Skip to content
Go to Home Page
News

Would You Wait 10 Hours for the Latest Harry Potter Ride, Hagrid's Coaster?

Articles
Edward Pizzarello covers family travel for TPG Family and also blogs at Pizza in Motion. You can find him hosting the Miles to Go podcast and eating doughnuts on Twitter and Instagram.
June 13, 2019
•
4 min read
942Hagrids Magical Creatures and Motorbike Adventure051019LineRide VehicleInteriorsExteriors Scope Shots
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

We all know Harry Potter is popular. If you don't, it's a mighty hefty rock you're living under. We also know that theme park lines can be long. Really long. We've recorded waits as long as five hours at Disney World (and can't quite figure out why people wait that long). But, what about a line twice that long?

That's what happened this morning for the debut of Universal Orlando's newest ride. Don't get me wrong, we're excited for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. But, even we didn't anticipate this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqNZZZACfp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

If you arrived early enough in the morning, the line was a more manageable six hours. Gulp! That's still a LONG wait!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqJqOhgaYl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Maybe you're thinking the numbers are exaggerated. However, we heard from folks who saw stanchions being setup for Hagrid's line in Seuss Landing, which is a long way from Hogsmeade. And, TPG Family has one of our folks, Rona Gindin, in line to bring you the latest information on what Day 1 is like. Early reports from Rona are that it'll be about an eight-hour wait before she gets to ride Hagrid's Motorbike for the first time. Thankfully, Universal is handing out water and allowing bathroom breaks to those in line.

Mother Nature Throws in a Weather Delay

TPG reporter Rona Gindin has been in line all day and weather has temporarily closed the ride several times. (Photo by Rona Gindin)

Almost 10 hours into the day, the weather has started to wreak havoc with those most committed. After standing in line most of the day, folks are having to wait while the ride closes intermittently for bad weather.

Fortunately for those waiting in line, the thunderstorms seem to be moving out of the area in the late afternoon. So, folks should still get a chance to ride, unless Orlando's penchant for summer thunderstorms decides to have a late night.

Almost there! The wait continues. (Photo by Rona Gindin)
Almost there! The wait continues. (Photo by Rona Gindin)

Fans Having Fun Despite the Wait

TPG will have a full review of Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure for you shortly, as soon as Rona has had a chance to actually make her way through the entire line. From the looks of Instagram, some of the most dedicated Potter Heads have chosen to sit out Day 1 while others seem to be enjoying the heck out of the new ride. We're there at the beginning and will have a firsthand look for you shortly!

Sign up for our daily newsletter

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqJcyLh_f4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BypjpnTlIyP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqOOtHg7lb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bottom Line

If today is any indication, lines for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure may push expectations for the coming weeks and maybe even months. Follow our coverage to learn more about the ride and making the best use of your time at Universal Orlando.

Read on for more Universal Studios tips and reviews:

Featured image by Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando