Hippogriff

I’m a wimp when it comes to roller coasters. Let’s just get that out there. I’m not quite sure why I’ve always avoided them. I don’t remember getting sick following a ride in my childhood. I’ve just always avoided them. I’ve watched videos of rollercoaster rides and that alone puts a pit in my stomach. SO. I. SIMPLY. DON’T. RIDE. THEM. While this seems to bother my family and friends, it’s never bothered me. Until recently.

I had the opportunity to go to Universal Orlando and visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’m a fairly recent fan of the book and movie series and really wanted to experience everything there was to this unique area of both Universal Studios Theme Park and it’s counterpart Islands of Adventure.

I’d tasted the delicious, frothy Butterbeer. I’d shopped Ollivanders, I’d explored the dark side down Knockturn Alley, and dined on authentic British fare at The Three Broomsticks. Now, it was time for the attractions! I was looking forward to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. After all, I wanted to see what was inside that bank (what was that dragon protecting?!) and I wanted to see inside the castle I’d read so much about. I’d already decided that the Dragon Challenge was indeed too much of a challenge for me! As I’ve said, I’m a wimp when it comes to roller coasters and I knew the Dragon Challenge was a REAL rollercoaster. But, what about the Flight of the Hippogriff? Was it too much or was it just right?

I finally decided to throw caution to the wind and just do it! After all, you know what they say, “You only live once!” (YOLO is a little bit of a dated concept, but certainly applied in this case.) I jumped on with my friend and strapped in. While there were a couple of pretty fun dips and spins, I would have to say it was pretty tame. I tamed the Hippogriff! I’m so glad I rode that attraction. I would have always wondered if I hadn’t.

In fact, it turned out to be one of the tamest attractions in the Harry Potter areas of either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. Consider the thrill seeking rides in this order from simplest to most daring: Flight of the Hippogriff (you can easily take your youngest roller coaster riders on this one), Escape from Gringott’s (adventurous, but not as thrilling as Forbidden Journey), Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (a tough sell for some roller coaster lovers with the 3D aspect and twists and turns), and finally the Dragon Challenge.

If you’re planning a family vacation to Universal Orlando, please contact me and let me talk you through all the fun attractions there. I strongly recommend both theme parks for thrill seekers. And if you or your child are like me, not quite sure about the Flight of the Hippogriff, let me assure you, you, too, can tame that mythical creature!

For a FREE quote to Universal Orlando, contact me today! Jeri@TravelwiththeMagic.com, 1-800-670-4312 X147 or you can find me on Facebook