Universal Studios Hollywood just soft-opened its biggest new ride in years,
and early reactions are already calling it one of the most fun coasters in
Southern California. Here's a plain-English rundown of what it's actually
like, without the technical coaster jargon.
What Kind of Ride Is It?
This isn't a ride you just sit through — the cars twist and rotate as you
go, so you might be sideways, upside down, or facing straight down at the
ground one moment and looking out at a wide valley view the next. It's
built around movement that syncs with the track itself, so instead of
feeling jerky or random, every spin lines up with what the ride is doing
at that exact second — going up, dropping, or braking into a turn.
How Intense Is It, Really?
It's fast — reportedly hitting speeds up in the 70 mph range across
several separate launches — but early riders describe it as more "fun"
than "scary." The seats are also roomier than a lot of modern coasters,
which makes it more comfortable for taller riders and less intimidating
if you're not usually a thrill-seeker.
Should You Ride It Right Away?
Since it just soft-opened, it's technically still in testing mode, which
means it might not always be running when you visit. If riding this
specific coaster is the main reason for your trip, it may be worth
waiting until Universal announces an official grand opening date so
you're not stuck showing up on a day it's down for maintenance.
Why This Matters for the Park
Universal Studios Hollywood started out mostly as a behind-the-scenes
studio tour. Between this new coaster and its other major attractions in
recent years, it's clearly leaning harder into being a full-scale thrill
park — a pretty big shift for a property that used to be known more for
its tram tour than its roller coasters.
Planning a trip out to Universal or looking for more to do around
Hollywood while you're in town? Check out our Events page for what's
happening in the city this week.
