The problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

Before I get started, let me be clear that this is my opinion and that you may disagree. Today, I will talk about the problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, or at least, MY problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. There are actually two problems with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, and I’ll share both here.

You might think that the problem with Hagrid’s was the crowds, the wait time, or capacity issues. That is to be expected on any newer ride, especially a newer ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The reason for the occasional late opening is that the ride has to be down for so many hours for maintenance, which makes sense for such a complex ride.

Before we start, I want to say rest in peace to Robbie Coltrane. He was an incredible actor and made Hagrid come to life. He will be very missed. In his final interview, he said, “The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children. You can be watching it in 50 years’ time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly. But Hagrid will. Yes.”

Do I need a rental car for a Universal vacation?

I like to get around as needed while on vacation, so I like to rent a car. If you decide to rent a car in Orlando, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Discount USA Car Rental offers the best rates, whether flying into Orlando or Sanford.

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure Stats

Height requirement: 48 inches

RHagrid’s: thrill ride

Top speed: 50 mph

Records: Hagrid’s has a record-breaking seven launches and is the longest roller coaster in Florida at 5053 feet.

The first problem with HagridHagrid’sbike Adventure

My issuHagrid’sagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is the queue. I really enjoy the queue for other Wizarding World rides, like Escape from Gringott’s and The Forbidden Journey.

The first (outdoor) area Gringott’ss is just fine. We see Hagrid’s Hut, among other things. My problem with the queue is once you get inside. There are multiple rooms that are very claustrophobic. This is definitely the main problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure if you have an issue with enclosed spaces!

It feels much more closed in than the queues for Gringott’s or Forbidden Journey. This is because there are a lot of people in a small space. If you have issues with crowds or small spaces, you won’t like it. When social distancing was in place, this wasn’t a problem, but once restrictions were dropped, the problem came back.)

Furthermore, you’re in this part of the queue for Hagrid’s, which is generally unpleasant. When you combine a hot Florida day with a small enclosed space filled with people, well, you get the picture.

The outside part of the queue is excellent!

The second problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

This is a very technical ride. Almost too technical. If the parks are open late, there is almost always a delay in the ride opening the next morning. There has to be a lot of downtime for maintenance.

The ride is so technical, which means things can go wrong. We got stuck underneath the drop section once, which is another story in itselfHagrid’s made me not as excited about this ride because THAT was scary! Of course, safety precautions are in place, but when the ride has issues, it can go down for quite some time.

Even with Jurassic World Velocicoasaren’ten, Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure remains the most popular ride with the longest wait times.

Hagrid’s has been cited as one of the most “unreliable” rides in the theme park industry due to the massive amount of downtime the ride can experience. If riding Hagrid’s is a top priority for your vacation, I recommend getting in line whenever you see it up and running because you never know when it will go back down!

Does Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure have an Express Pass?

Even though Hagrid’s opened in 2019, you still cannot use an Express Pass to skip the line. This is one of only two attractions that don’t have the Express Pass option. Everyone expected that you might be able to use the Expryou’ress on Hagrid’s when Velocicoaster opened, but that didn’t happen.

You can use the single-rider line, but this almost guarantees you’ll be in the sidecar so if you want a motorcycle seat, you’ll have to wait in the regular line.

How is the ride itself?

Although Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure does not go upside down, it is more of a thrill ride than the screen-hybrid Gringott’s and Forbidden Journey. However, it has a backward section and a drop that will definitely surprise you if you aren’t expecting it.

I was told to ride the motorbike as it feels more like “actually being on a motorcycle” than the sidecar. Although I have to admit that riding the motorbike part of the coaster does not feel like actually being on a motorcycle, but it is a lot of fun!

Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

That’s my opinion, what do you think? This ride is incredible, but there is a problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure.

Have you ridden Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure? What do you think of the queue? What do you think of the ride itself? Let me know in in the comments below. The bottom line is if you have problems with enclosed spaces, this might not be the ride for you. Not because of the ride itself but because of the queue.

If you’re heading to Universal Orlando, check out our other Universal Travel Tips:

Are you planning a Universal Vacation?

I always recommend staying onsite if you can. Universal Orlando now consists of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. Universal Orlando is also home to eight resorts; Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific, Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist. Unfortunately, there are many scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner like Undercover Tourist.

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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Comments

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October 29, 2022 at 11:13 pm
I have ridden in the motorcycle part with my friend in the side car. I am 5’2″ and I have to say the motorcycle side is not at all friendly for shorter people like myself. I could barely reach the handlebars which put me in an awful position and had to resort to holding on to the bar on my lap. Just holding on to the lap piece alone was terrifying. I didn’t feel secure at all even though I knew I was fine. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the ride itself aside from not feeling very safe due to my height. I’ve never once screamed before out of enjoyment, but I did on this ride. I would definitely ride it again, just next time I’d rather be in the passenger car.
- Amy
  October 29, 2022 at 11:35 pm
  I think leaning forward is part of it! I’m about 5’4,” and I definitely have to lean forward too. I think most people do that, it’s just the way the ride is set up. I don’t feel unsafe at all because of the lap bar, but I definitely see where you’re coming from!
Jessica Fernandez
January 17, 2023 at 9:50 pm
yes!! my 12 yo grandson was in the motorcycle side and he was stretched trying to hold on, but he still loved it! as far as the que…it was long and i can’t imagine being in there in the summer,
we were there in january. my
kids are all
adults and we were reeling and screaming at how the 75 minutes was sooo worth the wait,
can’t wait to go back!!
- Amy
  January 19, 2023 at 7:28 pm
  It’s so much fun!! I don’t like the sidecar, not great for adults and I am a small adult!

The problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

The problem with Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure