Any Harry Potter fan who has ever wanted to join Rubeus Hagrid in his Care of Magical Creatures class at Hogwarts need look no further than Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride in Universal Studios Orlando. The attraction that opened this past summer combines the thrill of a rollercoaster with the charm of all things magic and Harry Potter.
The distinct ride design sits two people side by side on the motorbike or in the sidecar, just like the one Hagrid used in the movies. This allowed for a unique experience for each rider.
Speeds topped off at 50 miles per hour, but the ride slows down enough to catch a glimpse at incredibly crafted animatronic figures of Fluffy the three headed dog, a Blast-Ended Skrewt, a Unicorn, and Hagrid himself. Robbie Coltrane, the actor who played Hagrid in the films, lent his voice to guide the “class” along the way, by pointing out specific magical creatures and calling out spells like “lumos solem” to help riders escape from Devil’s Snare, a plant that traps the bikes in it’s tendrils.
This ride may not be for individuals who have a difficult time coping with sudden drops, fast turns, or riding backwards. I thoroughly enjoyed every surprise twist and turn in the ride.
Something that may be a concern for riders is the wait time. During the week of Thanksgiving, wait times for the ride exceeded four hours, but the lines move considerably quicker in the morning when the park first opens. There is not an express lane yet, but anyone who finds themselves in the single rider line may get through it quicker. Despite longer wait times, set design leading up to the ride was intriguing to look at, and the ride was well worth it.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal was a magical experience, and Hagrid’s ride was an amazing addition to the park. The staff at Universal do their best to keep lines moving, while also playing the part of a witch or wizard to pull any visitor into the world. I give this rollercoaster 5/5 stars.