Operations Update for Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

Guests continue to rave about Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, but experiencing this hit attraction has remained challenging. After opening this summer the coaster started opening later than the rest of the park and ran at reduced capacity. Since then the attraction moved to closing before the rest of the park, experienced periods of extended downtime, and continued to post long waits.

Since our last update on the attraction several circumstances have changed that could impact your touring plans and experiencing the attraction. In this article we will cover new tips learned from my most recent visit that will help you save time.

Operating Hours

This summer Universal made the choice to close Hagrid in the early evening to allow maintenance and operation teams time to improve the coaster’s reliability and capacity. When this occurs the attraction is listed as “At Capacity” on the display board and in the app. Starting in September, Universal modified these plans to increase guest satisfaction.

Universal advises guests to enter the queue prior to 3:00 p.m. to ride Hagrid. Based on our observations the entrance sometimes closes later on weekends, up to as late at 6:00 p.m. If you are visiting, enter the queue prior to 3:00 p.m., with the possibility of the line closing at 6:00 p.m. on weekends.

Downtime

Hagrid is a state-of-the-art roller coaster that combines seven launches (the most of any coaster), two fast switch tracks, a backwards section, and free-fall drop. These complex components cause issues resulting in a delayed opening or delays during the day. Additionally the coaster will shut down in heavy rain and if lightning is detected around the resort.

On days with extended delays in the morning (“Delayed” on the display board and app) the ride might stay open later into the evening. For example, on a recent day with a Delay into the afternoon the attraction remained open till park close (despite the app still listed the attraction as “Delayed”). If the ride is Delayed we advise moving onto the next step of your touring plan and returning once the attraction opens, before 3:00 p.m.

Capacity

Universal is running Hagrid with fewer trains than originally designed. By running fewer trains the ride will operate with fewer shutdowns; so while fewer guests will ride an hour the overall daily guest throughput will be higher.

The good news is Universal and Intamin have not given up. Since opening, the total amount of trains on the track has increased, leading to reduced wait times. Universal is using the reduced operating hours during the week to continue testing and adjusting the ride programming. At this time a full queue, with no delays, is approximately a two-hour wait.

Virtual Queue

Prior to opening Universal announced Hagrid would use a Virtual Queue when lines spill into Hogsmeade. So far we have not seen Universal offer this, even when lines extended into Hogsmeade or the rest of the park. We expect this is due to unpredictable downtime. As such do not plan on Universal offering Virtual Queue when you visit the park for the foreseeable future.

Touring Suggestions

Hagrid is experiencing similar growing paints to Flight of Passage, except when a theater for Flight of Passage would go down there would be three others to cover the slack. Despite our warnings and updates, riding Hagrid is no longer an all-day affair. We have seen posted wait times inflated about 25% compared to actual waits. A 90-minute posted wait is actually closer to 60-75 minutes and a 120-minute posted wait is closer to 90.

Try following these tips in addition to your Touring Plan to save time and have fun:

• Arrive at the park 60 to 90 minutes prior to advertised opening. Upon entry follow Team Member directions to the queue for Hagrid. The quickest way is to hug the lagoon path through Seuss Landing, following to the left of Green Eggs and Ham. Experience Hagrid.
• If the attraction is Delayed at park opening skip Hagrid and follow the rest of your touring plan, checking in on the Universal Orlando app or wait times boards around the park to see if the ride is open. Ride once the attraction opens. Note: Wait times will be inflated the first hour the attraction is open.
• Be prepared to be in the line for Hagrid prior to 3:00 p.m. to experience the attraction.
• Instances where the ride is closed all day, close out your Touring Plan and return to Islands of Adventure for the final hour of the park. Enjoy Hogsmeade while keeping an eye on the attraction for a late opening.

Operating conditions can change at any time with no notification. Check with Universal Orlando and Guest Relations for the most up to date information.

Have you traveled to the Forbidden Forrest with Hagrid? How was your lesson? Post below with your tips and tricks.