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Dueling Dragons Returning to Universal Orlando

Universal Islands of Adventure
Credit: Universal

The Dueling Dragons was a pair of inverted intertwined roller coasters at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. The two roller coasters opened with the park in 1999. Theme park guests would select the Fire Dragon or Ice Dragon, and the racing coasters would provide a similar – though not identical – experience. As part of the Lost Continent section of the theme park, themed to myths and legends, the roller coasters were located near Poseidon’s Fury, The Flying Unicorn (now The Flight of the Hippogriff), and The Mystic Fountain.

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Dueling dragons

Credit: Universal

The Dragon Challenge

However, things changed in 2007 when Universal Orlando attained the rights to build the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at their theme parks. The Dueling Dragons were rethemed to the Dragon Challenge, and the two dragons were renamed Hungarian Horntail and Chinese Fireball. The change also resulted in additions to the rides queue, theming it to the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

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Hagrid Takes Over

But again, in 2017, Universal decided to further expand Harry Potter’s presence with a new coaster – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The ride was built over the spot where the Dragon Challenge (formerly Dueling Dragons) was located. As such, fans of the Dueling Dragons lost their beloved ride.

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Harry Potter

Credit: Universal Studios

The Dragon’s Return

But it seems those fans of the former Islands of Adventure roller coasters have something to look forward to…

Starting August 30, 2023, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will have access to unique Dueling Dragons merchandise at Universal Studios Florida. The new items include a t-shirt, scented candle, and other surprises as part of the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. Are you ready to choose thy fate?

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popcorn bucket NEW Universal Halloween Horror Nights Frequent Fear Pass

Credit: Universal

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)