With the new Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure set to open on June 13, I have been wondering how this new Harry Potter-themed roller coaster adventure will rank among Universal's existing Potter rides, both at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida... and those duplicated at the other The Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands in Hollywood and Japan.
Set in the Forbidden Forest, the new Motorbike Adventure replaces the old Dragon Challenge inverted coasters from Bolliger & Mabillard. This Intamin launch coaster is pitched as more family friendly (i.e. it won't have inversions), but it's still gonna be a kick in the pants, with a drop track and a 50 mph top speed... just 5-10 mph slower than Dragon Challenge, depending upon which side you rode.
And the story and scenery should just blow away the relatively unthemed Dragon Challenge. On the Hagrid coaster, fans will race through multiple show scenes, including looks at the three-headed Fluffy, mischievous Cornish Pixies, and elusive centaurs. Universal is planting 1,000 trees around the track to complete the illusion of racing through the Forbidden Forest.
But before we get the opportunity to ride and review this new attraction, let's talk about how Universal's current Wizarding World of Harry Potter rides rank. I can't believe that we haven't asked this question directly before, so let's get to it.
What would it take for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure to move to the top of this list? We await your thoughts in the comments.
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opens at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure on June 13, 2019. For tickets and hotel packages at the Universal Orlando Resort, please visit our partner aRes Travel or call +1-800-680-1272.
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I voted for Forbidden Journey, though Gringotts is great. (I also really enjoy Flight of the Hippogriff, but I still miss the ride's original unicorn theming....)
That said, if this coaster lives up to the hype, I'm thinking a coaster with animatronics/dark ride elements has the potential to win it for me.
Forbidden Journey is the perfect blend of simulator and dark ride with enough animatronics and practical sets to stand above the rest of the rides.
Who said Flight of the Hippogriff? I just want to talk
For me, Forbidden Journey > Escape from Gringotts > Hogwarts Express > Flight of the Hippogriff (USH) > Hogwarts Express > Flight of the Hippogriff (IOA). What does Hagrid's need to rise to the top? An intensity level comparable to Expedition Everest, combined with show scenes on par with those in Forbidden Journey. Do that, and it could become my favorite theme park attraction. Fall short, and it most likely would land in second place on the above list.
That is tough one. I voted for Gringotts because I love the dark ride with coaster elements. Forbidden Journey made me believe the bench was actually flying, I love the view from Hippogriff and Hagrids hut. Hogwarts Express is fully immersive and unique as a transportation system and attraction. It's hard to choose and I'm sure the new ride will make the choice even harder.
I do have to pick Forbidden Journey but tough as I was totally unprepared for the experience the first time and nearly got sick. Luckily, better for the second time to enjoy it more but still a pretty wild ride.
I can't fairly vote, as the only one of these I've experienced is Flight of the Hippogriff, which I found to be a colossal waste of time. Night blindness and motion sickness nullified my attempt to ride Forbidden Journey. My night blindness is so severe that I was unable to navigate the maze inside the castle without assistance. A nice young woman noticed that I was really struggling, asked whether I needed help and offered to let me hold onto her arm, which I did. When we finally reached the point at which there is a warning sign and an announcement about possible motion sickness, I backed out. Going forward, I am not going to attempt any dark rides which require riders to walk more than a few feet in darkness.
Love the franchise, and rollercoasters, but I can't see any ride replacing Forbidden Journey as my new No. 1.
It has so many unique elements, the Whomping Willow, the big dragon head, the face time with Harry, not to mention its set inside the castle, which is a treat just to walk through.
I'm sure I'll enjoy Hagrid's ride but I can't see it replacing FJ as my fave.
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Forbidden Journey still rules, although this new ride should be great.