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Universal Orlando Announces Closure of Harry Potter Attraction

Universal Orlando has announced the closure of one of its most popular attractions next month, disappointing Harry Potter fans of all ages.

universal studios orlando

Credit: Universal

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Universal Studios Orlando opened just down the street from rival Walt Disney World in June 1990, and it has been a destination hotspot in the Orlando area ever since. But in June 2010, a new addition to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park would forever change the landscape and history of the resort–as well as the Disney/Universal rivalry–forever.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in the summer of 2010, and the Harry Potter universe of fandom descended upon the parks in an unprecedented showing.

Aerial view of the thousands lined up for the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Grand Opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure June 2010/Credit: NBC News

“Harry Potter World” brought to life the imagination of the author behind the Harry Potter books series, JK Rowling. It opened with shops and an uber-detailed recreation of the fictitious village of Hogsmeade, as well as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Hogwarts Express train that belches out steam. On opening day, The Wizarding World also featured two roller coasters–Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Years later, the Dragon Challenge attraction was closed, but something amazing was on its way.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first opened at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in June 2019 to thousands of guests, each one anxious with anticipation over the brand-new experience inside the Universal park. On the attraction’s first day of operation, wait times in the queue for the ride were rumored to be as long as 8 to 10 hours.

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Waiting in line for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure : r/UniversalOrlando

Credit: Reddit: r/universalstudios

The ride is a steel motorbike roller coaster located at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Hogsmeade section of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park. It is one of the most daring and immersive roller coaster rides in Florida–and perhaps the world.

Universal Orlando invites guests to “join Hagrid as you fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the paths of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures and experience Universal’s most highly themed, immersive coaster.”

7 Thrilling Details About Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - Discover Universal

Credit: Discover Universal

On Friday, however, Orlando Informer shared an announcement made by Universal Studios Orlando Resort–that Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure will close on February 21, 2023. But it’s not all bad news.

Per the announcement, “Class will resume shortly! Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure will be temporarily closed from 2/21/2023 to 3/5/2023.” Hagrid will only be MIA for a little while before returning in early March to welcome guests along for the ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

About Becky Burkett

Becky's from the Lone Star State and has been writing since she was 10 and encountered her first Disney Park when she was 11. It was love at first Main Street Electrical Parade. Joy is blank lined journals, 0.7 mm pens, and all things Walt, Woody and Buzz, PIXAR, Imagineering, Sleeping Beauty (make it blue!), Disney Parks history and EPCOT. At Disney World, you'll find her croonin' with the birdies at the Enchanted Tiki Room or hangin' with Woody and the gang at Toy Story Land. If you can dream, you really can do it!