Theme Park: Universal Orlando The Forbidden Journey

Exploring The Hogwarts Castle & Riding The Forbidden Journey

Revised 4/2021

Recently, I visited Universal Orlando to celebrate a particularly special, benchmark birthday.  Heck, for a woman, every birthday is special.  That aside, as a serious Potter Head, I especially wanted to immerse myself in the Harry Potter experience.  (Please read all my travel and reviews on this park)

Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines.  Wear a mask at all times.

Most HP fans are drawn to the Hogwarts Castle like a moth to a flame and I was no different.  The castle is amazing and true to the books and movies.  Also true to the movie, “Goblet of Fire” is the Forbidden Journey ride found inside the castle/school.  Because of the ride, and the magnificent replica of the Hogwarts School, lines can be ridiculously long to enter.  Was it worth the long wait?  Follow along as I take you with me through the castle and ride.

Watch: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Video from iThemePark      

Hogwarts Castle       

Guests may tour the castle without standing in line.  I suggest doing this at least once, as it’s best to take your time in order to see and hear everything—soak up the experience.  Some of the pictures talk and move.  To do the tour only, ask any of the robed associates which is the proper line.  It can be a bit confusing as there are many roped-off lines. 

In the main gallery, on the stairs, the four founders of the school have a nice spirted discussion about all the muggles touring the school.  Of course, you can guess that Salazar Slytherin is not at all happy with all of us muggles invading his territory. 

In Dumbledore’s office, he appears to share the backstory—the why of what is going on in the ride.  Farther along our journey through the castle, we come upon the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom where Harry, Ron and Hermione saves us from the boring lesson.

Stowing Bags, Strollers and Little Ones

Loose items, backpacks and bags must be stored in lockers directly inside the castle if riding the ride.  Thus, it may be best to carry only items that can be stowed in your pockets. 

Strollers are not allowed in the castle.  Consequently, you’ll have to store them outside.  If you are traveling with a little one and there are two or more of you, you can still enjoy the castle and the ride.  There is a “Child Swapping” room near the ride area.  So, all of you can enjoy the castle together, one stays behind with the child while all go on the ride.  After the ride, the babysitter gets his or her chance at the ride.  It’s quite a nice option. 

Ride Details

Get to the castle first thing in the morning, during mealtimes or later in the evening, as the crowds thicken during the daytime. 

This high technology, flight simulator ride is as good as it gets.  Riders sit on a bench that is attached to a robotic arm allowing the bench to move in most all directions.  It does not go upside down, but it does go up, down and in reverse quite quickly at times.  Therefore, this could be an issue for those with motion sickness.  This includes me.  I coped by keeping my eyes still, breathing slowly and keeping my body relaxed.   My first ride was a bit rough, but I rode it four more times with no issues.  Love this ride!

The Forbidden Journey takes the rider with Harry and Ron as they fly on their brooms.  However, it is more than just that.  We experience a quidditch match where we barely escape from a dragon; it feels so real as if we are really flying.  There are also huge spiders dipping in to get us and then there are the Dementors, which we also barely escape.  Everything goes very dark and we can just see them floating around.  The temperature also dips quite a bit. 

Enjoy all of what Universal Orlando has to offer.  However, if you are a Harry Potter enthusiast, the Forbidden Journey – castle and ride – are not to be missed.   I’m already planning my next visit!  You?

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