Flight of the Hippogriff
Specific Type: Youngstar Coaster
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The first thing you need to know about a Hippogriff is they are intensely proud creatures. You don’t want to offend one, as it might be the last thing you’ll do. Universal Studios Hollywood has added their first outdoor roller coaster as they expanded the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the west coast. Harry Potter fans can now enjoy exploring very detailed areas pulled straight out the book and movie series, as well as see shows and attractions like the family coaster Flight of the Hippogriff. It was produced by Mack Rides, and is a custom version of their youngstar coaster featuring a booster wheel lift.
The queue area is incredibly themed as would be expected from Universal. The Flight of the Hippogriff is located just outside of Hogwarts castle, next to Hagrid’s hut and the Forbidden Forest. As guest explore the queue area they will find many familiar sights and props from the movie series. You will be able to walk though Hagrid’s garden complete with giant pumpkins, many will recognise Hagrid’s enchanted motorcycle with sidecar. Hagrid’s hut is built full sized and guests can hear Flag barking inside, and outside are gardening tools suited for the nearly 12 foot tall resident. Hagrid has supplies for his job as beast wrangler that include cages, flesh eating slug repellent, and the station itself looks like a stable for magical animals. The trains look like they are woven from wicker, and the lead car has the head and wings of the Hippogriff. After riders load in they are dispatched and the train rolls past a seated animatronic Hippogriff in its nest. Be sure to bow to show respect as you pass. On the way up the lift guest will get a great view of the crooked skyline of Hogsmeade in front of them and the impressive Hogwart’s Castle to the right. The compact layout has no large drops, instead it has helixes, small dips, and banked “S” turns. Even if your young witch or wizard needs an aging draft to meet the height requirement they should be OK as Flight of the Hippogriff was designed for the whole family |
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