Fast & Furious: Supercharged - An In-Depth Look at the Ride
Fast & Furious: Supercharged is a motion-based dark ride attraction featured at Universal Studios Florida and formerly at Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on the immensely popular Fast & Furious film franchise, the ride immerses guests in the high-octane world of Dom Toretto and his crew. Featuring stars such as Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans, and Tyrese Gibson, the attraction aims to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience.
History and Development
The ride was first announced in April 2014, with plans for a 2015 opening at Universal Studios Hollywood. The hype surrounding the ride was intensified when the first commercial for Fast & Furious: Supercharged aired during Super Bowl XLIX, solidifying its debut for the summer of 2015. This attraction replaced Curse of the Mummy's Tomb. Additionally, it took the place of The Fast and the Furious: Extreme Close-Up, which had closed in July 2013, although the two attractions were not housed in the same site.
On March 20, 2015, Universal offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the ride, releasing an online video showcasing the actors playing their characters in front of a green screen and using makeshift vehicles. These would later be digitally enhanced with computer-generated vehicles.
The attraction was also announced for Universal Studios Florida on August 25, 2015, initially slated to open in 2017. However, the opening was delayed, and Fast & Furious: Supercharged eventually opened on April 23, 2018, replacing the Disaster! attraction.
Expanding its global presence, Fast & Furious: Supercharged was confirmed as a ride in Universal Studios Beijing on May 2, 2018.
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The Hollywood Experience
During Universal's Studio Tour, as the tram passes Wisteria Lane, a black Dodge Charger can be spotted next to a beige house. The tour guide, while apologizing for the "unplanned" event, is interrupted by Luke Hobbs, who informs guests that they will be sent to a secure location due to Owen Shaw and his gang pursuing a high-valued witness on the tram.
As the tram enters the garage, guests are introduced to Roman Pearce and Letty Ortiz. The tram continues into the garage, where a party scene is underway, utilizing a Pepper's ghost illusion. Agent Novak interrupts the party and escorts the partygoers out of the room, attempting to stop Roman. However, Dominic Toretto and Letty Ortiz appear, followed by Hobbs, who takes Novak away. The sounds of screeching cars signal impending trouble. Guests are then prompted to put on their 3D glasses to enhance the experience.
The Florida Experience
While similar to the Hollywood version, the Florida ride is a stand-alone attraction. Guests enter from the San Francisco area of the park, and the facade is designed to resemble a garage with Dom's Charger parked outside. The queue winds through the garage, displaying various cars from the films.
Inside, guests enter a room filled with pictures of the characters and a television screen. They are greeted by Pat, a Universal Studios Team Member, who provides information about the garage. Mia Toretto then calls, inviting guests to celebrate Dom's latest street race victory at Sullivan's garage. Tej Parker appears, offering party buses for transportation.
Guests then enter Tej's war room, where they are greeted by Jamie, another Universal Studios Team Member, who explains the details of the room. Tej announces that the buses are ready, but Dom informs him that the FBI is closing in, and Owen Shaw is in pursuit. Tej contacts Hobbs, who informs him of the plot and reminds guests to turn off their phones to prevent Shaw from tracking them. Guests then proceed to the loading area, passing wanted posters for Shaw and his gang, before boarding the buses to head to the party.
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Reception
The Hollywood version of Fast & Furious: Supercharged received mixed reviews. However, the Florida location faced largely negative reception from guests and critics. A significant part of the criticism was directed at the ride being the third new screen-based attraction to open in recent years. Reviewers noted that the Florida version lacks 3D and significant motion, and does not offer substantial improvements over the Hollywood version, leading to the conclusion that it is a step down from the Disaster! attraction it replaced.
Pop Culture Reference
The attraction was referenced in American Horror Story. In the first episode of the fifth season, two Swedish girls, Vendela and Agnetha, mention their excitement about visiting the attraction.
Future Developments
Despite the mixed reception of the existing attraction, the Fast & Furious franchise continues to expand its presence in Universal Studios. Recent reports indicate that a Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster is planned for Universal Studios Florida, suggesting that the park aims to offer more thrilling and diverse experiences related to the franchise.
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tags: #universal #studios #fast #and #furious #ride
