Life-sized Hagrid comes to life in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is welcoming one of the most beloved characters to its park, Hagrid. This life-sized version of the character will take your breath away.

Are you prepared to meet Hagrid face to face? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter welcomes one of its biggest characters, both literally and figuratively. As Harry Potter fans eagerly await the debut of Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure, Universal revealed one of its most ambitious projects yet.

Throughout the Harry Potter experiences, Universal has impeccably incorporated every detail with the utmost care. Harry Potter fans expect that those beloved books with their iconic characters and settings will be portrayed as J.K. Rowling envisioned. In every step of the way, Universal has ensured that vision.

As more and more details have emerged regarding the newest Harry Potter-themed experience, fans have wondered how Hagrid, himself, will play a role in the adventure. While the magical creatures will impact the epic adventure, the gentle giant adds the humanity to the thrilling adventure.

In recently released photos, the “hyper-realistic animated figure” will be riders’ guide through the fully immersive experience. Universal Orlando said that every detail is “authentic to the Harry Potter films.” From a pink umbrella to his physical size (7 feet 6 inches tall), the visual is as if Hagrid stepped out of the film and into real life.

Some characteristics include: “24 different body movements and facial expressions,” Robbie Coltrane’s voice used in a custom script for this adventure, and a costume created by the film’s wardrobe team. While its size and detail are impressive, the realism is only part of this experience’s impact.

Universal has always impressed with its big thrills. Plunging roller coasters, like Hulk and Rip Ride Rocket, bring the adrenaline rush. Recent rides have seen a different experience.

The two most recent additions to Universal Orlando have focused on more simulated experiences. The Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon and Fast and Furious the Ride, feature screens and imagery to create that immersive experience. While these rides can be more age inclusive, the dramatic impact and overall experience are different.

By using a “hyper-realistic animated figure,” Universal is embracing the character-driven storyline of the thrilling experience. Putting riders face to face with a real-life looking Hagrid makes for a greater immersive experience. The rider feels as if they are actually stepping into that world versus just viewing it.

Universal Orlando Resort has created its most life-like animated figure for the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – opening June 13. And it’s none other than Hogwarts gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor himself – Hagrid. photo provided by Universal Orlando

Since theme parks are always competing against each other for guests, this decision to include a huge, extremely life-like Hagrid seems like telling statement. Universal is staking its claim that characters drive the immersive story and it wants to be the leader in telling those stories.

While Disney might have its classic characters and experiences, Universal appeals to a different audience. These character-led stories bring the fans into the story. From revealing tiny details to letting someone live out that storyline, these keep fans coming back for more.

In many ways, these character-driven experiences bring guests back because each ride can reveal another detail that originally went unnoticed. Given the 24 different expressions, it will be interesting to see if each ride has a slightly different experience. From a wink and nod to the quip of a phrase, the individual ride might change. Just like the experience is different depending on the side of the car, the character could impact the ride as well.

All details regarding Hagrid and the Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure will be revealed when the ride officially opens on June 13 at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. Until then, Harry Potter fans will have to imagine what this thrilling roller coaster experience will offer.

What is your favorite experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Will you be at Universal Orlando for this ride’s opening?