Universal Harry Potter rides are more than just attractionsâthey’re like stepping into the pages of the books.Â
Between Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando, these experiences bring the Wizarding World to life in unforgettable ways.Â
But which ride stands out as the best (and worst)?!
Letâs break it all down so you know whatâs worth the hype and what might not quite measure up, as well as helping you decide if Universal Studios Orlando or Hollywood is best for Potterheads!
This post is all about ranking the Universal Harry Potter rides from best to worst at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando.
Universal Harry Potter Rides
Ranking Criteria
When it comes to ranking the Universal Harry Potter rides, thereâs no one-size-fits-all method. Everyone values something differentâwhether itâs immersive storytelling, intense thrill rides, or family-friendliness.
To make this list as balanced as possible, I looked at several factors that can make or break a Harry Potter theme park experience:
- How immersive the Harry Potter theming is (all rides are decent, but some MAJORLY outshine others in this area).
- Ride technology and innovation – Not all Universal Harry Potter rides are created equal when it comes to tech. Some are certainly more advanced than others.
- Thrill level – A ride doesn’t have to be thrilling to be good, but if it enhances the experience positively, the ride will place higher on this list!
- Replayability – Is it a “one-and-done” ride? Or one you want to experience again and AGAIN?!
- At the time of publishing this post, Epic Universe has not opened (it will open on May 22nd, 2025, along with Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry – the newest Harry Potter ride). I will update this post later in 2025 when I have been on this ride. Based on what we know, I think it will probably be near the top of this list!
Top-Ranked Universal Harry Potter Rides
1) Hagridâs Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Height Requirement: 48 in (122 cm)
Highlights: High speed, roller coaster (more discussed below – with spoilers)
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede â Islands of Adventure – Universal Studios Orlando
(This summary contains spoilers about this ride. Skip this paragraph if you want to avoid that!).
Hagridâs Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a fast, exciting ride at Universal Orlando.
It’s perfect if you want to feel like you’re flying through the Forbidden Forest!
What makes this ride unique?
It features:
- 7 launches
- A backward section
- Drop track
- Animatronics
You can choose to ride in the motorcycle (for a slightly more thrilling experience) or the sidecar.
But, with top speeds of 50 mph, it’s going to feel intense – regardless of where you sit!
The only real downside to this ride is the wait time. Throughout the day, it’s normal to see wait times of 100 minutes +.
And, even if you have Express Pass, it is not valid for this attraction đ
So be prepared to wait for this attraction. That aside, it is so amazing that I’d argue it’s worth the wait!
2) Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Height Requirement: 42 in (107 cm)
Highlights: Harry Potter themed screen-based ride with roller coaster elements
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Diagon Alley â Universal Studios Florida – Universal Studios Orlando
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a thrilling 3D ride at Universal Studios.
It takes you through an intense underground journey inside the wizarding bank.
You’ll face fire-breathing dragons, tricky goblins, and even meet Voldemort (good luck!).
The only downside is that you have to wear 3D glasses for this ride – which makes this 2014 ride feel a bit outdated.
That aside, this is an excellent Harry Potter ride. It doesn’t commit entirely to being a roller coaster or a screen-based attraction: part of the reason why this is such an interesting ride.
RELATED POST: Universal Studios Orlando Roller Coasters Ranked: Which are a Waste of Your Time & Whatâs [actually] Worth The Hype?
3) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: 48 in (122 cm) +
Highlights: Screen-based attraction with some physical sets, Harry Potter theming
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede – Universal Studios Hollywood
Yes, we are now talking about a Harry Potter ride located at Universal Studios Hollywood!
The ride takes you soaring through Hogwarts Castle with 3D effects, animatronics, and incredible visuals.
You’ll play Quidditch, face Dementors, and feel like you’re flying with Harry.
It combines screen-based scenes and real sets to make everything feel more realistic.
Be ready for quick motions and sharp turnsâitâs not for people who get motion sickness easily.
On the surface, the Universal Studios Hollywood version is just a duplicate of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Orlando (just opening nearly 6 years later).
Despite the same name and many similarities, there are some extremely notable differences between the Hollywood and Orlando versions of this ride.
In California, this ride is way more intense. Why’s this?:
- It feels like you’re so much closer to the screens (and therefore part of the action of the ride) at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- They have an extra dementor scene (which is kind of scary, but definitely amazing!).
