Flight of the Hippogriff
Universal Studios Hollywood · The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Overview
This coaster loops past Hagrid's hut and the pumpkin patch before offering a clear view toward Hogwarts castle, staying low and mild throughout — no inversions, no steep drops. At 39 inches, it's one of the few Wizarding World attractions accessible to guests who don't meet the taller height requirements elsewhere in the land. The ride itself is brief, but the theming along the route, Buckbeak's paddock included, gives it more atmosphere than its modest scale would suggest.
ParksLog verdict
This earns its keep by being the one coaster in the Wizarding World nearly everyone in a family can experience together. It won't be anyone's highlight of the day, but it's a smart, low-friction stop for mixed-age groups and a nice bit of scenery along the way. Skip it without regret if you're short on time and prioritizing Forbidden Journey instead.
About this experience
Family-friendly outdoor coaster circling Hagrid's hut and pumpkin patch with views of the castle.
Best for
- Families with young children who don't meet Forbidden Journey's height requirement
- Harry Potter fans wanting a low-key Wizarding World ride
- Guests looking for a quick, low-intensity coaster
Tips
- This is the easiest entry point into a coaster for younger kids in the Wizarding World — use it as their warm-up before deciding on bigger rides elsewhere.
- Wait times are usually shorter than Forbidden Journey next door, making it a good backup when that queue is long.
- Watch for Buckbeak the Hippogriff near the queue — bowing to him is a nod fans of the books and films will appreciate.
Details
History
Flight of the Hippogriff opened alongside the rest of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016, mirroring the similarly-themed family coaster that had already been running at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando since 2010.
Fun facts
- It's themed around Buckbeak the Hippogriff from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- It shares its concept and general layout with the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Florida.