If you're planning a trip and searching for the best Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando, this regular visitor’s guide shares firsthand experiences and tips to enhance your magical adventure. I'm not a theme park influencer or professional reviewer - just a passionate Universal Orlando regular but after countless visits to Universal Orlando with my wife, I've experienced every Harry Potter ride multiple times in different conditions. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor, I'll share our honest experiences and insider tips we've learned over the years.
The Ultimate Harry Potter Ride Rankings
1. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Thrill Level: High
Height Requirement: 48" (122 cm)
Why It's Our Top Pick
Our Personal Tips
- Me and my wife love the motorbike and make sure we keep track of who's turn it is for each visit. The sidecar is still great and offers a slightly gentler experience for those who are unsure at first
- We've found the sweet spot for shorter queues is during dinner time
- Based on personal experience, keep your phone in either a bum bag (these are allowed to be worn) or a lanyard (tucked of course) as the ride restraint can make it dig into your leg
- The back row gives you the best view of other riders' reactions - trust me, it's entertaining, especially for watching the newbies on some of the unexpected elements of the ride. Although the first time we rode this we were at the front and there is a particular moment that can cause panic (especially if it's dark like it was for us) if you don't know the ride. You'll know when you see it!
Useful Gear
- This will generally be the longest queue in the park, a neck fan can be a godsend
- Bum Bag (Fanny Pack) for on ride storage
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Thrill Level: Moderate to High
Height Requirement: 48" (122 cm)
Why It's Second Best
This is actually my wife's favourite, however, I need to be honest - I sometimes skips this one due to motion sickness, especially if we've had a big meal at Three Broomsticks.
What We've Learned
- This is a great ride to give your feet a break as they are left to dangle once the ride gets going
- We always use the single rider line, even when together - it's much faster and you still get to see some great castle details
- The left most seat (as you look at it from the moving walkway) is the best seat, the dragon will explain why
- My wife doesn't like being touched on the leg in a spider mimicking way during the spider section of the ride, I thought she was going to punch me in the face when we got off!
3. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Thrill Level: Moderate
Height Requirement: 42" (107 cm)
Our Experience
This was actually our first Harry Potter ride experience, and it holds a special place in our hearts. The 3D technology used on this ride is amazing! We particularly love riding this during the afternoon to escape the Florida heat.
Our Tips
- The queue is incredible in its own right - we sometimes let people pass us just to take photos
- Middle row, around seats 4-8, gives the best overall experience
- If you are on one of the end seats be careful not to hit your head on the cart as it spins, this caught my wife off guard the first time we rode it
4. Hogwarts Express
Thrill Level: Mild
Height Requirement: None
This isn't just transportation (although it will save your feet if you plan when to ride it) - it's become our midday break tradition. We tend to ride it both ways throughout the day because each direction tells a different story. Which is your favourite journey, Hogsmeade to King's Cross or King's Cross to Hogsmeade? Let us know in the comments.
Top Tips
- Make sure to keep an eye out for things happening in the corridor as well as the window
- It's a great place to rest your feet
- We use this time to plan our next moves and check wait times (this is because we've ridden it so many times and know the experience so well)
5. Flight of the Hippogriff
Location: Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure)
Thrill Level: Mild to Moderate
Height Requirement: 36" (91 cm)
The fact that a coaster is lower ranked than a park to park train may tell you a lot but to be honest this is more of a "starter" coaster, and while it's not the most thrilling Potter ride, it can be a nice little add on ride before or after Forbidden Journey. My wife and I usually hop on this when the wait drops below 15 minutes. It's a quick ride - barely a minute long - but it offers some surprisingly good views of Hogwarts and Hagrid's attraction.
What You Should Know
Final Thoughts
After years of visits, these rides still amaze us. Yes, they're expensive when you factor in travel costs, Express Passes (at peak times) and park tickets, but if you're a Potter fan like us, they're worth every Galleon (see what I did there?).
Do you agree with these rankings? Whether you do or don't let us know in the comments.