Opening in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on 13 June, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is set to be a rollercoaster for the ages, complete with a fully realised Forbidden Forest and an invitation to ride a flying motorbike and discover magical creatures, dangerous plants and more. Here are the five revelations Universal Orlando teased out– including a rather fiery final reveal today.
Centaur
If we’re going to be visiting the Forbidden Forest, it’s only fitting that we’ll run into a centaur, as a herd are known to dwell there. Adept in Divination, or ‘ruddy stargazers’ as Hagrid calls them, this species are part human, part horse, although despite their obvious intelligence, wish to be referred to as ‘beasts’ rather than ‘beings’, as to separate themselves from the likes of vampires and hags.
Devil’s Snare
Not technically a beast, but certainly beastly in nature, Devil’s Snare is that troublesome plant that was introduced to us in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, putting our heroes in a rather precarious situation. So, good news! You’ll encounter this many tendrilled nuisance for yourself during the ride! What a treat. Just remember, ‘Devil’s Snare, Devil’s Snare, it likes the dark and the damp...’
Cornish Pixies
‘Peskipiksi Pesternomi’ won’t help you out of this one. Yes, those electric blue critters that caused quite the hullabaloo in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will also feature in the ride, cropping up in all manner of places judging by this photo. You’ll remember these from the infamous Gilderoy Lockhart lesson, where the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher let loose an entire batch on Harry’s unsuspecting second-year class, with Hermione thankfully knowing the right charm to sort them out.
Lockhart’s impact lives on here.
Fluffy the three-headed dog
Fluffy’s back! The adorable (what? You didn’t think he was adorable?) three-headed dog who we met in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be back in force for the ride, which is rather exciting as we haven’t seen him rear his head(s) since the first book and film. Fluffy is certainly one of Hagrid’s favourites, after purchasing him off a ‘Greek chappie at the pub’ to protect the Philosopher’s Stone. Fluffy served to be a great bodyguard until we realised he falls asleep to the sound of music, so maybe bring a little flute with you when you go on the ride, just in case.
Blast-Ended Skrewt
Skrewt-iful! Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed the final of the five beasts (and what a way to go out with a bang) by reintroducing us to the Blast-Ended Skrewts. You’ll remember these fiery fellows from Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures lessons, who made quite the impact on the class. Maybe not the right impact, but an impact nonetheless. This is the first time we’re seeing the Skrewts in the flesh, as the lobster-like creatures only featured in the books rather than the films. Do they match what you saw in your imagination?
For more details on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, check Universal Orlando’s official website. The ride is opening this summer on 13 June.
