The newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now open. Here are some magical details to look for when you visit.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical place where Hogwarts hopefuls roam the streets with robes and wands, hoping to sip Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or cast a spell in an interactive Diagon Alley shop window. But the magical bar in Hogsmeade has been raised with the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure on June 13. In this new attraction, wannabe wizards and witches can ride with Hagrid as he cares for his magical creatures on a fast-paced motorcycle ride through ruins located behind his hut.
Culturess attended the opening of this exciting new addition to the Wizarding World and rounded up seven magical details about the new ride that fans of all things Potter won’t want to miss.
A hippogriff painted on the stone walls of the queue for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure…and a bit of Malfoy-related graffiti. Photo by Terri Peters.
1. The amazingly detailed queue
Easter eggs abound in the queue for the attraction, from cute nods to the magical series like Norbert (er…Norberta’s) empty cage to a Hagrid-height etching of “H loves O” – Hagrid loves Olympe Maxime, headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic – overhead on a stone wall. The max wait time for a full ride queue is around 5 hours, so those attending while the attraction is still new will have plenty of time to hunt for magical touches in the cavernous line.
The ancient ruins that house the new attraction are extremely detailed, from stunning statues to graffiti added to the walls by Hogwarts students. Photo by Terri Peters.
2. The beautiful ruins
The ruins, located behind Hagrid’s hut, appear to have been abandoned for centuries, but Hagrid uses the area for his grounds keeping duties at Hogwarts and teaches his Care of Magical Creatures class within the stone walls. The towering ruins themselves are stunning to behold, and the magic held within the walls will delight Potter fans way before the actual ride does.
The back of Hagrid’s hut becomes part of the ride queue in the new adventure.
Photo by: Terri Peters.
3. The backside of Hagrid’s hut
Fans of the Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster are no stranger to seeing the front of Hagrid’s home. With the addition of this attraction, guests will now get to explore Hagrid’s back yard, complete with giant pumpkins and other signs of life from magical creatures.
Hagrids Magical Creatures and Motorbike Adventure
Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.
4. The pre-show experience
About halfway through the ride queue, guests are treated to a pre-show featuring Hagrid, Arthur Weasley and Hagrid’s huge-but-loveable pup, Fang. It’s during this show that riders learn a trip to the Forbidden Forest is in their future, and like the ride queue, the room where the show takes place is filled with striking details and nods to the Harry Potter franchise. (If you’ve experienced Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Orlando, the on-screen pre-show is similar in style to the one featuring Bill Weasley prior to boarding that attraction.)
Blast-Ended Skrewt as seen in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, photo provided by Universal Orlando Resort
5. The magical creatures
Throughout the ride experience, park-goers are seated on motorcycles or in sidecars and travel through the Forbidden Forest on a truly wild ride. For the first time in Wizarding World history, riders see a Blast-ended Skrewt brought to life, but also be on the lookout for centaurs, unicorns, Cornish pixies and more.
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.
6. A moment with Hagrid
Throughout their ride on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, guests will hear Hagrid’s voice, guiding them along on their wild adventure. And, be on the lookout for a gigantic Hagrid animatronic that looks so real, you’ll want to stop and say hello.
The ride car for the new attraction puts guests either on a motorcycle or in a sidecar. Photo by Terri Peters.
7. The thrilling ride experience
From the moment riders board their motorcycles, they can expect a thrilling, high-speed ride through the Forbidden Forest. This attraction has a total of seven launches – more than any other roller coaster in the world – all of which propel them farther into the depths of the forest. There’s also a 17-foot free-fall drop – the first of its kind – and a lot of twists, turns, and surprises. The combination of magical details and epic coaster make Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure a contender for every Potter fan’s favorite roller coaster.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is open now at Universal Orlando Resort.