Reading the Harry Potter series with my daughter holds almost as special place in my heart as some of our travel adventures. We had the opportunity to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while in Orlando last summer. A visit to this land is a magical experience for Harry Potter fans. As it was, we’d have been thrilled to return. But now, a return visit is much more likely! Universal Orlando has announced a new ride — Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open June 13, 2019 at Universal Orlando. Here’s what we know about this new magical adventure.
Where is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure?
It will be located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The ride is in an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees. Universal Orlando is calling this ride the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet. It combines a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with rich environments.
What is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure?
Of all of the Harry Potter characters, Hagrid is my favorite. So what a treat to join Hagrid on a journey to the Forbidden Forest! With Hagrid as their guide, guests will fly deep into the Forbidden Forest. They will brave mysteries and thrills beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle.
Guests join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and board magical motorbikes specially designed to make them feel the freedom of flight. Ride either the motorcycle or board the adjacent sidecar. As is typical with Hagrid, a trip through the Forbidden Forest may not go as planned.
Expect to encounter some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. These creatures may include a majestic Centaur, a swarm of mischievous Cornish Pixies, Fluffy, the three-headed dog – and even a creature that’s never been seen in the films. Guests will hurl past challenging obstacles and become entangled in a thicket of Devil’s Snare.
I don’t know about you, but it sounds pretty fun to me!
What to Know About Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Guests must be 48” tall to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
- The ride will twist, turn and rush forward – and backward – at speeds up to 50 mph into the dark forest. So, it could be scary for the little ones.
- We really found that our nine-year old enjoyed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter much more than our five-year old. So, in general, I think a child should probably be eight or over to truly appreciate the experience to its fullest.
- The Universal Studios App has a great map and wait times for the rides. Download this to be able to best plan for lines.
- Purchase tickets for two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) to experience both Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. A ticket for both parks is required to be able to ride Hogwarts Express.
- Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort for free Universal Express Unlimited privileges.
- Stay at the above properties or Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort for early park privileges.
What do you think? Have you visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando? What did you love, or not love about the experience? Will the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure motivate you to go back? Tell us in the comments below!