Universal Islands of Adventure is finally listening? Three hours. Four hours. Sometimes even five. For years, guests eager to hop on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure have endured some of the longest lines in theme park history. Despite the heat, crowds, and tight schedules, it remained a must-do—but only for those willing to wait.
Why? Because this beloved “Harry Potter” thrill ride has never offered one of Universal’s most helpful time-saving tools: the Express Pass. Until now.
Could relief finally be in sight for visitors who’ve had enough of the standby slog?
Universal Islands of Adventure: A Quiet Update Might Change Everything
Behind the scenes at Universal Orlando Resort, insiders are buzzing. Several sources claim that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure—a fan-favorite roller coaster located in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure—is just days away from officially supporting the Universal Express Pass.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Hagrid’s is getting express?
byu/theilnana inUniversalOrlando
While the feature hasn’t been publicly announced by Universal, updates within the park and backend systems suggest the rollout is imminent. Initial plans reportedly targeted a launch earlier this week, but minor delays may have pushed the debut into the weekend or early next week.
This would be a huge shift for one of the most in-demand rides Universal has ever created—and it’s been a long time coming.
What Took So Long?
Ever since Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened in 2019, its popularity has never waned. The coaster blends fast-paced thrills with immersive storytelling, allowing guests to ride either Hagrid’s motorbike or the sidecar as they explore the Forbidden Forest. It replaced the Dragon Challenge coaster, which itself was a rebranding of the iconic Dueling Dragons.
With top speeds of 50 mph, multiple launches, and audio-animatronics, it quickly became the crown jewel of the Wizarding World—yet it remained one of the only major rides without Express Pass access.
Universal has clearly been preparing for this for a while. Reports began circulating in mid-2024 that modifications to the ride’s queue were underway. The single rider line, previously used off and on, has been inactive for months—though still technically listed in the Universal Orlando app with the caveat that it’s “subject to availability.”
Sources now claim that this unused single rider lane is being converted into the Express line.
What This Means for Guests
If implemented, Express Pass access could drastically change how guests plan their visit. Right now, the only way to secure a spot on Hagrid’s without the wait is to rope drop—meaning guests must arrive before the park opens and race to the attraction at full speed.
Adding Express Pass removes that pressure for those willing to pay for convenience. With other top-tier rides like VelociCoaster and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey already offering Express access, the inclusion of Hagrid’s completes the experience for premium ticket holders.
This also means more balanced crowds across the park. Guests may no longer cluster at Hagrid’s first thing in the morning, allowing Universal to better manage flow across other areas.
What’s Next for Hagrid’s—and Universal?
If the rumored launch goes live this weekend or next week, it may signal that technical stability has improved on the ride. When Hagrid’s first debuted, frequent breakdowns made it unreliable, and opening Express access would’ve only added fuel to the fire.
But now, years later, Universal may be confident that the ride is ready to handle increased guest traffic through multiple lines.
For guests planning upcoming summer trips, this update may arrive just in time for peak season. And for Universal, it shows a renewed focus on maximizing value for Express Pass buyers—especially with more competition looming from Epic Universe in 2025.
The Magic Is Evolving at Universal Islands of Adventure
Since day one, Hagrid’s has been about adventure, discovery, and pushing boundaries. Now, it looks like it’s about to gain something new: accessibility.
If the rumors are true—and signs point to yes—the days of four-hour waits may finally become a thing of the past. That’s good news for wizards, Muggles, and anyone looking to spend less time sweating in line and more time soaring through the Forbidden Forest.
So if you’re heading to Universal Orlando in the coming days, keep your eyes on the app—you might be just a tap away from skipping the line on one of the park’s most unforgettable experiences.
