Alarms Triggered: Harry Potter Attraction Engulfed in Flames? Hundreds of Guests Thought So

in Universal Orlando

Guests ride Hagrids Motorbike Adventure.

Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

One of Universal’s most popular Harry Potter attractions nearly met its demise after guests feared for their lives due to the belief that an engulfing fire had broken out on the loose.

A bustling crowd of visitors under a clear sky at a theme park featuring a large, impressive castle modeled after hogwarts from the harry potter series.
Credit: rotadeferias, X post

Universal Orlando Resort has brilliantly brought J.K. Rowling’s inspired The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life across its two theme parks, offering fans an unmatched, immersive experience.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade invites guests to explore the charming village nestled beneath the iconic Hogwarts Castle. The village features meticulously crafted architecture, authentic shops, and the magical atmosphere that fans have come to love. Thrill-seekers can dive into the action with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a cutting-edge ride that seamlessly blends advanced technology with memorable moments from the films.

For a more family-friendly option, Flight of the Hippogriff offers a gentle roller coaster experience with stunning views, while Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes guests on an adrenaline-filled journey through the Forbidden Forest, showcasing a variety of fantastical creatures.

Over in Universal Studios Florida, visitors can step into the lively wizarding world of Diagon Alley. This intricately designed shopping district features iconic locations such as Ollivanders Wand Shop and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The centerpiece of Diagon Alley is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a thrilling ride that combines state-of-the-art technology with beloved characters and scenes from the Harry Potter films.

Together, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley provide fans with an extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of the wizarding world up close.

In 2019, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure debuted to a staggering 10+ hour wait as eager Harry Potter fans lined up to embark on a thrilling new journey through the Forbidden Forest and other iconic locations with Rubeus Hagrid. This coaster was among the first in Orlando to introduce a bike-style ride, allowing riders to lean forward, adding to the immersive experience.

Hogwarts train wizarding world
Credit: Aunesty Janssen / Flickr

The ride features multiple launches, dark ride scenes, a backward launch, and a Tower of Terror-style drop, all while providing an incredibly smooth experience. These elements have cemented its status as one of the park’s most popular attractions. Despite the newer and more intense Jurassic World: VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure still consistently draws the longest wait times in the park.

In the past, we have covered guests having issues while waiting in the queue due to the lack of ventilation, the heavy crowds, and the claustrophobic nature of it. There have even been reports of guests passing out due to heat stroke in the queue. 

wizarding world of harry potter guests on bikes
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Another issue has recently occurred in the queue.

One guest took to Reddit to share their story:

“I’ve been waiting my entire afternoon in the queue for Hagrid’s. The first time there was a lightning strike nearby when I was 5 people away from getting on & had to leave and come back. Left and came back and no more got in to the queue and someone pulled the fire alarm causing them to evacuate the entire queue. A bunch of hidden bright lights came on in the queue when the alarms went off. I guess it also messes up the ride so they had to restart it again which takes about 45 minutes. Waiting yet again to get on.”

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in action
Credit: Universal

The comments of the post were flooded with guests telling the poster to ask for compensation, which is what the poster did, and was able to get a free Express Pass to skip the line of the attraction.

Pulling a fire alarm, in any cluttered queue, is panic-inducing for guests, as many are unsure if there is a real danger or if it is no big deal. Thankfully, it seems this alarm was not intended, and no injuries or damage have been reported.

Shortly, we will see a major expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe.

What is your favorite attraction in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

 

in Universal Orlando

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