If you’re visiting Central Florida any time soon, then you need to experience one of the best new attractions and one of the best roller coasters in Orlando.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened on June 13 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando and has attracted plenty of rave reviews and press attention. So, is the new Hagrid coaster at Islands of Adventure worth its two hour+ waits?
Coaster Stats
Let’s get some stats out of the way!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the longest roller coaster in Florida at 5,053 feet (nearly a mile). There are seven launches that simulate the feel of the bike accelerating multiple times and you hit a top speed of 50 MPH. You drop 17 feet during a special free-fall vertical drop. And there’s a near-vertical stall at one point. Pretty cool.
George’s Tip:
Download the Universal FL app from the app store to check on wait times throughout the day…There is no express queue for Hagrid’s.
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Theming and the Queue
Universal Creative knocked this attraction out of the park when it comes to theming and place-making. The queue starts just past the Hogwart’s Express train (across from Honeydukes).
Right from the start, you get the feel for the attraction through all of the ornate scrollwork on the entrance area. Even the sign looks like it’s been overrun by vines.
Universal set the bar high with place-making. There are reveals throughout the queue that simply take your breath away. There’s almost no point in which you feel like you’re in Orlando, except when the humidity hits.
George’s Tip:
Standby VS. Single Rider?
With Hagrid’s, it’s been rare that the single rider line is any quicker than the standby queue.
As you enter the grounds, it feels like a part of Hogwarts that hasn’t been used in centuries. After getting a glimpse of the track and the classes that are currently going on, you enter the forest and come upon Hagrid’s Hut.
Once you finally reach the indoor part of the queue, you’re still about an hour away from boarding the ride vehicle (although, you get to spend time in blessed air-conditioning). There are seven parts to the queue and you will find yourself waiting about five minutes straight without moving at times. Don’t worry, the ride isn’t down, it’s just part of how the queue functions. If the ride does go down, there will be announcements over the loudspeakers.
George’s Tip:
Bring a battery for your phone! Expect at least an hour wait on a good day, with two hours being the average. the queue is full of details, but you will still be on your phone.
The queue is full of details that help tell the story of the coaster. The queue changes as you move through it, so pay attention to the walls…and the sounds!
Magical creatures are everywhere!
The queue does wind quite a bit and there is a section that travels through a cave.
There are two water fountain stations in the queue. Be sure to take advantage of them when you can. They are about 30 minutes apart.
Pay attention to what is going on above your head in the final room. It sounds like Hagrid and Ron Weasley are discussing how to handle all of the students.
George’s Tip:
the sidecar is more like a traditional coaster. Riding on the motorcycle is EXHILARATING and gives you a different view. Ride it twice and experience it both ways!
Once you make it to the top of the queue, they will separate you into groups of two. Make sure to follow all of the instructions and board as quickly as possible. From what I understand, it is guests boarding slowly that cause most of the issues with the coaster and the downtime.
George’s Tip:
The coaster is (mostly) outdoors, so the weather plays a big part in operations. If it’s a rainy day, then the coaster is less likely to run. Keep an eye on your favorite weather app and get in line when there is the least chance of rain. You don’t want to get stuck waiting in line for 2 hours or more only to have ride operations suspended for lightning!
Universal usually only runs six cars, which is half of the capacity. If they can get operations running the full twelve cars, then this ride will be a people eater and allow guests the opportunity to experience it more than once.
Plus, when you see three or four of the coaster trains on the track at the same time, it is a beautiful sight.
George’s tip
the ride exit is pretty far away from the entrance. if you used a locker to store your items, head back towards the front of hogsmeade to pick up your belongings before exploring the rest of islands of adventure.
Is Hagrid’s Worth a Two Hour Wait?
If you haven’t ridden it yet, then YES!
The queue is long but very charming and there is no other ride like it in Florida. The coaster offers enough thrills to keep coaster enthusiasts happy but it is still fun for families. You will want to experience both the sidecar and motorcycle seating. I recommend putting a younger child in the sidecar on their first trip.
George’s Tip:
Visit Moaning Myrtle’s restroom before you get in line. You might also want to stop in at the Three Broomsticks for a quick snack.
Be prepared to dedicate a large portion of the day to the ride, but it is a fantastic experience that offers a lot of repeatability. And you get to see a blast-ended skrewt!
You can take home your own magical creature from the Islands of Adventure Trading Company store near the exit in the Port of Entry area.
Hagrid’s Magical Adventure socks, anyone?
Have You Ridden Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? What do you think about it? Was it worth the wait?
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