The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Review: Part 3

Obviously the rides are the most important part of one's theme park experience, and thankfully in no respect do the attractions featured in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter disappoint. In this section, I'll give a rough order to do the three adventures in, and reviews of each. First up on your list should be the Dragon's Challenge coaster, supposedly reminiscent of the first Tri-Wizard task in The Goblet Of Fire. This is a high-speed, no frills roller coaster which places you either in a Hungarian Horntail or Chinese Fireball hanging carriage, sends you up a near-endless lift hill, then throws you downwards towards the ground before spiralling and looping in the air on one of two pre-set tracks that almost collides with the other carriage (which by the way is going at the same time!). Truly, there is not a more exhilirating experience than this in Universal Islands Of Adventure, and though it seems daunting at first everyone in the family needs to give Dragon's Challenge a go. Having got that out of the way, you should head to the suitably more family-orientated Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, where you'll walk through a setting like the fields of Hogwarts, past Hagrid's Hut, be coached by Hagrid how to enter your hippogriff, bow to Buckbeak on the lift hill then go for a twisty, jolty ride that while fun is heartbreakingly short. Nevermind that, though, enjoy it while it lasts! Finally, head over to Hogwarts Castle (which may or may not have a line just to get inside) for a 30-60+ minute queue through its greenhouses, grounds, corridors and classrooms (though sadly not the Great Hall). I won't spoil the great exchanges that take place, but you'll be glad there's no Fast-Pass option on offer given the superb quality simply of the line experience. The ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is amazing on so many levels, providing a mix between simulator and coaster not unlike the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, but one that will stun you all the way. I won't spoil the plot, but it's a great mish-mash of the best moments from films 1-4 (Dumbledore is still alive and well here- hooray!), and will keep you onto the edge of the seat. Coming tomorrow: the verdict on the park!