In this article, we are going to rank the best Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is our favorite Harry Potter ride, and is the most popular by a long shot with an average wait time of 89 minutes. As you will see, guests can also choose to ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Hogwarts Express, and Flight of the Hippogriff. Plus, a brand new Harry Potter dark ride is opening with Epic Universe – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. 2So if you’re ready to find out everything you need to know about all Harry Potter Universal rides read on!
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There are a total of 5 (soon to be 6 with Epic Universe!) Harry Potter World Orlando rides, each offering varying thrill levels, technology, and more! In our opinion, the best Harry Potter ride is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, followed by Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Hogwarts Express, and Flight of the Hippogriff, in that order.
It’s also important to note that this Harry Potter ride list will change in 2025 with the opening of EPIC Universe and the brand new land, Harry Potter and the Battle at The Ministry. This ride will include special effects and a ride system similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. We update our ranking once Epic Universe opens and see if this new attraction will be the BEST Harry Potter ride yet.
Here is our ranking of the Harry Potter Orlando attractions based on various factors like special features, intensity, repeatability, and ride type.
New! Epic Universe Harry Potter Ride – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
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The newest Harry Potter ride coming to Universal is going to be opening with an entire theme park, Epic Universe, on May 22nd, 2025! Epic Universe looks like it is going to be out of this world and we cannot wait to see what their Creative Team comes up with for this attraction.
The Ride
Step inside the mysterious Ministry of Magic for an unforgettable adventure through the hidden corridors, magical departments, and guarded secrets of wizarding Britain’s government headquarters. Once on board, riders are whisked along a thrilling, spellbinding path where they’ll encounter enchanted lifts, magical mishaps, and captivating scenes from deep within the Ministry’s mysterious operations. With immersive sets, magical effects, and encounters with iconic characters, the ride brings to life the high-stakes world of the Ministry like never before.
Special Tips:
Make sure to get your tickets to Epic Universe to experience this brand-new Harry Potter ride coming in 2025 – especially if you are a Harry Potter fan! We are sure it is going to be very busy in it’s first months of opening, so we suggest checking out your travel plans to make sure you can experience this ride.
Category: Dark Ride, Story-Driven Adventure
Location: Epic Universe – Wizarding World Area
Special Features: Intricate Ministry of Magic sets, character appearances, unexpected magical moments, and detailed storytelling encapsulating the atmosphere of the wizarding government.
Related post: All EPIC Universe Rides Coming to Universal’s New Theme Park
Coming in at number 5, the worst Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando is the Flight of the Hippogriff. Introduced to the enchanting world of Hogsmeade Village at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the Flight of the Hippogriff offers fans of the Harry Potter films an immersive journey. This ride, while not the most heart-pounding compared to some other Harry Potter attractions, is a beloved experience, specially crafted for the younger witches and wizards.
The Ride
Journey around Hagrid’s iconic pumpkin patch with invaluable insights on magical creatures as shared by Hagrid himself. As the hippogriff-themed coaster takes flight, riders are treated to a series of swoops, dives, and high-flying adventures. But it’s not just the ride’s dynamics that capture the heart; one of its standout features is the unbeatable view of the Hogwarts Castle’s exterior. The grandeur of Hogwarts seen from the skies is undeniably a magical experience that amplifies the charm of this ride.
Special Tips:
While the Flight of the Hippogriff is ranked number 5 among the Harry Potter rides, it holds a special place for families, especially those with younger kids. The Flight of the Hippogriff is at the bottom of the list for Universal Studios Harry Potter rides for a few reasons. The ride’s more relaxed pace in contrast to the intense thrills of other attractions makes it both entertaining and accessible. For visitors aiming for a rollercoaster of emotions, other Harry Potter attractions might have an edge, but this ride guarantees a unique and memorable experience.
Category: Family Coaster, Wizarding Adventure
Location: Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade Village
Max Speed: 29 mph
Repeatability: This coaster is one you can ride again and again and might want to because it is very short. Flight of the Hippogriff duration is 1 minute 6 seconds.