Middle-Ranked Universal Harry Potter Rides
4) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height Requirement: 48 in (122 cm) +
Highlights: Harry Potter themed screen-based attraction with some physical sets
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede – Islands of Adventure – Universal Studios Orlando
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Orlando is essentially a slightly tamer version than its California counterpart.
That being said, it is still a great attraction – and unless you’ve experienced the Universal Studios Hollywood version first, you probably won’t think this ride is missing any thrilling elements!
5) Hogwarts Express
Height Requirement: No Height (but all guests under 48 in (122 cm)+ must be supervised by a guest who is 14 years or older)
Highlights: Harry Potter train that takes you between parks, partially screen-based attraction
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede & Kings Cross Station – Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida – Universal Studios Orlando
Riding the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando takes you between Hogsmeade and Kingâs Cross Station.
Each direction offers a different experience with scenes from the Wizarding World, so if possible, I recommend taking the train to and from Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure – to get the full experience.
Itâs not just a train ride to take you to another parkâit feels like stepping into the world of Harry Potter.
As the Hogwarts Express departs from either Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, youâll need a park-to-park ticket for this attraction.
The attention to detail is incredible, from the stations to the cabins, so if youâre a Harry Potter fan, itâs a must-do.
It may not be thrilling like the other rides we’ve discussed on this list, but it is certainly fun!
Unfortunately, the wait times can get pretty high for this (over 30 minutes).
Please note that Express Pass does work for this attraction, so if you’re splurging on this, it can help you out here!
Lowest-Ranked Universal Harry Potter Rides
6) Flight of the Hippogriff
Height Requirement: 39 in (99 cm+) (Any guests under 48 in (122 cm)+ will need to be supervised by a guest who is 14 years or older)
Highlights: Harry Potter themed junior coaster
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede – Universal Studios Hollywood
Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Studios Hollywood is a family-friendly roller coaster set in the Wizarding World.
Itâs an, outdoor ride that gives you a smooth, with speeds of up to 29 mph.
Youâll swoop around Hagridâs pumpkin patch and past his hut.
The downside is that it’s a short ride at 1 minute and 6 seconds.
Also, if you’re looking for thrilling roller coasters at Universal Studios Orlando, this isn’t it.
Flight of the Hippogriff can also be found at Hogsmede at Universal Studios Orlando. Why is this one better?
It feels slightly more intense in Universal Studios Hollywood. The key word being “slightly”. It is still very much a junior coaster.
This ride also has individual lap bars for each guest, instead of one lap bar per row (which may be a pro or a con depending on your preferences).
7) Flight of the Hippogriff
Height Requirement: 36 in (92 cm+) (Any guests under 48 in (122 cm)+ will need to be supervised by a guest who is 14 years or older)
Highlights: Junior coaster with Harry Potter Theming
Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Hogsmede – Universal Studios Orlando
The Orlando version of this ride is really just an older version of the Californian version.
This ride actually opened before The Wizarding World itself. It used to be called The Flying Unicorn, which opened in 2000 (10 years before Hogsmede opened).
It was re-themed to fit in with this area.
It’s an okay ride, but is certainly less thrilling than most roller coasters at Universal Studios Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universal Harry Potter Rides
Is Harry Potter Disney or Universal?
Harry Potter rides and lands can only be found at select Universal Studios theme parks – not at Disney Parks.
Although Disney almost got the theme park rights to Harry Potter, creative differences led to an agreement being made with Universal.
How many Harry Potter rides are at Universal?
There are 5 Harry Potter rides at Universal Studios Orlando (soon to become 6 when Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry opens in 2025.
There are 2 Harry Potter rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
What rides are in Harry Potter Universal Hollywood?
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flights of the Hippogriff
How scary are the Harry Potter rides at Universal?
Are you wondering ‘how intense are the Harry Potter rides?’.
When does the new Harry Potter ride open at Universal?
Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry opens at Epic Universe at Universal Studios Orlando on May 22nd, 2025.
Ta Ta For Now
Have you been to the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Orlando or Hollywood – or both?! Let us know your favourite and least favourite Harry Potter rides Universal has in the comments!
This post was all about ranking the Universal Harry Potter rides from best to worst at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando.
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