GoKawiilUniversal Studios Hollywood to add new sound barrier after Fast & Furious ride noise complaints
Universal Studios Hollywood has agreed to build another sound barrier around its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster after residents of the nearby Toluca Lake neighborhood complained about riders' screams. At a meeting with over 350 attendees, park executives also agreed the ride will not operate between 8AM and 9AM for the rest of the year. The ride, which opened September 16th, already includes noise-reduction measures such as an existing sound barrier and cars designed to turn away from homes during loud moments.
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The dispute highlights ongoing friction between theme parks and affluent residential neighbors over noise and land use, with resident Roy P. Disney suggesting the ride could violate Universal's land usage permits. The outcome could set a precedent for how much accommodation theme parks must make for nearby communities when designing high-intensity attractions. It also shows that engineering fixes built into a ride from the start may not fully satisfy neighbors once it's operational.
- Universal will add another sound barrier around the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster.
- The ride will pause operations between 8AM and 9AM for the rest of 2024.
- Toluca Lake residents, including Roy P. Disney, argue the noise may violate Universal's land usage permits.
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Published there as: “Noise from Universal’s latest ride made rich locals furious, fast”
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