The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A Guide for Muggles

                                                    

Is there an extra charge? No, once you pay the fee for Universal's Islands of Adventure, there is no extra fee to become completely engulfed in the world of Harry Potter. 

The Attractions

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The flagship attraction at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Forbidden Journey, which Universal has called "the heart" of the entire park. The journey takes visitors in and around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on an "enchanted bench." The ride uses state-of-the-art technology such as audio animatronics and wrap-around projection screens, as well as meticulously replicated and researched props. Guests load into a coaster, which takes them around Hogwart's Castle, past the Whomping Willow and a mob of Dementors, and then through a Quidditch match. 

Ride Hosts: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger

Specifics: You must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) for the ride, which lasts around four minutes. 

For Harry Potter Fans: The experience of entering Hogwarts Castle starts when you enter the line to the Forbidden Journey, where you will wind through a maze of familiar items. You will pass by the Headmaster's office, Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room, as well as get a chance to see the famous talking portraits and Mirror of Erised. In each room, characters from the books will greet you and some special effects are thrown in -- but we don't want to ruin any surprises! 

For Theme Park Fans: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is considered a "Dark Ride" -- a ride that takes guests on a guided tour through scenes that use animation, sound, music and special effects to transfer them into another world. If you really have no idea who this Harry Potter fellow is, you may find the characters and scenes along the way confusing. Still, if you are looking for an introduction to the world of Harry Potter, there is no better starting point! 

Dragon Challenge

The Dragon Challenge at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has two attractions in one: this dueling roller coaster allows guests to choose their own adventure. Although both rides start by climbing the same hill, that's where the similarity ends. From there, each coaster breaks off into a series of loops and swoops that appear to overlap and chase each other. In homage to Harry Potter, each ride has been named after a different breed of dragon from the book: "Hungarian Horntail" and "Chinese Fireball." 

History: The ride was originally opened by Universal under the name Dueling Dragons in 1999 and was renamed as a tribute to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is the only dueling inverted roller coaster in the world. 

Specifics: Chinese Fireball hits speeds up to 60 miles per hour (96.6 km/h), whereas the Hungarian Horntail goes up to 55 miles per hour (88.5 km/h). Both rides last about two and a half minutes. Visitors must be at least 54 inches (138 centimeters) tall to ride. 

For Harry Potter Fans: While waiting in line for the Dragon Challenge, guests will wind pass Hagrid's Hut and the Weasley's flying Ford Anglia, before reaching a large pedestal with the Goblet of Fire glowing on top. 

For Theme Park Fans: Roller coaster fans might want to choose their ride based on the specific characteristics of each. If you're looking for a moment of weightlessness, go for the Hungarian Horntail which as a Zero-g roll. If corkscrews are more up your alley, line up for the Chinese Fireball, which boasts more than its competitor. It's up to you to choose which option you think is better -- or take both for a spin! 

Flight of the Hippogriff

Designed for families, Flight of the Hippogriff is a roller coaster that has been made to look like a wicker creature used for training at Hogwarts. The creature, a Hippogriff, has the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse. This steel ride has a lot of dips and turns, but no loops. 

Ride Host: Rubeus Hagrid

History: Formerly known as the Flying Unicorn, this ride originally debuted in 2000 in Universal Orlando's Lost Continent area. In its previous incarnation, the ride looked like a unicorn instead of a Hippogriff. 

Specifics: The maximum height the Flight of the Hippogriff reaches is 42 feet (13 meters), and the max speed is 28.5 miles per hour (45.9 km/h). The ride lasts just over one minute, and you must be three feet (91 centimeters) tall to ride. 

For Harry Potter Fans: The back-story to the ride is that it simulates a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle. As you are lead through the line, you will pass Hagrid's Hut and the Forest, all while learning how to properly care for magical creatures. While on the ride, you will travel through Hogwarts Grounds, including the well-known pumpkin patch. 

For Theme Park Fans: Roller coaster enthusiasts might not find this ride thrilling, but it is a nice alternative to the more extreme Dragon Challenge and more involved Forbidden Journey. From the top of the first hill you also get a nice overview of the park.