Fast and Furious Supercharged: New ride features announced

Are you ready to join the family on a wild ride? Fast and Furious Supercharged at Universal Studios Orlando puts riders in the action.

While a peek over the wall doesn’t give a glimpse of the ride just yet, newly released details from Universal Studios Orlando has theme park fans and Fast and Furious fans eagerly awaiting the opening of Fast and Furious Supercharged. The newest ride to be added to the Orlando theme park is anticipated to open in spring 2018. What can we expect from the new immersive ride experience? One word, adrenaline.

Based on the behind the scenes video from Universal Studios Orlando, the ride will have guests become part of the Fast and Furious family. If you have ever wanted to ride along with the family, this ride will definitely make you feel part of the experience.

Although all the specifics are not available, it appears that this immersive ride will have some popular features similar to other Universal Studios Orlando rides. Most likely, riders will have 4D effects similar to this year’s Jimmy Fallon experience ride or effects similar to the popular Spiderman ride. I would expect blasts of heat during the flame thrower scene, shots of water and lots of other effects.

Since guests are probably in a car, simulating one of the famous cars from Fast and Furious, the experience should have lots of quick turns, starts and stops and big acceleration. Universal Studios does these type of effects well. Both Spider-Man and Transformers usually have decent wait times at the parks because guests enjoy these type of theme park rides.

Some theme park fans were hoping that Fast and Furious Supercharged would have a feel similar to the Mummy ride. But that indoor roller coaster-like ride doesn’t seem to be likely based on the details released. Still, the ride appears to be highly thrilling, even without a big vertical drop.

Plus, a 4D simulator type ride would be more inclusive. Simulator type rides often don’t require a 42” or more height requirement. With a smaller height requirement, these type of rides are more family friendly. As seen with the recent demolition of Dueling Dragons, Universal is moving toward rides that are family inclusive.

As the released details emerge, Universal Orlando is focusing on the immersive guest experience. This year’s opening of the Jimmy Fallon ride proved successful. That ride experience is more than just a queue. With Tonight Show props, video games and live entertainment, waiting for the ride is almost as entertaining as the ride itself. The new Fast and Furious Supercharged will continue that tradition.

According to Universal, the ride experience begins in front of the ride. Dom’s Dodge Charger is a primary feature at the ride’s entrance. Also, this ride will be the “only place where you can see — and take photos with — 15 supercharged Fast and Furious cars.” Car fanatics, who may not be fans of the movie, could even appreciate this immersive theme park experience.

Fast and Furious Supercharged, new ride details released, photo from Universal Media site

Another important feature to the new ride is the virtual line system. This system allows guests to pick a time to return to the experience. Guests can sign-up for a time via Universal’s theme park app or onsite. This system works well for the Jimmy Fallon ride and should be a welcome addition to the new Fast and Furious ride.

Adding Fast and Furious Supercharged to Universal Studios Orlando is a smart choice. The movie franchise is huge both domestically and internationally. The franchise has wide appeal to men, women and younger audiences. With such board appeal, the new theme park ride should be quite successful.

Next: 9 anticipated theme park rides for 2018

For Fast and Furious fans, the new details about Fast and Furious Supercharged should get them excited for the ride’s opening next year. Although there is not an official opening date, we can only sneak a few peaks over the walls to see the new developments. Spring 2018 can’t come soon enough. We will be there on opening day. Will you?