The infamous Dragon Challenge at Universal Studios was shuttered in favor of a new Harry Potter thrill ride. These photos show the status of the new thrill ride which will be coming to Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This “next generation thrill ride” is progressing nicely. Universal usually moves its construction at a faster pace than Disney. Inside The Magic has a video that acts as a construction update. The video showcases a crane and Universal’s current construction signs that are displayed on the construction walls.
The construction walls are still up in front of the old Dragon Challenge entrance. It remains unclear if the new Harry Potter attraction will do some queue re-routing. As any new attraction is expected to be popular at the beginning of its tenure. Construction walls have been up since last September. Only one piece of the track is currently finished after the land clearing.
The only details released from Universal on this upcoming attraction:
“This new thrill ride will take you deeper into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where you will encounter some of your favorite characters and creatures. It’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever done before and it will be fun for the entire family.”
Most of the speculation leads us to believe the coaster will have virtual reality. Considering that the attraction will still be outside. Virtual reality would allow guests to ride a thrilling attraction while encountering your favorite characters and creatures. It was officially confirmed that the thrill ride would be a roller coaster.
The Universal Creative team will be collaborating with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films to bring this new thrilling experience to life. No opening date has been announced but I would expect this attraction to arrive in 2019.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
