Universal Studios Hollywood started selling a ride-specific Express add-on for its newest coaster on Nov. 2. It costs $19.95 Monday through Thursday and $24.95 on weekends.
The line for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has been running an hour and a half to two hours since the coaster opened. Now Universal Studios Hollywood will let you skip most of it, for a price.
Starting Monday, Nov. 2, guests can buy an Express Access Add-On good only for Hollywood Drift. It costs $19.95 Monday through Thursday and $24.95 Friday through Sunday.
That's per person, per ride. A family of four would pay $79.80 before tax on a Tuesday, and $99.80 on a Saturday, for one trip around the track. Ride it twice and you'd pay twice.
Here's what that money gets you, from the front seat:
Why does Hollywood Drift have its own Express pass?
Popularity. Universal's website says the separate add-on is "due to the popularity" of the ride.
Hollywood Drift isn't part of the regular Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited bundles. Until now, the only ways to skip the standby line were pricier extras like the VIP Experience or a guided theme park tour.
So the new add-on is a cheaper way in, but it's still on top of the cost of your ticket.
How long will the Hollywood Drift Express pricing last?
The current prices run through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027, which is where the Express Pass calendar ends for now.
Universal hasn't said whether the standalone add-on is permanent. It could stay, or the coaster could join the regular Express bundles once crowds calm down.
If you'd rather not pay, there's also a single rider line. You won't ride with your group, but it's usually faster than standby.
Is the Hollywood Drift Express pass like Disney's Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Pretty much. Disney World and Disneyland sell Lightning Lane Single Pass for their most popular rides, one ride at a time. Universal is borrowing the same idea for its hottest coaster.
Universal started testing single-attraction Express passes on a couple of rides last October, and it also sold a $19.95 Hollywood Drift add-on during Halloween Horror Nights this fall. Now it's a regular part of the day.
What is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift?
It's Universal Studios Hollywood's newest coaster, which opened on Sept. 16, 2026. The ride is themed to the Fast & Furious movies, and its cars spin as they race along the track, so it feels like you're drifting around corners like Dom and the family.
It's an outdoor coaster, which is a change of pace for a park better known for its studio tour and indoor rides.
Is Hollywood Drift coming to Universal Orlando?
Yes, in its own form. Universal Orlando is building a Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster at Universal Studios Florida, where it's taking the spot of the old Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. It's set to open in 2027, with a different layout from the California version.
Universal hasn't said whether Orlando's ride will get its own Express add-on. Given how this one is going, we wouldn't bet against it.
Is the Hollywood Drift Express pass worth it?
That depends on your day. With a two-hour standby wait, $20 on a weekday can buy back a big chunk of your visit, especially if you only have one day at the park.
On a weekend, $25 a head adds up fast. If you're a solo rider or don't mind splitting up, try the single rider line first and keep your wallet in your pocket. Early mornings and the last hour before close are usually your best shot at a shorter standby wait, too.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
AllEars (Oct. 30, 2026), Express add-on dates, prices, wait times and Universal's statement
Disney Tourist Blog (2026), Hollywood Drift opening date
AllEars (Oct. 2025), Universal's single-attraction Express tests
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