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Universal Studios Hollywood’s new “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster is already drawing complaints from nearby residents over its noise as the attraction undergoes technical rehearsals ahead of its official opening.
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 72 mph, the outdoor coaster has brought backlash from neighbors, who say screams from test riders have echoed across the nearby Toluca Lake community, as Fox 11 Los Angeles reported.
A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson told Fox News Digital the venue is actively reviewing sound levels as technical rehearsals continue. It said the company values feedback from nearby residents.
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“We appreciate hearing from the community, and that feedback is an important part of the process,” a Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.
“The coaster is currently in technical rehearsals. As part of that process, we are actively reviewing sound levels.”
The more than 4,100-foot attraction is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. It uses 360-degree rotating ride vehicles inspired by the “Fast & Furious” film franchise, according to Universal Studios Hollywood’s website.
During employee previews and technical rehearsals, residents said the noise was difficult to ignore, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.
“I mean, when you’re sitting outside, you just hear the screaming all throughout the day and then even into the night, so it’s pretty non-stop,” one resident told the outlet.
Another neighbor described the noise as “extremely disruptive.”
“It not only echoes, it blasts all over the golf course and into the neighborhood,” the resident said.
“We all understand it’s a giant studio that cares about making money, but at what cost [does it] destroy a beautiful neighborhood? It’s ridiculous.”
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The noise complaints have also led to debate online. Many social media users argued that living next to a long-established theme park comes with the expectation of noise.
“You chose to live next to a theme park. Amusement things are noisy,” one Reddit user wrote.
“[It’s] the same type of people who move near an airport, then complain about airplane noise,” another user added.
Others said they understood why residents were frustrated.
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“I do kinda get it, as just hearing screams every 40 seconds all day would get annoying,” another commenter wrote.
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The ride is expected to officially open sometime this summer, Universal Studios Hollywood’s website indicates.
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