Universal Promises Sound Barrier, Morning Pause for Fast & Furious Coaster

At a community meeting on Wednesday, Universal Studios executives promised a temporary new sound barrier and a morning operating pause for the park's new Fast & Furious rollercoaster, following complaints from residents about noise. At least 350 people attended the two-hour-plus meeting, where residents aired grievances including sharing audio of screams and projecting a quote from scream expert Dr. Luc Arnal.

Universal said the coaster would not operate from 8 to 9 a.m. until the end of the year. The park also promised a temporary sound barrier adding over 1,900 square feet of sound-absorbing material, with installation planned for Oct. 1. If the barrier proves effective, the park would need permits to make it permanent.

The park ruled out asking riders to wear helmets and face shields, as well as fully enclosing individual cars. Roy P. Disney argued at the meeting that the noise violates Universal Studios' land usage permits.

The Fast & Furious rollercoaster opened on Sept. 16. Universal has touted it as "a literal game changer," with speeds up to 72 MPH, forces up to 3.6 Gs and 4,100 feet of track. An original sound barrier longer than two football fields was made with a "state of the art sound absorbing product."

According to its website, the park sometimes opens as early as 7 a.m. for thrill seekers. The coaster's individual cars already turn away from the Toluca Lake area during key scream moments. Deadline reported on the meeting.