Amusement Parks

4 Brand New Family Attractions Coming to Universal Orlando

Last updated 3rd April 2019

The creative innovators at Universal Orlando Resort are always coming up with stupendous new ways to amaze guests and keep them smiling. 2019 is shaping up to be more fun than ever, with both dark and delightful surprises to astonish you at every turn.

Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure

A brand new ride careens into “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” on June 13. It’s a wondrous new rollercoaster adventure that invites guests to climb onto a flying motorbike (or into a sidecar) and join Hagrid as he dips and dives beyond the grounds of Hogwarts and into the mysterious Forbidden Forest, where you just might meet Fluffy, the three-headed dog, or get caught in the dreaded Devil’s Snare. The hair-raising race reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour, and traverses a freshly planted landscape of 1,000 live trees.

Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration

This dazzling, new, nighttime lagoon show that combines 120 dancing fountains and towering cascades of water with blazing pyrotechnics, lasers, projected images, and soundtracks from family-favorite movies like Despicable Me, Jurassic World, and Fast & Furious. Universal calls it “epic cinema under the stars,” and it’s a rip-roaring way to end your day with a “Wow!”

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle

A new show casts a sinister spell over “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” as a fantastic light, music and special effects extravaganza swirls visitors into a thrilling nocturnal scene populated by Dementors and Death-Eaters. Projected images flicker in the night sky and against the spectacular backdrop of Hogwarts Castle — look out for Lord Voldemort and hold your breath for a Petronus spell to save the day. “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” comes to life each night from April 13 to 28, and again May 25-27, with future dates to be announced.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn and Suites

Slated to open June 27, Universal is introducing a new, extra-affordable, family lodging option that includes spacious two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six. With bright and beachy décor, it’s a surfer’s dream. A sister hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites, is scheduled to open in May, 2020.

By Laura Beausire