Wizarding World rides to prioritize
1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Location: Islands of Adventure
When it’s time to choose the next roller coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, don’t be cowed by the lengthy lines at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — it’s worth it.
According to CNBC, “Within an hour of opening on Thursday [June 13, 2019], Universal’s newest Harry Potter ride in Orlando, Florida, has a 10-hour wait,” adding that the attraction was a “$300 million investment.”
Now, with an average wait that often reaches two to three hours, the ride gives honorary Hogwarts students a thrill as intoxicating as a quick swig of Felix Felicis after exploring the Forbidden Forest. Guests can choose a motorcycle or sidecar, but in true Hagrid fashion, what comes next is unpredictable — maybe it’s a legendary launch, a sudden track drop or even the rare sight of a unicorn.
2. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Location: Epic Universe
At Universal Epic Universe, visitors can tour 1920s Paris, inspired by Fantastic Beasts, before using the iconic Métro-Floo to travel to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic on the very day when Dolores Umbridge is set to face trial.
Upon arrival, witches and wizards will join the queue, beginning near the Fountain of Magic Brethren and weaving through familiar offices, like Professor Dumbledore’s, on their way to the attraction.
According to NBC, “The queue for the attraction is nearly as fascinating as the ride, featuring a gorgeous Fountain of Magical Brethren and nearly 125,000 colorful tiles.”
When the cart arrives, almost indistinguishable from a jury box, place any belongings on the floor and buckle up.
The motion simulation rises, drops and swings with ease as riders help Harry, Ron and Hermione in saving the Ministry of Magic. From battling Death Eaters to encountering a wild Erumpent, the pressure soars as riders race to catch Umbridge before she reaches a broken Time-Turner — one that could turn back time to Lord Voldemort’s near-victory at the Battle of Hogwarts, potentially rewriting history.
Read our Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride review.
Join us in the Ministry of Magic by watching our YouTube video.
3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Location: Universal Studios Florida
In Diagon Alley, stroll toward the large dragon perched on Gringotts Bank which houses the entrance to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. This 3-D/4-D ride reimagines the golden trio’s adrenaline-filled journey to infiltrate the goblin-operated bank, breaking into the Lestrange family vault in a rush to find one of Voldemort’s last remaining Horcruxes, bringing Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to life.
Before joining the line, stick around for the clock to strike the quarter hour and witness the dragon’s flames, but stand back, as these captivating eruptions reach extreme temperatures.
Dragon atop Gringotts Bank.
Photo by Mackenzie Spangler
Following the fiery display, place any belongings in the free lockers near the ride entrance and prepare for the encounter of a lifetime.
Walking through the queue allows fans to explore Gringotts Bank, eventually winding underground to board a coaster-like cart on which riders will blast off into the dark.