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Flight of the Hippogriff: A Family-Friendly Coaster

Soar through the skies on Flight of the Hippogriff, a family-friendly roller coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, offering gentle thrills and enchanting views.

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Flight of the Hippogriff is a delightful junior roller coaster nestled in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Designed by Universal Creative, this family-friendly ride offers a gentle introduction to the thrills of coaster riding, making it perfect for younger wizards and witches. As you approach, Hagrid provides instructions on how to properly bow to a Hippogriff, a magical creature that’s part eagle, part horse. The ride spirals and dives around a pumpkin patch before swooping past Hagrid's hut, offering scenic views of Hogwarts grounds. With a minimum height requirement of 39 inches (99 cm), it's an accessible adventure for many families visiting the park. The ride opened on April 7, 2016, becoming the first outdoor roller coaster at the Hollywood location and the first Mack Rides Youngstar Coaster in the United States.

A brief summary to Flight of the Hippogriff

  • Monday 8 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-10 pm
  • Friday 8 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to minimize wait times for Flight of the Hippogriff, especially during peak season.
  • Pay attention to Hagrid's instructions in the queue; bowing to the Hippogriff enhances the immersive experience.
  • Consider purchasing a Universal Express Pass to skip the regular lines and maximize your time in the park.
  • Check the height requirements before your visit to ensure younger children can ride, as the minimum height is 39 inches (99 cm).
  • Combine your ride on Flight of the Hippogriff with a visit to other attractions in the Wizarding World, such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, for a complete Harry Potter experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood, take the Metro B Line (Red) to the Universal/Studio City Station. The fare is $2 per ride using a TAP card. From the station, a free Universal Studios Hollywood shuttle runs approximately every 10-15 minutes to the park entrance. The shuttle operates from 7 AM until two hours after park closing. Alternatively, it's about a 0.6-mile uphill walk to the entrance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Central Los Angeles, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to Universal Studios Hollywood will cost approximately $50-$65, depending on traffic. The drop-off point is near the park entrance.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the 101 Hollywood Freeway and exit at Universal Studios Boulevard. Follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood. Daily parking fees range from $35 for General Parking before 5 PM to $10 for General Parking after 5 PM. Preferred Parking is also available at a higher cost. RV or oversized vehicle parking is $45. Valet parking is available, with rates starting at $25 for the first 2 hours.

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Discover more about Flight of the Hippogriff

Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Studios Hollywood is more than just a roller coaster; it's an immersive experience that transports you directly into the heart of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Located within the meticulously crafted Hogsmeade Village, this family-friendly ride offers a gentle yet enchanting adventure for guests of all ages. As you approach the queue, the atmosphere crackles with magic, setting the stage for your flight aboard a Hippogriff. The journey begins as you meander through a scenic path leading to Hagrid's hut. The queue itself is designed to entertain, with various magical artifacts and details that immerse you in the world of Harry Potter. Before boarding, you'll hear Hagrid's instructions on how to properly approach a Hippogriff – a creature that is part eagle and part horse – emphasizing the importance of showing respect by bowing. This sets the tone for the ride, blending gentle thrills with the captivating storytelling that defines the Wizarding World. Once aboard the Hippogriff-themed coaster, you'll ascend a small lift hill, providing a panoramic view of the Hogwarts grounds and the surrounding Hogsmeade Village. The coaster then embarks on a gentle, spiraling journey around a pumpkin patch, offering delightful dips and turns that are exciting without being overly intense. As you swoop past Hagrid's hut, you'll feel a sense of wonder and enchantment, as if you're truly soaring through the skies on a magical creature. Flight of the Hippogriff is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, with a minimum height requirement of 39 inches (99 cm). This makes it an ideal first roller coaster experience for younger children, allowing them to participate in the magic and excitement of the Wizarding World alongside their families. The ride's smooth and gentle motion ensures a comfortable experience for those who may be hesitant about more intense thrill rides. The coaster itself is a Mack Rides Youngstar Coaster, a type of ride known for its family-friendly design and smooth operation. The Hollywood installation marked the first of its kind in the United States, adding a unique element to the park's collection of attractions. The ride features ten cars per train, with each car accommodating two riders, for a total of 20 passengers per train. This ensures a steady flow of guests through the attraction, minimizing wait times and maximizing the opportunity for everyone to experience the magic. Flight of the Hippogriff opened on April 7, 2016, as part of the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. It quickly became a popular attraction, drawing crowds eager to experience the gentle thrills and immersive theming. The ride's location within Hogsmeade Village further enhances its appeal, as guests can explore the charming shops, sample Butterbeer, and interact with other magical elements of the Harry Potter universe before or after their flight. For those seeking a more intense thrill, the Wizarding World also offers Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a cutting-edge dark ride that combines motion-based technology with immersive storytelling. However, Flight of the Hippogriff provides a perfect balance, offering a milder alternative that still captures the essence of the Harry Potter experience. In addition to the ride itself, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a range of accessibility options to ensure that all guests can enjoy Flight of the Hippogriff. The attraction queues and park entrances are designed to be accessible to guests using wheelchairs, and the park provides an Attractions Assistance Pass for guests who have difficulty with extended waits in a conventional queue environment. Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent inside the park, making it easier for guests with mobility issues to navigate the grounds. Whether you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan or simply looking for a fun and family-friendly roller coaster experience, Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-do attraction. Its gentle thrills, immersive theming, and accessible design make it a standout among the park's many offerings, providing a magical adventure that will leave you spellbound.

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