A New Wizarding Adventure!

​With the fall officially launched, I wanted to share some magical tips and a first hand review of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!!!  Since the ride opened last summer, there have been some procedure changes, but the thrill is still the same!

 
This ride is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, within the Hogsmeade portion of the Wizarding World, so totally take some time to hang out for a bit and sip your favorite Butterbeer as you prepare to ride!!! ​

​Before you enter the theme park:
Download the Universal, Orlando app
Before you enter the parks, take a minute to download the Official Universal, Orlando Resort app.  Hagrid’s ride now opens at the same time Island’s of Adventure opens (instead of midday, which is a change from this summer).  When you walk into the theme park, I highly recommend checking the wait times right away. 
 
If there is a high wait time, use the app to set a “wait time alert”.  Your phone will send you a push notification when the line has dropped to / below the time that that you specified.  This will give you time to leisurely explore Hogsmeade, or other areas of Island’s of Adventure vs. standing in line!

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​Before you ride:
Place loose items in lockers
Many of Universal, Orlando’s rides require you to place your personal items in lockers before you ride an attraction – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures ride is one of theme.
 
****NEW – there are now two types of lockers:
1)  Free:  these are smaller and look like a very deep PO Box
2)  Fee:  these are larger and require you to pay EACH time that you use one

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Double check locker retrieval method!!!
There are TWO types of retrieval methods – a finger scan and a ticket scan.  Hagrid’s ride is the “Ticket scan”.
 
Totally make sure that you review the retrieval method BEFORE you close the locker door - with your ticket possibly inside L
 
EARS TIP:  I’m not saying HOW I know this – but if you DO lock your ticket inside the locker, there are staff members with locker keys in all areas to help you!!!

While you wait
This will be a long queue with two parts:
1)  Outside the “castle” – you will see Hagrid’s hut and the outer grounds of Hogwarts
2)  Inside the “castle” – you will see different mystical creatures and magical characters
 

​I would really recommend taking the time to look at all the beautiful designs (including some wall art detailing the original ride that had been in this location years ago – the Dragon Challenge!).

Throughout the queue, we saw many people who chose to bring food and drinks with them as they waited.   If you have little ones who get thirsty – there ARE drinking fountains and beverage stations situated throughout the line.
 
EARS TIP:  If you find that you need to take a “bathroom break” while you are waiting, I recommend going after you leave the “Hatchery”.  In the next room, there is an opening in the wall with a rope and usually a staff member to give you instructions of how to get back in line.
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​The ride
When you arrive at the front of the queue, you will get into a 2 person “motorbike”.  There is a main seat and a side car.  Both have the same apparatus that hold you in place while you ride.

​EARS TIP:  I recommend having a discussion BEFORE you ride to see who will ride on the motorbike and who will ride in the side car in order to keep the line moving quickly. 
 
……once everyone is seated – you’re off!!!  You’ll be whisked away into a world with magical and mystical creatures (keep your eyes open for a possible unicorn sighting!!!).  With such fun dips and drops, this is easily my new favorite ride here!!!

 
Totally let me know what you think about the experience!!!!