Universal’s Harry Potter coaster has a name, opening date

Universal Orlando’s newest addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter now has an official name and opening date.

Called Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the roller coaster will open June 13 in the Hogsmeade section of Islands of Adventure. Universal is hyping the new ride as its “most highly themed coaster.”

“For the first time ever, join Hagrid as you fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures,” Universal said in a press release.

Universal announced plans to build a new coaster to replace Dragon Challenge back in June 2017. Since then, fans are largely been kept in the dark about the specifics of the new attraction, beyond a single piece of concept art released in October 2018.

Despite Universal’s official silence, Alicia Stella of Orlando Park Stop has proven to be largely accurate in her reporting on the ride’s theme. In a Feb. 11 article, she revealed what is now the confirmed name for the attraction.

While the lack of official details frustrated Universal fans, industry experts have told Orlando Rising it’s the more traditional approach compared to Disney’s recent strategy of revealing attractions years before they’re scheduled to open.

To travel agents who don’t want clients delaying their Orlando vacations to experience the newest rides, Universal’s approach is preferable.

“Honestly, I love that Universal does not announce much information about a new ride or attraction until they have an exact date and/or details,” Robin Woodmansee, co-owner of the Mouse & Muggle Travel Company, told Orlando Rising. “With Disney, they announce the new attraction so far in advance that it is talked about forever and then often they end up pushing back the projected opening date.”

Universal has yet to announce details on its other 2019 addition, a replacement for the shuttered Terminator 2:3-D attraction in Universal Studios Florida. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure may be joined by another new Islands of Adventure coaster in 2020 or 2021 themed around the “Jurassic Park” or “Jurassic World” films.

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