It’s been a while since we’ve visited Universal Orlando at Dateline, but there’s been a pretty big addition, you may even say it’s a half-giant sized expansion! Today, we’re looking at the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and progress on a Jurassic Park expansion as well. Let’s head to Islands of Adventure to check it all out.
Islands of Adventure is one of the most beautifully designed and well thought out theme parks in the world. Let’s take a look at some of the details while we stroll (quickly) to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for something big.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Merchandise
There is plenty of merchandise located in the main store near the entrance. The Islands of Adventure Trading Company has hats, plush and more! Attraction-related merchandise is located in the Wizarding World as well.
If you’ve ever wanted a pet Boarhound, you can adopt Fang here.
You can also find a Hagrid’s Motorbike tumbler, some Fluffy plushes and a bowtruckle.
But, let’s take the long way around the lagoon to make it to the Wizarding World.
Let’s Make Our Way Around the Islands
Jurassic Park
A lot of land has been cleared in front of the Discovery Center at Jurassic Park.
Any thoughts on the as-yet-unnamed roller coaster coming to Jurassic Park?
Love is Universal merchandise is available in the parks. 10% of the proceeds will benefit The Zebra Coalition, a charity to help and inspire LGTBQ+ youth.
Marvel Super Hero Land
I love walking through Islands of Adventure and checking out all of the details and the theming, especially Marvel Super Hero Island.
Across the water, there’s a temporary bridge to help crowds disperse with the opening of the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure making Hogsmeade extra popular. I wish there was a spell to make long lines disappear!
Toon Lagoon
On our way to Hagrid’s, we took a quick tour through Toon Lagoon.
Want to learn more about Toon Lagoon? Check out the video my friend George from ImagiNERDing did!
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is a guaranteed soaking on a hot day. It’s one of my favorite water rides.
Kong’s show building is amazingly themed as Skull island.
Jurassic Walls, er, Park!
Things seem normal by the River Adventures in Jurassic Park…
…until you turn the corners and there are walls EVERYWHERE!
The extra walls diminish the walking space in Jurrasic Park, but it’s only for a few more months. I think I can handle it.
The Raptor Encounter has been moved to the back next to the Pizza Predattoria quick service location.
Did I mention that there were a lot of walls?
The decals on the windows inside the Burger Digs seating area are blocking views of construction in front of the Discovery Center. Clever…
We tried to get these guys to tell us about the new Jurassic Park roller coaster . . . but they claimed to know nothing.
Enter the Wizarding World!
Here’s another view of the temporary bridge from earlier.
The locker situation at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be changing soon and the entrance area is being used differently.
There’s more Hagrid-related merchandise at the exit of Forbidden Journey.
And . . . the moment you’ve been waiting for . . .
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (that’s a mouthful) is an exciting new ride at the Wizarding World that sits where the Dueling Dragons roller coaster was. This ride is one of Universal’s most ambitious attractions in recent years, and boy does it deliver.
I had to put my camera in a locker, so the majority of the photos of the queue and attraction were taken with my iPhone.
Motorbike Adventure Queue
The twisty track is built close to the ground, which offers a terrain-hugging experience and accentuates the illusion of speed.
Here is a beautiful view of Hogwarts from the elevated section of the queue.
The ruins are gorgeous and very photogenic.
Hagrid’s Hut!
There are so many details on the grounds around Hagrid’s Hut, even before you enter the ruins. The queue is a treat in itself!
This is very cool!
So many amazing details throughout the queue.
Queue Details!
A big part of the fun of a new attraction is experiencing the queue and discovering all of the hidden and not-so-hidden details.
A nod to the gone-but-not-forgotten Dueling Dragons attraction.
There are various motorbike parts scattered throughout the pre-show area.
This room is dark, beautiful and inspired by Western European Gothic architecture. And they added air conditioning . . . which is very much appreciated here in Florida!
Various eggs of magical creatures. I hope these aren’t from the Jurassic Park Discovery Center!
There are unique textures of wood and rockwork throughout the queue. Just like the other Harry Potter-based attractions, the queues are a work of art.
One final room with some neat queue effects in the ceiling, and then it’s time to board!
Hagrid’s Magical Motorbikes Ride Experience
Exhilarating!
This is a physical ride with truly magical show scenes, animatronics, and no screen-based elements. Theme park fans are sure to be thrilled and impressed with this one. There are a few surprises that I don’t want to give away.
All-in-all, the attraction is a major hit. We’ve yet to see a single guest exiting without a huge smile.
If you want all the spoilers, watch this video from our friends at Best Orlando Spots:
Are you excited about Hagrid’s Magical Motorbikes? Will you be heading out to see it soon? Do you think the Hagrid attraction will offer some legitimate competition for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
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