UniversalParksBlog News for October 17th, 2026
In this week’s UniversalParksBlog News, we’ll talk about roller coasters and Halloween.
Let’s just say that the news is surprising on both fronts.
Furiously Fun
Image: Universal
Last time, I discussed the neighbors’ complaints about a new thrill ride.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has the locals up in arms about its decibel levels.
Image: Universal
Fans have enjoyed the roller coaster so much that they’re screaming their lungs out the whole time.
That’s music to the ears of Universal Studios Hollywood officials.
Image: Universal
Well, it would be, if not for all the yelling that the local community is doing.
Still, Universal must be thrilled about the reception the ride has received thus far.
Photo: Universal Orlando
I don’t want to relive the trauma, but Universal doesn’t have the best roller coaster track record.
For every Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, there’s a Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Universal
I’m happy to inform you that Hollywood Drift falls into the Hagrid bucket.
This one’s a winner, which is a credit to Universal’s ambitious plan.
Rather than creating a generic coaster, Universal implemented the “drift” feature.
At first blush, it looks like a spinning roller coaster, and those are a dime a dozen.
Image: Universal
However, once you board the ride, you realize that they genuinely drift.
The sliding sensation has mesmerized reviewers, as it caught them off-guard.
Photo: Universal
Visually, Hollywood Drift seems just like all the other spinning coasters.
That’s causing a kind of surprised reaction when people realize it’s not a gimmick.
Photo: Universal
Since no other roller coaster in the world drifts, this one’s got a competitive advantage.
Fans are riding it and then immediately describing it to their friends. The buzz is spreading due to all this immediate, genuine excitement.
Coming Soon…
Photo: Universal
Universal has created something unique here, and it’s drawing the crowds.
In fact, Hollywood Drift is easily the most popular ride at the park since its debut.
Image: Universal
The neighbors may hate it, but Universal’s clearly got a winner. And remember that Orlando gets its version next year!
One thing fans will quickly realize is that it’s not a cookie-cutter ride.
Rather than making all the ride vehicles look the same, Universal did something clever.
They’ve themed each ride cart after a vehicle seen in the Fast & Furious franchise.
So, superfans of the films can actually ride in some of their favorite cars.
Obviously, they’re not tricked out or anything, as this is done merely for the visuals.
All the cars drift the same way, at least as far as anyone can tell so far.
Still, if one particular car is your favorite, you can aim for that one while standing in line.
Image: Universal
To its credit, Universal has put a lot of thought into making this coaster special.
Hollywood fans are already loving it, and Orlando will get its version within the next year.
The Halloween Discount?
Universal
We shouldn’t be discussing Halloween ticket price cuts at this time of year.
However, one site has published a report that has picked up traction on social media.
Universal
According to Full House of Horrors, Universal Horror Unleashed is in a world of hurt.
As a reminder, Universal Studios has expanded Halloween Horror Nights as a concept.
Universal
Universal picked AREA15 in Las Vegas for its first year-round version of the popular events.
Another one is coming to Chicago in 2027, and Universal would love to franchise it.
Photo: Universal
Guests can visit several Houses throughout the year, and they should be especially popular in October.
Alas, that doesn’t appear to be the case, at least according to this report.
Photo: Universal
Universal Horror Unleashed is currently offering ticket discounts of up to 69 percent.
I initially dismissed this report as garbage due to several factors, including that particular number.
Photo: Universal
Then, I noticed that Groupon (remember Groupon?) is selling tickets for $39.99.
When you check the prices for individual dates, it’s a bit misleading.
Photo: Universal
Most cost $50 or more, but that’s still a solid discount from the listed price of $69.99.
Universal’s own website now emphasizes that prices start at $14.99.
Photo: Universal
Photo: Universal
That’s the cost for a Fraidy Cat ticket on certain dates in November and December.
It’s for guests who want to hang out in the building but not enter the Houses.
When I first mentioned that kind of ticket, Universal charged $39 to $54.
So, yeah. Something’s going on here, and it doesn’t seem like good news.
Image: Area15
If AREA15 must discount tickets in October, Universal Horror Unleashed is in a lot of trouble.
Universal Miscellany
Universal
Currently, the only big story at Universal is Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal typically lets this one hog all the oxygen since it’s so iconic.
As such, we’re in the middle of a slow news cycle at the parks.
However, I do have a pair of refurbishment updates for you.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Jurassic Park River Adventure won’t return until the year is nearly over.
Universal had initially announced a return in plenty of time for Thanksgiving.
Now, the new target is the week before Christmas. Well, Christmas Eve.
Presuming no further delays, it’ll return on December 17th.
Image Credit: Universal
That’s nearly a calendar year since the ride closed on January 5th.
We still don’t know exactly what Universal has in store for this one.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Hopefully, the extra month means it’ll be that much better when it reopens.
November will be rough, as the Hogwarts Express must undergo refurbishment.
Photo : Erin Wingard
Starting on November 4th, both stations will close for renovations.
So, you must walk from park to park like a savage next month!
Photo: Universal
Presumably, the ride will return in time for Christmas, but Universal has yet to confirm that.
Ah well, at least Grinch-mas is right around the corner!
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Feature Photo: Universal