Special Features: Immersive journey around Hagrid’s pumpkin patch, panoramic views of Hogwarts Castle’s exterior, guided tour by Hagrid’s voice
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Commence your journey on the Hogwarts Express with the meticulously replicated Kings Cross Station, which will instantly transport fans to London’s magical counterpart. Once inside the authentic train compartments, riders are whisked away on a journey reminiscent of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s adventures. One of the ride’s standout features? The spellbinding transition as guests walk through the brick wall to Platform 9 3/4. This special touch truly makes the Hogwarts Express an enchanting journey from start to finish.
Special Tips
There is a downfall to this Harry Potter ride. To journey aboard the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket. This is because it’s not just an attraction – it’s also a functional mode of transportation, shuttling guests between the two distinct Harry Potter lands located in separate theme parks.
Category: Immersive Train Journey, Wizarding Transport
Location: Between Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure and Kings Cross Station at Universal Studios Florida
Max Speed: 8 mph
Repeatability: We could ride the Hogwarts Express all day! Since the story is different both ways, it’s so fun to hop off and hop right back on the ride. It’s our favorite method of transportation between parks.
Special Features: Authentic recreation of Kings Cross Station, magical transition to Platform 9 3/4, two captivating storylines depending on the direction of travel.
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The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride is thrilling and dynamic with special bench seating that is unlike any ride before it. Your adventure begins as you step into Hogwarts and join the golden trio: Hermione, Ron, and Harry. But be prepared—this isn’t a simple stroll through the castle. This Harry Potter Ride Universal Orlando has groundbreaking 4-D simulation, where riders experience twists and turns where magic sometimes has its plans. The special bench seating catapults guests into heart-stopping encounters with dragons, shadowy Death Eaters, and massive spiders. For those who’ve dreamt of soaring through the air in a Quidditch match, the chase for the Golden Snitch alongside Harry is an exhilarating Wizarding World moment brought to life.
Special Tips
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is at the number 3 rank because first, it is the only Hogwarts ride at Universal inside the castle. While the Forbidden Journey ranks #3 for its unparalleled immersion and unique Hogwarts insights, potential riders should be cautious. The biggest downfall of this ride is that it can easily aggravate motion sickness for guests and just isn’t as exciting as the top two Universal Harry Potter rides.
Category: 4-D Simulation Adventure, Wizarding World Experience, Dark Ride
Location: Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade Village
Max speed: 23 mph
Repeatability: Personally, we are prone to motion sickness so we often sit this ride out. However, we love walking through the Forbidden Journey queue with the rest of our party and could do that countless times and see something new each time.
Special Features: Immersive journey through iconic Hogwarts Castle, heart-pounding confrontations with magical creatures, thrilling Quidditch gameplay experience.
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Throughout the Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts ride, anticipate heart-stopping drops, swift, intense turns, and chases that get your pulse racing. Augmented by state-of-the-art 4D technology, every moment on this Gringotts ride at Universal becomes a vivid memory. But a word to the wise: Gringotts’ vaults are a maze of secrets and surprises, including potential run-ins with dark forces, especially the one who lurks in the shadows—He Who Must Not Be Named.
Special Tips:
The allure of Escape from Gringotts is not just about the ride itself; it’s the full-bodied experience it offers. Even before the ride begins, the queue captivates with its meticulously detailed portrayal of Gringotts Bank. Engage with lifelike goblins, or get lost in the immersive pre-ride animations, such as the elevator’s dramatic descent. And, as a final touch, the majestic, fire-breathing dragon guarding the bank’s pinnacle ensures an indelible impression long after the ride concludes.
Category: 4-D Simulation Adventure, Coaster-type
Location: Universal Studios Florida – Diagon Alley
Max speed: 25 mph
Repeatability: If the wait time was low, we would ride this again and again. It is such a fun attraction with so many things to see.
