Are you a fan of all-things Harry Potter? Have you experienced the rides and explored every nook and cranny of Universal’s Wizarding World multiple times already, and can’t wait to go back for more? If you can answer yes to either of these – or even just love a good roller coaster – then hold on to your wands; this summer you’ll be racing to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

So what do we know about this epic new coaster? We’ve pulled together all the information that we can find to give you an insight into this amazing ride – we just can’t wait to see it for ourselves!

The newest attraction to Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, this highly-themed new roller coaster is set to open to Muggles on 13th June 2019, on the site of the former Dragon Challenge which closed back in 2017. With 14 riders on each train, guests are seated two abreast, in seven motorbikes and sidecars. Guests must be 48” tall (1.22m) to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which is set to raise the bar in immersive roller coaster design, making use of state-of-the art technology to bring the magical Forbidden Forest setting and its surroundings to life.

Top facts about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

• The roller coaster features a record-breaking seven launches!
• This is the first US roller coaster with a free-fall vertical drop, dropping you nearly 17ft!
• There are over 1200 trees surrounding the ride
• At 5053ft, it will be the longest coaster in Florida!
• Look out for a giant hand-painted mural - it’s the biggest to be featured in a theme park anywhere in the world

With fan-favourite Hagrid acting as your guide, engross yourself in the lore of JK Rowling’s world by joining a Care of Magical Creatures Class, before hopping either onto Hagrid’s iconic motorbike (seen in the first and seventh Harry Potter films, and which fans will know once belonged to Sirius Black), or into the bike’s adjacent sidecar. From here, prepare to be launched into adventure – starting deep in the mysterious Forbidden Forest in the grounds of Hogwarts, where over 1200 trees were planted to bring this iconic setting to life!

This is no normal ride though – you wouldn’t expect a flight on Hagrid’s bike to be a straightforward A-Z trip! As you whizz along the coaster’s tracks at speeds of up to 50mph, twisting, turning and rushing backwards and forwards, watch out for the obstacles and magical creatures that you will find in your path – some that you will recognise from the big-screen adventures, and another only described in the books – a genuine treat for any Potter fan!

This is the Blast-Ended Skrewt, which has been brought to life especially for Universal, and is one of the most life-like creatures that they have ever created. With a ten-foot long tail attached to a massive stinger, a body measuring eight-foot in length, as well as a strong signature smell created especially for the ride, you won’t be able to miss the Skrewt! As fans of the books will know, these dangerous beasts were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and you need to be careful around them! Created by Hagrid, you’ll need to watch out for fire shooting from the ‘blast-end’ of this dangerous and illegal hybrid creature – a cross between a Fire Crab and a Manticore – which explains its large scorpion-like appearance!

More trouble awaits in the form of Cornish Pixies who just love to wreak havoc! You’ll need to keep your wits about you – or like Neville Longbottom these electric-blue practical jokers will try to grab you by the ears and lift you off the ground! Discover them causing mischief on a well-known blue car and in a variety of places around the ride. Standing at around 13” tall there are more than 20 to spot – so keep your eyes peeled!

As well as the Skrewt and Cornish Pixies, watch out for the troublesome Devil’s Snare – a magical plant that thrives in the dark depths of the forest, which will tangle unwary travellers in its vines. When passing through a thicket of this plant remember to keep calm – as Hermione taught her friends during Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, if you struggle you will find it entangles you even more!

Fluffy, the giant three-headed dog who served as guardian of the Philosopher’s Stone, and belongs to our guide, Hagrid, makes his long-awaited Universal appearance on this ride. Appearing in animatronic form, and the size of two cars, you’ll want to advance carefully – don’t forget he is a guard dog, even though he falls asleep to the sound of music, just like the legendary Greek dog Cerberus who guarded the entrance to the Underworld!

You’ll also want to look out for one of the Forbidden Forest’s residents – a mysterious eight-foot tall Centaur armed with a bow and arrows, who can be seen in the distance. These magical creatures have the torso of a human, with the body of a horse and are known to be gifted archers, hopefully they won’t have you in their sights!

While you are whizzing around the tracks there are other creatures that you may be lucky enough to encounter on your adventure; you’ll need to use all of your senses to locate them! Listen closely for the sound of Thestrals, the skeletal winged horses near you, as well as the voices of Gnomes who are known to roam around the area. See if you can spot the sculptures of magical creatures who reside in the Black Lake, including the Merpeople and the Grindylows – a species of water demon that Harry encounters during the Triwizard Tournament. With more surprises promised, this is set to be an amazing addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To see all of the little details that have gone into making this spectacular ride, you’ll have to go on it a few times – riding in both the sidecar and on the bike!

There is plenty more to see and do though, in both Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, and over in Universal Studios’ Diagon Alley; be sure to catch the Hogswarts Express to take you between both lands of the Wizarding World! Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure joins a line-up of amazing rides; The Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringotts and Flight of the Hippogriff – not to mention all of the themed shops, Potter locations and details that you will see. Don’t forget to try a glass of Butterbeer after riding all of the coasters and exploring both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley!

This coaster combines innovative technology, special effects, immersive sets and great storytelling all in one place. It is set to raise the bar in roller coaster design which has to be a good thing for all thrill-seekers. Will you be at Islands of Adventure for the opening of this new ride? Let us know your thoughts and what you are looking forward to seeing on the ride the most!

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