Universal Orlando to Close Dragon Challenge September 5th
This has been rumored for quite some time, but today it becomes official. I hope it ends up elsewhere as a dueling ride, but I'm not sure what park has room for such an attraction. Perhaps they each find a new home. I just hope they don't end up in the scrapyard.
Does anyone know if the two tracks share supports or if they are two completely separate rides?
NEW GENERATION OF THRILL RIDE COMING TO THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – HOGSMEADEKristen Clark July 24, 2017
I’m super excited to tell you that a new generation of thrill ride is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 2019! I can’t tell you everything about the new ride just yet, but here’s what I can share:
This all-new thrill ride will take you deeper into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where you will encounter some of your favorite characters and creatures. It’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever done before and it will be fun for the entire family.
The new attraction will be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences we’ve created. It will combine a new level of storytelling with an action-packed adventure…and a few surprises along the way.
Our award-winning Universal Creative team is once again collaborating with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films to bring this new coaster experience to life.
This ride is going to redefine the category and transport you to thrilling places, drawing you into even more exciting adventures within the wizarding world. It’s going to be the perfect addition to Hogsmeade.
We’re permanently closing Dragon Challenge on September 5 to make way for this all-new ride. The last day of operation will be Monday, September 4.
Stay tuned to the blog or sign up for email updates – more details will be released in the future.
In the meantime, make sure you come out and take your last ride on Dragon Challenge before it closes.
Coaster to Park Ratio: 4.94 / Steel to Wooden Ratio: 2.56 / Wooden Coaster Percentage: 28%
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I remember marathoning on the dragons many times, though in recent years it has become more difficult for us to enjoy such intense thrill rides. The original queue for DD was a wonder to behold before it was shortened to make room for the more recent Harry Potterization of that section of IOA.
RIP Dueling Dragons. You will be dearly missed.

this is going to be a real loss.Ok time for me to now start wiping the tears coming down from my eyes.
skc2000

Understand them wanting to expand on Potter, but do NOT like how they are doing it in this case, regardless of what they put there.

Eric
Ultimate Rollercoaster Moderator
I will say I never felt the coaster quite fit into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Its presence kind of detracted from the immersive experience of being in the wizarding world, as the wizarding world doesn't feature a random roller coaster track.
* This post was modified at 7/28/17 6:25:38 AM *

Should've got to Florida sooner.


rossrich66 said:
Sad to hear. But why was it no longer Dueling once it got incorporated into the Harry Potter experience?
I'm not sure if it had anything to do with it, but a man was injured on the ride when he was hit in the face by flying debris around that time. More than likely it was just too much trouble to keep them synchronized and for the sake of moving the line thru faster just let them operate independently.


frontrow said:
We were lucky enough to get our final rides on them a week and a half ago. We ride the front seat and back seat of each side for 4 total rides. At least my kids got to ride them, before they are gone forever.
That's awesome Frontrow. I remember marathoning on them around fifteen years ago. Fire dragon will always have a special place in our hearts.
I am also reading your TR's and enjoying them. We were unable to get any last rides in on the dragons but will be spending most of the month of November at Universal.

Our younger son and his family are with us this week, and their favorite rides are the HP "broomsticks" ride and the Hulk.
Hulk was a decent ride when we were younger, but it never even placed in our top ten, especially in comparison to such wondrous coasters as Fire Dragon. Unfortunately my last ride on the newly rebuilt Hulk last spring had to be my final ride. Yes, I got old.
Sandwiched between our rides on HP and Hulk were what I feel to be far superior attractions, Spidey and Skull Island, both of which are operating in good form and were near walk-ons.
Awesome weather this week as well... upper 70's and totally cloudless every day. It's nice to be back in action again.