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.
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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The Dragon’s Return
But it seems those fans of the former Islands of Adventure roller coasters have something to look forward to…
Universal just posted on TikTok that they’ll have Dueling Dragons merchandise available for UOAPs in the tribute store! #HHN32 #HHN pic.twitter.com/gxcU3fLayE
— HHNSpeculationMatt (@SpeculationMatt) August 29, 2023
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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