Special Features: Dive deep into Gringotts Bank’s intricate world, confrontations with dark forces, interactions with detailed characters, and the majestic dragon overseeing Diagon Alley.
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Feel the adrenaline surge with pulse-quickening launches, dizzying drops, and electrifying speeds that are the hallmarks of top-tier roller coasters. Beyond the thrill, it’s the meticulous attention to theme, narrative, and ambiance that sets this ride apart. Whether you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast or an avid theme park explorer, this Harry Potter roller coaster in Universal undoubtedly tops the charts, rivaling even the intense rush of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
Special Tips:
For seasoned Universal-goers, this is the gold standard. No ride in Orlando has greater thrill, theme, and overall experience combined. As a must-do, we recommend this be your starting point during your Universal Studios Orlando expedition, especially considering its immense popularity. Especially as a bunch of Universal adults, you won’t find another ride that ticks all the boxes for the thrill, theme, experience, and more!
Category: Storytelling High-Speed Roller Coaster
Location: Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade Village
Max speed: 50 mph
Repeatability: I could ride Hagrid’s and never get tired of it! It is just THAT good
Special Features: Intricate theming taking riders through the Forbidden Forest, encounters with magical creatures like Fluffy, and the authentic feel of Hagrid’s motorbike journey. Capitalize on the Early Park Admission to sidestep the regular extended wait times.
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We simply feel like the ride style and new technology not only make this one of the best Universal roller coasters but also one of the best rides in all of Orlando. Universal was able to integrate so many of the magical creatures and easter eggs that we love from the Harry Potter books and movies. We also don’t believe we are the only ones who feel this way as Hagrid’s constantly has one of the highest wait times in the Universal theme parks with an average 89-minute wait compared to an average 32-minute wait for Flight of the Hippogriff. For this reason, we almost always recommend to go on Hagrid’s during early park admission when you can!
Related Page: Discount Tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A: The primary Harry Potter ride, located in Hogwarts castle, is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Guests will enter this attraction through the towering castle gates and make their way down the familiar passageways and corridors of Hogwarts. Then each guest will soar above the castle grounds as they join Harry and his friends on a thrilling adventure. It’s important to note that the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is almost as cool as the ride itself and something that every Harry Potter fan will want to see. Guests taking advantage of the Universal Orlando single-rider line will not be able to experience the entire walk-through inside of Hogwarts castle.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter currently has five (soon to be 6) rides. Three rides originally opened in 2010 as part of the Hogsmeade Village grand opening, and that section of the park has since replaced one of the rides with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and also the Hogwarts Express which connects Hogsmeade Village to Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley has since also debuted with one near Harry Potter ride of it’s own.
There are 5 (soon to be 6) Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando Resort split between the two main theme park which are Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Islands of Adventure is home to 3 Harry Potter rides, and Universal Studios is home to one Harry Potter ride with both parks sharing the last ride with it being the Hogwarts Express. Epic Universe will bring the brand new Harry Potter ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
The three main Universal Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure are Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Harry Potter and the Flight of the Hippogriff. It’s important to note that both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida share the Hogwarts Express which will transport guests between the two Wizarding World lands.
There are two separate Harry Potter Worlds at Universal Studios Orlando: Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley. There is also another Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is also Hogsmeade Village. There is about to be another with Epic Universe opening with another Harry Potter land themed after the Ministry of Magic and streets of Paris.
Another popular question we receive is, which Universal Studios has Harry Potter rides? And guests can enjoy Harry Potter rides at Universal Studios Orlando or Universal Hollywood. It’s important to note that Universal Orlando will have the most Harry Potter rides split between the two lands of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Studios Hollywood is only home to Hogsmeade and does not include the very popular Hogwarts Express which can be found on the east coast.
Hogwarts Express is the least scary Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando. It reaches speeds up to 8 mph, very slow moving, and fun for all ages. There is no minimum height requirement and is a very pleasant train ride from King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade Station.
Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
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