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Hagrid coaster opens at Universal – visitors wait up to 10 hours to ride

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Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure story coaster

As Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened at Universal Orlando Resort, guests waited up to 10 hours to ride the new ‘story coaster’.

Earlier this week, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter welcomed guests to its latest attraction, with the Universal Orlando website cautioning “high demand“.

The Universal Orlando site also suggested using the Virtual Line system on the official app, but the app will only have access to the ride from today, June 14.

According to the local ABC outlet, the estimated waiting time was eight hours by 8.30am, and 10 hours by 10am. The park opens at 9am, but guests were arriving as early as 6am to get in line.

In reply to a guest, Universal also tweeted: “Currently, we are estimating the wait time to be approximately 8 hours #AskUniversal.”

To celebrate the opening, Harry Potter stars Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick) and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) recited the iconic spell, ‘Wingardium Leviosa’, revealing the entrance and welcome guests.

As they said the spell, Hagrid’s supplies for tending magical creatures – including trunks and storage containers – magically flew away.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Featuring rich sets, rare magical creatures, groundbreaking coaster technology and a captivating storyline, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s new addition is highly-themed and immersive.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the longest roller coaster in Florida, at 5,053 feet. With seven total launches, it boasts the most launches of any roller coaster in the world.

Guests will catapult 65 feet in the air at a 70-degree angle and will drop nearly 17 feet.

Hogsmeade Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

In a special message to commemorate the occasion, Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane said: “I’m excited to welcome you to this new chapter of magic here at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Be sure to hang on to your motorbike, and most importantly, have fun everyone.”

Images: Universal

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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