Universal Orlando Gives Update On Closed Fan-Favorite Wizarding World Event, And It’s Not Great News

Harry, Hermione, and Harry in Deathly Hallows poster
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Throughout its history as a Universal Orlando resort attraction, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has had its ups and downs. Prone to a host of problems in its early days of operation at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s roller coaster has rehabilitated its image in more recent years. Unfortunately, it looks like not-so great news has hit this thrill ride yet again, as apparently the currently closed pre-show area for the attraction has no reopening date in sight.

An eager fan requesting an update on whether or not Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure would restore its pre-show experience is what kicked this whole matter off. Courtesy of an official social media response through Universal Orlando’s Twitter feed, here’s what the park's reps had to say: 

Alas, beyond the seemingly indefinite closure of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures’ pre-show, there’s no other information on why this closure even took place. However, there is a bit of speculation to that point, as other reports seem to cite the ever-lengthy queue for the coaster as the reason for this particular removal. While it’s probably nowhere near the insane 10-hour waits Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure originally incurred, anything that could keep the lines moving is probably a welcome change.

It’s not hard to see why this Harry Potter-based experience has a pre-show that fans would be asking about. In order to really set the mood for this crazy journey into the Forbidden Forest, there’s a small pre-show that shows Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) preparing some magical motorbikes for the journey ahead. Though it may be closed at the moment, you can watch the pre-show experience in the video provided below:

Immersion is always key when it comes to rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, but it’s doubly important when you’re somewhere like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Without the pre-show you just watched, there’s still a thrilling ride ahead for those who know what to expect from this Harry Potter rollercoaster. At the same time, the magic just isn’t the same without that little bit of Hagrid and Arthur bewitching motorcycles and accidentally releasing Cornish Pixies. 

It’s that little touch of madness that really ties the world together, and we hope that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is able to restore this part of the full experience in the near future. Though Universal’s Epic Adventure park does pose a perfect opportunity lies ahead for some Harry Potter themed thrills, which wouldn’t be dependent on a ride based queue if executed correctly. Pre-show or not, this ride has plenty of easter eggs and little touches to discover. You can currently board Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Experience at your earliest convenience, only at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. 

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Mike Reyes
Senior Movies Contributor

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.