screams away from the neighborhood.
A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed that the coaster is in its testing and commissioning phase, during which sound levels are being actively reviewed for compliance. The spokesperson also stated that community feedback is valued and appreciated.
On social media, reactions to the residents' complaints have been mixed. Some users have criticized the neighbors for complaining about noise when living near an amusement park, drawing parallels to people who move near airports and then object to airplane traffic. Others have expressed excitement for the roller coaster's opening.