Work is going on very quickly at the site of the new Harry Potter themed coaster being built at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Since our visit last month the entire hut structure has gone up. This building is much larger than I was originally envisioning, and it is now towering up next to the entrance to the Hogwarts Express station in Hogsmeade. While I have been referring to it as a “hut” because it’s round, it will more likely act as a stable or barn of some sort in the story of the ride.
And speaking of the story, we still have very little information about what the ride will be about, but the recently released piece of official art did give us a look at what the giant mysterious steel structure will look like when completed. The huge castle-like structure that the coaster passes through several times appears as ruins in the artwork. Check out the photo report, as well as an updated track layout image below for more information. And for even more details, be sure to check out our first podcast episode all about the new Potter Coaster!
Today, we’ll start our update with another updated track layout graphic. Included in this image are labels for launches, slowdowns, and rumored themed elements. The orange arrows are for backwards motion, and after the drop track it resumes going forward in yellow until the end. The original photo was provided by the amazing @bioreconstruct on Twitter.
Moving on to new photos from the ground, let’s take a look at how the area appears from Hogsmeade Village, near Hogwarts Castle.
Cranes can be seen from all around Hogsmeade
Looking through this arch we can see a bit of the huge ruins being constructed
Closer view of the ruins from this area near Hogwarts Castle
Old Dragon Challenge exit blocked off with cranes seen overhead
Work walls blocking the former entrance to Dragon Challenge
Work walls still extending all the way to locker station
Some construction visible over work walls
Closer view of the ruins as seen from in front of old ride entrance
We can also see some of the former Dragon Challenge towers with brickwork stripped off
One last look at this area before moving on
Now stepping just outside of Hogsmeade arch
Work walls continue along exit pathway from train station
Many new trees have been planted here, which blocks much of our view of construction (but looks much better from the land)
The large round structure can be seen rising to the left of Hogwarts Express entrance
Structure as seen from train station exit path
The train will enter this round structure for a show scene involving Hagrid and a creature
Only a tiny bit of the drop track building can now be seen poking out behind the train station
Taking a look from the Hogwarts Express queue and a lot of new trees are making it hard to see much
You can’t hide the roof of the new round structure though
Even through all the trees we can still get a glimpse of the tall track spike
Looking towards the ruins and queue building area
A better look at the old queue building towers from Dragon Challenge
Some of the ruins area, seen extending to the right with window forms
You can get a good sense of scale with the workers in frame
Aerial view of the area and the giant ruins. – Photo by @bioreconstruct
Closer view of the massive ruins. – Photo by @bioreconstruct, see more on his Twitter!
One final view from the ground of the area
Check out our first podcast episode for lots more ride details. The new coaster is expected to open in the summer of 2019. For help booking your next trip to Universal Orlando request your free quote from Elizabeth at Destinations in Florida today! She’ll help you plan the perfect vacation with the best rates on ticket packages and on-site hotels, and her services are totally FREE to you.
Stay tuned for details about this new ride as they become available. Subscribe to the news feed or enter your email below to never miss an update. Photos: Alicia Stella / Aerial Photos: Bioreconstruct
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