5 Best Rides At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter In Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a magical area spread across the two theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort and home to a number of thrilling rides and attractions that take you on thrilling and immersive adventures.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a thrill, here are the best rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The latest, and most popular ride within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure located in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

This is a highly-immersive roller coaster that takes guests on a journey through the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter some of the magical creatures featured in the Harry Potter series, such as Blast-Ended Skrewts and Fluffy the Three-Headed Dog.

Riders can experience the thrill of the open road as they fly through the forest on Hagrid’s enchanted motorbike or in the all-important sidecar.

This ride is currently not eligible for use with the Universal Express pass and often has standby wait times in excess of 90 minutes.

As such the easiest way to ‘skip the line’ on this ride is to arrive at the park for opening or obtain early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the time in which Islands of Adventure is the park opening early.

2. The Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express transports guests between Kings Cross Station, just outside of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios to Hogsmeade Station at Islands of Adventure (or vice versa).

Given this transportation, you will need a park-to-park ticket to go on this ride.

This ride has no height restrictions and is therefore a great choice for little Harry Potter fans who may be too short or scared to experience some of the more thrilling rides that the Wizarding World has to offer.

The story told on the Hogwarts Express varies depending on the journey you take, as such we recommend where possible going both from Kings Cross to Hogsmeade and from Hogsmeade back to Kings Cross.

Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the Hogwarts Express, however, children and guests must transfer and the strollers / wheelchairs collapsed. These items are then put on the train by the conductor once all guests have boarded and removed by the conductor at the other station.

3. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Situated inside Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade (Universal’s Islands of Adventure) is the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

This dark ride uses a combination of advanced robotics, elaborate sets, and 3D projection technology, to provide a truly immersive experience that simulates flying around Hogwarts.

During your journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione you’ll encounter several challenges, including a Quidditch match, a dragon attack, and a close encounter with the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort.

With its combination of thrilling action, stunning visuals, and beloved characters, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan visiting the theme park.

4. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Located inside Gringotts bank (below the fire-breathing dragon) in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida you’ll find Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

This multi-dimensional dark ride takes you on a journey through the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank, where you’ll encounter a host of iconic characters and creatures from the Harry Potter series, including the goblin bank tellers, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Lord Voldemort himself.

The ride combines high-tech special effects, detailed sets, and 3D projection technology to create a truly immersive experience that simulates a high-speed chase through the bank’s underground tunnels.

Throughout the ride, you’ll experience twists, turns, and drops as they join Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their quest to retrieve a valuable object from the depths of Gringotts.

5. Flight of the Hippogriff

The Flight of the Hippogriff ride in Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) is the second most family-friendly ride inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (after the Hogwarts Express) given the low height requirement of just 36″ with a supervising companion or 48″ without.

This ride takes visitors on a journey through the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter Hagrid and his beloved Hippogriff, Buckbeak.

The ride simulates a magical flight on the back of a Hippogriff, with twists, turns, and gentle drops that provide a thrilling but not too-intense experience.

Throughout the ride, visitors are surrounded by lush vegetation and special effects that bring the Forbidden Forest to life.

With its charming storyline and mild thrills, Flight of the Hippogriff is a great introductory rollercoaster for younger guests.