We experienced the ride first-hand for ourselves and also had a catch-up with some very special guests.
Earlier this year, we announced a new upcoming ride that would be coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort’s real-life recreation of the Wizarding World we know and love from the Harry Potter films. Now, that ride is officially open – and it’s all about a certain Hogwarts gamekeeper.
This latest ride, named Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, boasts several ground-breaking new features, including a fully immersive Forbidden Forest with live trees, a series of surprise drops, a state of the art animated model replica of Robbie Coltrane, and the creation of several magical creatures. And now the time has come to finally see it in the flesh.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opens today! So rev your engines and get ready for a thrilling ride... pic.twitter.com/tWrxIMnlTH
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 13, 2019
Harry Potter stars Tom Felton, Rupert Grint, the Phelps twins, Evanna Lynch and Warwick Davis appeared at the grand opening to wave the Hagrid flag of support, so of course we had to say hello.
So fun to reunite with my ‘students’ from #Hogwarts at @UniversalORL for the opening of ‘Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure’. They are all quite ‘charming’! pic.twitter.com/L5IrICj7VQ
— Warwick Davis (@WarwickADavis) June 12, 2019
Hogwarts, reunited. Tom Felton and Rupert Grint say hello from @UniversalORL at the special preview of Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure! 💫 pic.twitter.com/snK9KJ7w1T
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 12, 2019
As for the ride itself, Pottermore actually got to experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure along with some lucky fans. The attraction involves hurtling through the Forbidden Forest on a motorbike that looks very much like Hagrid’s (or you can sit in the sidecar) and off you go at a whirlwind pace.
Speeds reach up to 50mph - largely thanks to Arthur Weasley’s magical modifications, which includes a highly dangerous ‘dragon fire’ feature. Molly will definitely have something to say about this... pic.twitter.com/87trFHnp7g
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 13, 2019
So, what did the fans think? Here's one review...
And an even tougher challenge - can you describe the new Hagrid ride in just three words? pic.twitter.com/64GrQg4Go9
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 13, 2019
The ride wasn't the only surprise for the fans, who got an extra-special surprise when our Harry Potter film residents decided to join them. We chatted to Ashley and Chelsea (two proud Slytherins) who were thrilled to bump into the actors, including fellow Slytherin, Draco Malfoy - (well, Tom Felton) who decided to sit with them for the experience. As you do.
When you get to ride a rollercoaster with @TomFelton and @Evy_Lynch 😱 pic.twitter.com/OiBLsHjvYF
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 13, 2019
'Getting to experience the ride with the cast members for the first time was so amazing', Chelsea said, looking somewhat shocked.
'And the ride itself? It's my favourite one here.'
As well as the thrills, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is also packed with easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans to spot - including actual eggs...
As with any Hogwarts lesson, there are little tests along the way. Any guess which magical creature these gigantic eggs belong to? pic.twitter.com/URNpxGis0S
— Pottermore (@pottermore) June 13, 2019
Basically, this is the best Care of Magical Creatures class ever. And you can bet that the views are pretty great too.
A peek at the beautiful Hogwarts castle from inside Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. #WizardingWorldOrlando pic.twitter.com/Lwt31BQo35
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) June 11, 2019
Of course, we don’t want to spoil all the surprises of the ride for you but rest assured – in the words of Hagrid – this rollercoaster a ‘thumpin’ goodun’’.
For more information on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, check out Universal Orlando’s official website.
Also, take a look at our Twitter page to see even more amazing footage from the days' events!
