Close your eyes and try to remember how you felt the first time you saw Hogwarts castle in the Harry Potter film series. Imagine the majestic turrets that seemed to stack one on top of the other; the beautiful glass windows; the intricate stonework. Do you feel the warmth in your chest yet?
For many of us who truly love being immersed in Harry Potter’s world, glimpsing Hogwarts castle is a sign that we’re home again, just as it is for our hero. But what if I told you that you could take this reverie a step further and venture inside Hogwarts castle and on an adventure unlike any other? I’ve got great news: this is the Hogwarts letter you’ve been waiting for!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling dark ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. On board an enchanted bench, you’ll encounter a ferocious dragon, the famed Whomping Willow, a pack of dreaded Dementors, and… I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning.
THE STORY
THE QUEUE
It may surprise you to learn that my favorite part of this attraction is actually the part where I wait in line, but seriously… this queue is just that good. Entering between the two tall stone pillars topped with winged boars, you’ll make your way into the castle and through its many tantalizing corridors. As relics like the Mirror of Erised come into view, your tour will start to bring back memories of your favorite moments from the films:
- In the greenhouses, you’ll be delighted to see that Professor Sprout’s mandrakes are coming along nicely.
- Professor Dumbledore’s office houses not only the magical Pensieve and the Sword of Gryffindor, but the headmaster himself will appear and greet you.
- Next, enjoy a trip to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione will appear from under the invisibility cloak and brief you on their plans.
- After a quick venture behind the portrait of the Fat Lady and into the Gryffindor common room, you’ll pass the famed Sorting Hat on your way to the Room of Requirement for your adventure.
There are so many things to see along the way, you’ll want to keep your eyes open.
THE RIDE
Underneath a candlelit ceiling, you’ll climb aboard an enchanted bench for a scenic and thrilling dark ride unlike any other! As you get ready to take off with a dose of Floo powder, Hermione asks you to say “Observatory” to make sure you reach the intended destination. Away you’ll fly through the Astronomy Tower and toward the Quidditch pitch, right alongside Harry and Ron on their brooms.
On this journey, your bench will twist, turn, and spin as it reacts to the world around you. And there’s quite a bit to react to:
- Hagrid is looking for a Hungarian Horntail dragon.
- In the Forbidden Forest, you’ll encounter the large Whomping Willow tree with its branches primed for clobbering.
- Dementors descend upon the Quidditch match and lead you deep into the Chamber of Secrets.
- And then — well, I’ll leave that up to you to find out.
RIDE DETAILS
- Height requirement: 48” (122 cm)
- You will need a locker for this ride
- Child Swap is available upon request
- Universal Express Pass is available
- Single Rider is available
FILCH’S EMPORIUM OF CONFISCATED GOODS
Once off the ride, you can peruse items taken from students who got on the wrong side of the school’s resident caretaker, Argus Filch. From t-shirts, bags, caps, and scarves to plush toys, stationery, and mugs, every fan will find at least one must-have item here.
PRO TIP: There are plenty of authentic movie prop replicas stationed throughout the store. Plan to spend some time pointing out your favorites. Mine is the Marauder’s Map… complete with moving footprints!
Riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey feels like flying through the scenes that have lived in your imagination for years — great for both hard core and casual fans of the Harry Potter films. I’ll never be able to express how immersed I felt when I first got on board and realized everything I’ve always wanted to see was coming to life in front of me.
What are you most looking forward to seeing inside Hogwarts castle? Tell us in the comments below!
10 Comments
What is the weight maximum for the ride? Can you walk through the line to see the displays without taking the ride?
Hi Mark! We would recommend reaching out to our Guest Services Team at 407-224-4233 for more information on our attractions!
I am always looking over to the door that leads to Professor Snapes Potions class room. And at this moment I also remember very fondly Alan Rickman who is no longer with us, but so brilliantly portrait Professor Snape.
He was truly my favorite character in the films. Though, I loved his work before HP. He was brilliant. Out of my middle aged life, HP Orlando was the best park experience I’ve ever had.
Fantastic description of this magical experience…really amazing!!! And as she said, everyone will absolutely love it, not only the Potter’s fans. Universal is the best park EVER!
But there is a part where the text is duplicated: Dumbledore has welcomed Muggles to Hogwarts to attend a lecture on the history of the school given by Dumbledore has welcomed Muggles to Hogwarts to attend a lecture on the history of the school given by the ever verbose and ghostly Professor Binns, but our favorite trio has other plans.
Kelsey, although the story was great and I loved the ride, my OCD kicked in hard reading the beginning of the “STORY”. It went a little something like this:
“Dumbledore has welcomed Muggles to Hogwarts to attend a lecture on the history of the school given by Dumbledore has welcomed Muggles to Hogwarts to attend a lecture on the history of the school given by”
Sincerely,
An edit maniac 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Keep up the great writing!!!
Oh man, Bobby. You caught a peak behind the curtain on this one! This was not on Kelsey and her fabulous writing and was 100% on me and my sloppy copying and pasting! Thanks for the catch and keep up the great editing!
What a perfect description of how I felt too. I love the room with all the moving and talking paintings. Best line to explore ever!
Is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Universal Orlando 3d because I haven’t ridden it in a bit because it truly makes me very motion sickness. So, if you can Universal tell me if it is 3d or not?
P.S I am theme park obsessed if you do comment back, I will freak out and I would be very honored!
Thank you for all you work you do, and I am soo excited for epic universe!
I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Get back to me soon
We’re so excited you’ll be visiting us, Brooke! This ride isn’t 3-D, but does have some intense motions that aren’t suitable for all Guest. We definitely encourage exploring our website here, https://bit.ly/3WkHuG0, to learn even more about this ride and what you can expect while on it. We can’t wait for your trip to our Universe!