Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Rides and Attractions Beyond the Forbidden Journey

In addition to the Forbidden Journey, the Wizarding World is home to just two other rides. The first, Dragon Challenge is a re-themed version of the old Dueling Dragons coasters. It consists of a pair of super-thrilling coasters with a dragon theme. Each features a slightly different track configuration, but both are extremely fast and not for the faint of heart. Expect to find short lines at Dragon Challenge through late morning, an again through the evening, because everyone is busy waiting in line at the Forbidden Journey! Dragon Challenge also accepts Universal Express passes, so hotel guests can enter anytime without much of a wait.

The third and final ride in the Wizarding World is the Flight of the Hippogriff. Some Universal fans might remember this ride as the Flying Unicorn, though it has been re-themed for Harry Potter. Unlike the Dragon Challenge, this ride is relatively mild and popular with kids. Lines are typically short, though Universal Express is also available.

One final note: while there are only three rides in the Wizarding World, the area is so popular that you’ll also see lines at restaurants and even gift shops. Try to hit these areas as early as possible after you’re done with the rides to avoid waiting in a 30 minute line to go shopping in a gift shop. You can also come back at night, when crowds tend to thin out.

There is one expection to this rule, however. Ollivanders wand shop, where visitors can watch a wand-choosing ceremony and buy wands of their own, oftenhas lines as long as those of popular rides. During busy times, you’ll wait between 45 and 90 minutes to get inside. If you plan to experience Ollivanders, stop by immediately after riding Forbidden Journey.