Everything you need to know about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

There’s so much going on at Universal Orlando Resort at the moment, and last night I was lucky enough to be invited to the suitably Hogwarts-esque St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London to hear more about all the exciting new experiences, including the brand new coaster attraction featuring everyone’s favourite Professor. Here’s everything you need to know about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

What’s happening this year at Universal Orlando Resort?

Well firstly, there are two new restaurants: the new Today Café, will bring a New York City vibe to Universal Studios this spring, and will be like walking on to the set of the Today show, serving food inspired by classic New York fare. There’s also a brand new restaurant coming to Universal CityWalk, as well as the 7th hotel, Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites which will open in July 2019, with 750 rooms, more than half being two bedroomed suites. And then in 2020, Dockside Inn and Suites will open (booking is available now), bringing the rooms to 9000, with all the same benefits as staying at any other Universal Orlando Resort hotel, so there’s no excuse not to bag a resort hotel. I told you about these gorgeous new value hotels back in May last year.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Attractions wise, a new music and projection mapping show: The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, featuring some of the darkest characters and villains from the Harry Potter franchise, including Lord Voldemort himself.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle. Pic: media.universalorlando.com

Everything you need to know about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

And then, this summer, a brand new experience will be opening at Hogsmeade Village: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Replacing the Dragon Challenge coaster that stood opposite Hogwarts Castle, it stars one of the most popular Harry Potter characters, lovely Hagrid. Opening June 13th,the coaster will take you deep into the mysterious and dangerous Forbidden Forest, a place full of mysterious magical creatures. We were lucky enough to hear from Draco Malfoy himself, Tom Felton, who told us all about how Hagrid, with his soft spot for all magical creatures always felt right at home in the Forbidden Forest and is the perfect person to take us on a thrilling new journey into the dark forest.

We then heard from the brilliant Alan Gilmore, who was Art Director on the Harry Potter films and has been instrumental in bringing the theme park to life. He told us that they had planted more than 1200 real trees to create the Forbidden Forest, and how guests will join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures Class, then board motorbikes, specially designed to give the sensation of flight. You’ll be able to ride either the motorbike or the side car, with the experience being different with each - and fly deep into the Forbidden Forest on a twisting, turning roller coaster, going both forwards and backwards at speeds of up to 50mph in an adventure in search of the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures. Alan told us that guests will encounter Fluffy, the monstrous three headed dog, as well as those mischievous Cornish Pixies, as well as magestic Centaurs. You might even become entangled in a thicket of Devil’s Snare, or have an encounter with a never before seen magical creature. Expect a highly themed, immersive coaster experience that’s heavy on the story telling, with an innovative use of technology

And then incredibly, the wonderful Robbie Coltrane - actual Hagrid! - came in (in a wheelchair - he told us that he’s just about to have a knee operation) to let us in on a few secrets (‘I should not have told you that!). It seems like - as always with the lovable Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts - things don’t always go completely to plan with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and you might even expect a few surprises, like an 18ft drop and a part where the attraction apparently breaks down! Robbie also told us that there’s an introduction that ‘sort of lets you know what to expect, but also lets you know not to expect anything’ which is very mysterious!

Actual Hagrid - Robbie Coltrane - talking to Alan Gilmore about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open on June 13, 2024 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida.