MAGICAL and mysterious things are happening at Universal Orlando with the opening of its latest Harry Potter attraction.
This time it is loveable grounds-keeper Hagrid taking centre stage.
5
Fans have been queuing for up to ten hours to experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure since it opened this week, making it one of the busiest in Universal’s history.
While the title is a bit of a mouthful, it says all you need to know about the latest innovative attraction at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as guests get the chance to ride Hagrid’s flying motorbike while encountering some of author JK Rowling’s most enchanting creations.
Wannabe wizards take on the role of students attending one of Hagrid’s often disastrous Care of Magical Creatures lessons.
They join him on an adventure to find the mysterious beasts that live within the spooky Forbidden Forest, such as Fluffy the three-headed dog, Cornish Pixies, and a Blast-Ended Skrewt, a creature that appeared in the books but never featured in the films.
5
After a leisurely and scenic start, events soon take a turn for the dramatic as the motorbike backfires, leading to a series of shock drops and backward falls.
With a 17ft plunge and reaching speeds of 50mph, the ride features more bursts of acceleration than any other rollercoaster in the world.
The mile-long track is the longest of all Florida’s theme parks and the state-of-the-art technology means it is a smooth ride throughout.
Riders will get a completely different experience depending on where they sit, with the motorbike’s driving seat being more immersive in the swooping bends, and the sidecar getting more intense acceleration.
5
The vehicle features speakers and lights, with Hagrid narrating your journey backed by an atmospheric soundtrack.
The bravest of adrenaline junkies should head for the motorbike. With no riders in front and complete upper body freedom, as you grab the handles and soar across lakes and trees — it’s mind-blowing.
With 1,200 real trees surrounding you, guests will feel like they are soaring through the heart of the Forbidden Forest, a world away from the bustling theme park.
Harry Potter fanatics will be kept entertained while waiting to board the ride, with the line winding through the edge of the Forbidden Forest and inside Hagrid’s hut and classroom.
5
From the moment you start queuing until you get off the motorbike, Hagrid’s heart-pounding adventure is in a league of its own, with a seamless blend of high-speed thrills and elaborate effects.
After your journey with Hagrid, there are still four more Harry Potter-themed rides to try out, with a real steam train replica of the Hogwarts Express taking you between the wizarding shopping mecca of Diagon Alley and the village of Hogsmeade.
Of course, no visit would be complete without following in Harry’s footsteps by drinking your first Butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron pub, and heading to Ollivander’s wand shop.
5
Cast a vanishing spell on the queues by staying at one of the seven on-site hotels at Universal Orlando, all of which offer guests early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The newest offering, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn & Suites, is the theme park’s first value category hotel, with rates for a six-sleeper room starting at £87 a night.
Go: Universal Studios, Florida
Getting/staying there: Seven nights’ room only at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites for two adults and two children (aged three-nine) sharing a two-bedroom suite is from £1,796, including return flights and Three Park Explorer Tickets for 14 days access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.
The hotel has a chic beach style but stands out with its focus on convenience. Self-service dining areas mean guests will never pay more than £10 for a meal.
A constant shuttle bus service takes thrill-seeking guests straight to the parks and into the middle of all the action, with transport running until the early hours.
Universal’s CityWalk bars and restaurants mean the fun continues long after dark.
