The early reviews are in for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the new storytelling coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is drawing almost universal acclaim.
After previews for Universal employees over the weekend, the attraction was open to members of the media on Tuesday. Videos and photos on the ride itself were not allowed, as loose items will need to be stowed away in free lockers, the same as Universal’s existing coasters and Dragon Challenge, which closed two years ago to make way for this new “Harry Potter” experience.
just stepped off Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and I WISH you coulda seen the look on @robertniles’ face, me screaming endlessly & @Teleclashter gleeful in the sidecar. The trophy for the best coaster in Orlando is officially up for grabs. #WizardingWorldOrlando
— ? carlye wisel (@carlyewisel) June 11, 2019
QUICK REVIEW: Just rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal and OMG, this coaster is amazing! It uses practical effects, no screens and the Hagrid animatronic is very cool. It has speed, turns, twists, and turns. #AttractionsInsider pic.twitter.com/Bmw0zCLUd1
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 11, 2019
Consensus of #HagridsMotorbikeAdventure is that it’s awesome. Well done, @UniversalORL. pic.twitter.com/LjQTrEGsIt
— Richard Bilbao (@RichOBJ) June 11, 2019
Holy crap. Just got off Hagrid’s. I have no words. I will never not miss Dragons, but this is the best coaster at Universal and is easily my favorite in Orlando.
— Craig Williams Kills Magic (@Teleclashter) June 11, 2019
Holy moley! @UniversalORL has positively crushed it with Hagrid’s. They found the perfect razor-edge balance between exhilarating thrills and keeping it accessible as a “family” coaster. The show elements are great. Huge winner! pic.twitter.com/7RBwCT7wjA
— Arthur Levine (@AboutThemeParks) June 11, 2019
The ride is particularly drawing praise for its extensive use of animatronics. This represents a break with Universal’s recent design preference for screens, with nine out of the last 11 rides added to Universal Orlando since 2008 prominently featuring screens (the two exceptions being 2009’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster and the Kang & Kods Twirl ‘n’ Hurl spinner), including 2018’s much-maligned Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes guests through the Forbidden Forest at 50 miles per hour, and will reportedly set several coaster records, including:
- Most launches of any roller coaster in the world (7 launches)
- First U.S. coaster to feature a free fall vertical drop (17 feet)
- Longest roller coaster in Florida (5,053 feet)
The attraction will open to all guests on Thursday, with Universal already preparing for huge lines by setting up a temporary queue that stretches into Suess Landing. Beginning Friday, Universal will offer its Virtual Line reservation system for the attraction. The Universal Express pass will not be accepted for the ride.
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