Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride Overview
Join Harry and friends on a thrilling adventure around Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations from the films on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Along the way, nearly avoid the flames of a dragon, escape the reach of dementors, and fly past the Whomping Willow.
Overall, this flying dark ride takes center stage in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and is unlike any other attraction at the resort. This uniqueness stems from the KUKA RoboCoaster technology the ride uses to create a unique flying sensation and bring riders face to face with the action.
Page Contents: Location | Basic Information | Our Recommendations | Photo Gallery | Fun Facts | Explore More
Location
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.
Basic Ride Information
Ride Type: Flying Simulator / Dark Ride
Thrill Level: Moderate – Fun for most ages.
Height Requirement: 48 inches (or 122 cm)
Child Swap: Available
Test Seat: Available to try at the front entrance
Save Time in Line: This ride accepts Universal Express passes and has a single rider line available too.
Ride Photo: Available for purchase.
Loose Articles:
- Bags and loose articles that do not fit in pockets are not allowed on the ride and must be placed in a locker.
- Riders can keep items that fit in pockets like phones and wallets, but we recommend against it. The ride vehicle moves enough that items can fall out of loose pockets. Also, even items in pockets are technically not allowed according to Universal signage, but the policy is rarely enforced.
Lockers:
- Lockers are available in the outside section of the queue.
- Free small lockers are available while you ride and can hold items including phones, empty Coke Freestyle Cups, most cameras, and small bags like purses.
- Larger lockers than can fit backpacks inside are available to rent starting at $2.
Guests use their park ticket or annual pass to rent and re-open a locker, so keep your ticket with you as you ride. If you accidentally leave the ticket in the locker, find the assigned Universal team member nearby for assistance.
Accessibility:
- Guests in wheelchairs must transfer onto the ride vehicle.
- Learn additional accessibility information on Universal Orlando’s website here.
Our Recommendations
Ride Priority: High – Plan this into your day.
Best Time to Ride: For the shortest wait, ride first thing after the park opens or during the last two hours before the park closes. Although, there is always a slight risk of a ride temporarily closing, so if this is your top priority ride, then don’t risk waiting until the end of the day to ride.
Best Seats in the House: The ride vehicles (aka. flying benches) only accommodate four riders so each seat provides a similar experience. Although, a dragon breathes ‘smoke’ directly on the right side of the ride vehicle at one point, which is an extra fun experience for those two riders.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Photo Gallery
(All photos copyright United Thrills.)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Fun Facts
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey won five Golden Ticket Awards for Best Dark Ride between 2011 and 2015.
- Since opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 2010, the ride has been built at three other Universal theme parks. The other parks include Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing.