Flight of the Hippogriff — Attraction in Orlando

Flight of the Hippogriff is one of those rides that perfectly captures the spirit of the Wizarding World—not by being the biggest or fastest, but by being unexpectedly enchanting, immersive, and genuinely fun for just about everyone. Tucked into the heart of Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, right next to the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, this outdoor family coaster offers a refreshing break from the intensity of some of the park’s more extreme attractions while still delivering a memorable experience.

The theming starts the moment you step into the queue. You weave your way through the Forbidden Forest near Hagrid’s Hut, complete with rustic details, pumpkin patches, and magical props that really make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from the films. One of the highlights is getting a glimpse of an animatronic Buckbeak, bowing graciously before you “learn to fly” on your own Hippogriff. It’s a small touch, but it makes the experience feel personal and story-driven, rather than just another coaster.

Once you board, the train itself resembles a woven wicker Hippogriff cart, which fits right into the magical world. The coaster isn’t very tall or particularly fast, but that’s part of its charm. It climbs a modest lift hill and offers a smooth, swooping ride filled with twists, gentle drops, and turns that never feel too aggressive—making it ideal for kids, first-time coaster riders, or anyone looking for something less intense than Hagrid’s or Forbidden Journey.

One of the best parts of the ride is the view at the top of the hill. You get an excellent vantage point of the castle and the surrounding Hogsmeade village, and if you ride during golden hour or at night, the lighting makes it feel truly magical. The ride itself lasts about a minute, but it’s packed with just enough movement to get your heart pumping without being overwhelming.

What really sets this ride apart is its atmosphere. The sounds, the setting, the location right beside Hogwarts—it all adds up to a ride that’s more about the experience than the thrill. And while thrill-seekers may view it as “just a kiddie coaster,” I genuinely believe it’s one of the most underrated gems in the park. It’s also a perfect way to introduce younger guests to roller coasters without scaring them off.

The line can get long at times, but it does move fairly steadily. If you have Express Pass, this is a great place to use it. It’s also a good ride to hit early in the day or right before close when the lines are shorter and the lighting around the castle creates a whole new ambiance.

In a park filled with high-tech thrills and immersive dark rides, Flight of the Hippogriff is proof that sometimes the simplest attractions can leave the most lasting impression. It may not have giant drops or cutting-edge effects, but it has something even more important: heart, charm, and a whole lot of magic.

Highly recommend for families, Harry Potter fans, and anyone who wants to take in a beautifully crafted corner of the Wizarding World. It’s short, sweet, and absolutely...

This is by far the worst Wizarding World ride. It is still not a bad ride, just very plain et super short. I still enjoyed it but I don't think that it is a must-do. There is Buckhead at the beginning of the ride and Hagrid's hut in queue, which is cool, but apart from that there is no theming to the ride. I definitely don't like big rides and I can assure you that this one is family friendly. So, for those who are scared like me : Don't worry, there is no upside down 360°! I also found it kind of uncomfortable and very shakey, which I'm not sure fits the feeling of flying on a Hippogriff. If you want to go on this ride, I would say that is it definitely not worth waiting for more than for 20 minutes. Considering that I've tried this ride already, I wouldn't get in again with a more than 10 minutes queue. One good thing is that you can keep your bags with you and don't have to pay for a locker. I still liked this attraction, but it was so quick that it left me thinking:...

⭐Short, Thrilling, Magical - Don't Miss the Buckbeak Animatronic!⭐

Flight of the Hippogriff is the perfect thrill ride/mini-coaster for the whole family. Kiddos who find bigger thrills too intense will enjoy the moderate climbs, dives, and pin-to-your-seat turns.

It's a surprisingly fast, but short ride (still far too intense for those with motion sickness or a fear of heights). Don't wait overly long in the queue for it (the Forbidden Journey ride, right across the way, is more deserving of a 1+ hour wait time).

My favorite part of the ride is the hidden Buckbeak animatronic that you pass when first climbing to the top of the coaster. You have to ride in order to see it, and it will bow its head to you (just like in the books!).

You'll also be treated to a bird's eye view of the Hogwarts Castle and surrounding attractions--though not for long, as the coaster dives shortly...