On the eve of Whitney's Birthday (09 June) we headed to Gatwick airport with all of our bags and excitement ready for our next adventure to Universal Orlando Resort for the launch of their newest ride... Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!
Thank you so much to Attraction Tickets Direct for taking us!
Bloc Hotel: London Gatwick
As our flight was was an early morning flight, we stayed over night at
London Gatwick's Bloc Hotels which is located right by the runway. It was the perfect start to Whitney's birthday and Megan surprised Whitney with balloons and presents while Whitney was in the shower.
Bloc Hotel is located right next to the premium check in at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal. We were so glad that we stayed over as it made our journey the next morning so stress free and the hotel was so unique and modern. Thank you to Bloc Hotel for the gifted stay.
On Whitney's actual Birthday, we made our way to the lounge where we had some relaxation and breakfast before we boarded our flight to Orlando.
We had a lovely flight getting to catch up with our Universal & ATD friends. It's only 8 hours from the UK, we were in Orlando before we knew it! The flight attendant got interrupted by the pilot when making an announcement wishing Whitney happy birthday, so the pilot ended up wishing Whitney a happy birthday about 4 times and it was all around a hilarious moment! (You'll get to see it in our vlog!)
Excited to arrive at our hotel at Universal Orlando!
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Experience
We had been SO excited to ride Hagrid's rollercoaster ever since the ride was announced and we were so lucky to be among the first to see it, let alone ride it! Located in Universal's Islands of Adventures in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you're transported into the Forbidden Forest from the moment you arrive at Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Experience. There is so much attention to detail as soon as you start to line up for the ride, including Hagrid's hut, and you can hear the motorbike engines revving - so much fun! (Every time we now hear a motorbike, we think of this ride!)
The Verdict?
We can officially reveal that the ride is truly AH-MAZING! In fact it's our favourite ride at Universal Orlando (followed by Spider Man). They call it a 'storycoaster' as it follows a narrative and there's so many twists, turns and surprises that you don't usually get with a rollercoaster. You'll get to see different magical creatures, such as Fluffy the three-headed dog, and you'll also encounter a very life like animatronic Hagrid! You'll whizz by lakes and it's quite low to the ground but there are a few drops that'll take you by surprise but we don't want to give away any spoilers. You get to sit in Hagrid's motorbike or in the side car, which is such a clever concept. If you're wondering, Whitney went in the sidecar and Megan was a boss on the motorbike. The motorbike is meant to be slightly scarier as you sit slightly higher up, so of you're more of the thrill seeker, then opt for the motorbike.
*Above photo not taken at the ride but located in Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort.
We could not stop laughing when we saw a photo of us on the ride, just look at Whitney's face! She actually screamed the whole way round (that made Megan laugh loads) that they must have managed to capture when she was swallowing!
We were also lucky enough to enjoy a Q&A with Harry Potter movie stars (Draco Malfoy), James & Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Warwick David (Filius Flitwick). & their verdict of the new ride? They love it!
Later that night we got to head back to Hogsmeade for the official press launch with some more surprises from Harry Potter stars, and even some magic! (Stay tuned to watch it in our vlog!)
With the Universal / ATD media gang that I swear we get to see more than our friends haha we love them!
Yes, even Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) turned up!
Want to experience Hagrid's ride & all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer?
A Universal Orlando Resort 3 Park Explorer Ticket costs from £282 per adult and £274 per child for 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Click here to book Universal Orlando Resort.
Where to stay at Universal Orlando:
Aventura Hotel
We've always stayed at
Aventura hotel when we visit Universal Orlando. We love how modern, crisp and clean it is. Plus just a very short walk over to Sapphire Falls to jump onto the boat taxi to Universal Orlando Resort. Oh & the bar on the rooftop is amazing with fab food and cocktails with an amazing view of the parks!
Lovely birthday surprise waiting for Whitney!
Want to stay at Aventura Hotel?
Seven nights at Universal’s Aventura hotel including 3 Park Explorer Tickets is from £1,255 based on two sharing a queen room. Tickets include 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. To book Aventura hotel click here.
Seven nights at Universal’s Aventura hotel for two adults and two children (aged 3-9) is from £1,775. The price includes 3 Park Explorer Tickets for 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Click here to book Aventura Hotel.
What else is new at Universal Orlando?
Among Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, there are some other new fabulous things coming to the parks.
Surfside Hotel
There's a couple of new hotels coming to Universal's Orlando Resort, the first of Orlando's Endless Summer Resort the first has arrived and we got to have a tour before it officially opened. Surfside Inn and Suites is brand spanking new, with great surf decor AND such good value you money! You can even get a two bedroom suite (6 people) for $131 and all meals are under $10!
Want to stay at the snazzy new Surfside Inn and Suites?
Seven nights at the new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is from £1,110 including 3 Park Explorer Tickets, based on two sharing a queen pool view room. Tickets include 14 days unlimited to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. To book click here.
Seven nights at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites for two adults and two children (aged 3-9) sharing a two bedroom suite costs from £1,796. The price includes 3 Park Explorer Tickets for 14 days unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Click here to book Surfside Inn and Suites.
Big Fire
We also had the pleasure of trying out Universal Citywalk's newest restaurant, Bigfire. You guessed it- everything is cooked over a fire even with s'mores being prepared to you table side!
Thanks for having us Universal Orlando & ATD! We had the best time as always!
Don't delay and book your trip with ATD today!
*This was a gifted trip but all views are our own.
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