originally posted on 7/6/2019
Photo: Courtesy Universal. View full-sized image.
On May 28, 1999, Universal opened what it is considered to be by many among the best theme parks in the world, Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. One of the opening day attractions was a roller coaster named Dueling Dragons. This Bolliger & Mabillard creation was the only dueling inverted coaster in the world. The ride — and its queue — were revered by many.
After being renamed Dragon Challenge in 2010 as part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade expansion, this coaster suffered serious incidents in 2011, which resulted in Universal deciding to cease the battling nature of this coaster. With the ride no longer dueling, it went from being the world’s only dueling inverted coaster (which was dramatically amazing) to being simply two good inverted coasters. The ride lost some of its appeal, and the crowds waned. Universal also realized that Dragon Challenge did not fit well into the themes and “family friendly” emphasis of the Wizarding World. A change was needed.
On July 8, 2014, Universal debuted the first expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by opening Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. The headline attraction was Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, and with it, storytelling reached new heights on a coaster. While this attraction has been extremely well received, it is considered by many to be very screen heavy and, thus, much more story than coaster. The question is, then, could an attraction be built with a better balance?
With Dragon Challenge on the chopping block, Universal found an opportunity. If Dragon Challenge was removed, there would be a very large plot of prime real estate located right next to the legendary Hogwart’s Castle. Universal decided to create an attraction that is equal story and coaster. It looked to Intamin, the prime contractor it had worked with most recently on Escape From Gringotts, to provide some of the key technology and expertise to make this a headlining attraction. And, with this, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure was born.
Photo: Andrew Locke. View full-sized image.
Photo: Ken Jones. View full-sized image.
One of the fan favorite aspects of Dueling Dragons and Dragon Challenge was its elaborately themed queue, which had riders weaving through the ruins of a medieval castle. Thankfully, much of that remains today as part of the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure queue. All sorts of graffiti markings are on the walls, including the words “Dueling Club,” which is clearly a nod to Dueling Dragons. Illustrations of various magical creatures are seen, several of which visitors will encounter during the ride. Hagrid has left tools and equipment scattered about and also numerous dragon eggs. In the final room before the boarding area, the roof is composed entirely of video screens that simulate the sights and sounds of motorbikes zooming overhead. The effect is quite convincing with many guests believing that real motorbikes are, in fact, moving around right above them.
Once reaching the boarding area, riders realize two things. First, the trains that Intamin provided for this attraction are incredibly detailed. Riders can see full controls on the motorbikes, working headlights and more. Second, the motorbike trains are boarded using a continuously moving platform, just like other Universal Orlando attractions, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as well as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Photo: Andrew Locke. View full-sized image.
Track length is 5,053 feet. With a ride time of nearly four minutes, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a coaster with one of the longest ride times in the world. During this journey, riders will encounter multiple show scenes consisting of various magical creatures (most of which are animatronics), special effects and more. Both on- and off-board audio add to the immersion.
Photo: Ken Jones. View full-sized image.
What about the coaster itself, though? Intamin, a company that has become a master of modern linear synchronous motor (LSM)-launched coasters, along with fast track switches, definitely does not disappoint here. With seven launches (the most of any coaster in the world), a spike element (and resulting backward section), a drop track and a top speed of 50 mph, this coaster may be family friendly, but it is also quite thrilling as well. Intamin, utilizing its quick track switch technology, ensures that there are no pauses in the ride. Unlike Expedition Everest, the Vekoma beast down the street at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure does not need to stop to wait for the multiple track switches along the course of the ride to occur.
With regard to the track layout and pacing of this ride, one can think of this coaster as the spiritual love child of Cedar Point’s Maverick (another Intamin LSM creation) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Verbolten (a Zierer LSM coaster and the first in the United States to feature a drop track element). Although there are no inversions in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, there are plenty of Intamin trademark overbanked curves, quick transitions and intense launches. The ride makes good use of the terrain, especially during the helix element, which passes around a small lake.
Part of the theming comes from the forest setting. Universal planted more than 1,000 trees. Over time, this should greatly improve the ride experience. The trees and a top height of only 65 feet keep much of the ride hidden.
Photo: Courtesy Universal. View full-sized image.
The successor to Dueling Dragons/Dragon Challenge had large “shoes” to fill. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, with its impressive storytelling elements, superb track layout and wonderful ride experience, lives up to its calling. Many will likely consider this new coaster the best attraction at the Universal Orlando resort.
— Andrew Locke
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