Universal Gives A Preview Of The Universal Hagrid Ride
“What’s comin’ will come, an’ we’ll meet it when it does.” — Hagrid, “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.”
Centered around one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter franchise, a new Hagrid-themed roller coaster is gearing up to open at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 13!
Ahead of its debut, Universal shared more details on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Formerly Dueling Dragons, the coaster will twist and turn – and even go backwards – at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The ride is set in the dark and mysterious Forbidden Forest on the grounds of Hogwarts Castle, where 1,200 trees were planted to create the dark forest.
“Besides the latest coaster technology, we’re actually creating a completely new environment,” Mike West, senior director and executive producer, at Universal Create, said at a press event. “It will create a new layer and a new vista [at the park].”
Universal also released a video preview for the attraction featuring Tom Felton, who played the Draco Malfoy in the eight Harry Potter films. Art Director Alan Gilmore introduces the ride and its story arc informing guests that they will join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and board enchanted motorbikes “specially designed to make them feel the freedom of flight.”
The two-seat coaster will have guests either ride Hagrid’s motorcycle or board the adjacent sidecar. The journey, which features an indoor and outdoor portion, will put guests face to face with some of the magical creatures from the books, including a Centaur, a swarm of mischievous Cornish Pixies, Fluffy (the three-headed dog), and even Devil’s Snare.
Universal also teased that the ride will feature a creature “that’s never been seen in the films.”
Are you beyond excited for the ride’s debut yet?
By: Maytinee Kramer
