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Disney and Universal have spent decades competing for theme park guests, but their rivalry has now taken an unusual turn.
A member of Walt Disney’s family has publicly criticized Universal Studios Hollywood over its new roller coaster and what nearby residents say the attraction is doing to their communities.
This time, the fight isn’t about attendance numbers, ticket prices, or which company can build the biggest attraction. The controversy has moved beyond the theme park gates and into surrounding neighborhoods, where residents say Universal’s latest addition has created an ongoing problem they want addressed.
Hundreds of residents recently confronted Universal executives, raising questions about land-use permits, and Universal is working on changes to address the problem.
Then, a Universal executive reportedly made a comment that infuriated residents even further.
Here are the allegations, Universal’s response, and why Disney’s involvement makes this dispute particularly unusual.
Universal’s New Coaster Has a Major Problem
The controversy surrounds Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new outdoor roller coaster.
The attraction officially opened on September 16 after technical rehearsals began in late July. The approximately 4,100-foot coaster reaches 72 mph and delivers forces up to 3.6 Gs, featuring four launches and rotating ride vehicles.
But residents apparently aren’t primarily concerned about mechanical noise.
They’re hearing riders scream.
Nearby residents have complained about repeated screams coming from the hillside. Those concerns led Universal to hold a September 30 meeting at Stage 7, where more than 350 people reportedly gathered to hear from executives and voice their frustrations.
One attendee brought the Disney name directly into the controversy.
Disney Accuses Universal of Permit Violations
Roy P. Disney, Walt Disney’s great-nephew and a Toluca Lake resident, reportedly spoke during the meeting.
“I would argue this is in violation of [Universal Studios’] land usage permits,” Disney said.
That doesn’t mean Universal has officially been found in violation. Disney presented the statement as his argument during the meeting.
It is also important to distinguish Roy P. Disney from The Walt Disney Company. He spoke as a resident and Disney family member, not as an official representative of the company.
Still, his involvement adds another dimension because of the decades-long rivalry between Disney and Universal.
Disney has traditionally marketed its parks heavily to families. Now, a member of Walt Disney’s family is publicly questioning Universal over an attraction that residents say is disrupting families living nearby.
Is Universal Trying to Fix the Problem?
Universal hasn’t ignored the complaints.
Executives reportedly told residents that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will remain closed between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. through the end of 2026, even when the park opens earlier.
Universal is also installing a temporary barrier containing more than 1,900 square feet of sound-absorbing material. If it works, the company would need permits before making it permanent.
More dramatic ideas have apparently been considered.
Enclosed-ride vehicles were reportedly rejected due to evacuation concerns. Universal also considered helmets featuring face and scream shields before deciding against that approach.
The company could additionally adjust how the coaster’s rotating vehicles face. Universal already turns riders away from Toluca Lake during portions likely to generate screams.
Despite those efforts, tensions boiled over during the meeting.
Universal’s Insensitive Response to Angry Residents
Residents reportedly demanded during the question-and-answer portion that the problem of screaming be eliminated within a year.
Steve Blum, Universal’s executive vice president of engineering and safety, responded with a quip: “We could solve this tomorrow if you all want to wear noise-canceling headphones.”
Residents reportedly reacted angrily, with some shouting, “How dare you?”
Regardless of Blum’s intention, the joke was unlikely to calm residents attending a meeting specifically organized around their concerns.
It also created an uncomfortable contrast with the family issue Disney raised.
Universal offers plenty of family entertainment, just as Disney operates its own thrill rides. However, residents were arguing that Universal’s newest coaster was affecting their ability to enjoy their homes.
The headphones comment doesn’t prove Universal disregards families, and Disney’s statement doesn’t prove Universal violated its permits. But both moments show how contentious the situation has become.
The Disney-Universal Rivalry Takes Another Turn
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was supposed to strengthen Universal Studios Hollywood’s attraction lineup.
Instead, weeks after its official opening, the coaster is at the center of a fight involving sound barriers, operating restrictions, potential ride changes, angry residents, and allegations involving Universal’s permits.
Now, Walt Disney’s family is part of the growing conversation.
Roy P. Disney’s statement doesn’t establish that Universal violated its land-use permits. But Walt Disney’s great-nephew publicly raising that possibility brings an unmistakable Disney-versus-Universal element to the ongoing dispute.
Universal says it is actively pursuing solutions. Residents believe more needs to be done.
For two theme park names that have competed for generations, this latest dispute isn’t simply about building the newest attraction.
It’s about what happens when the effects of that attraction extend beyond the park gates.
