Creatures
This past week Universal revealed some of the creatures featured on the attraction. Fan favorites from the movies, such as Fluffy and Centaurs, return while a new create only from the books, the Blast-Ended Skrewt, are finally represented in real life! Universal also teased several other creatures we will see throughout the ride: thestrals, gnomes, a unicorn, and more! We expect most of these creatures to be programmed animated figures or simple animated figures.
Arial Updates
Aerial overview of Hagrid's Motorbike coaster. pic.twitter.com/T0joOVLRgi— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 12, 2019
Aerial overview of Hagrid's Motorbike coaster. pic.twitter.com/f8uHeRWfI8— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 12, 2019
Our eyes in the sky Bioreconstruct provided us several updates to the exterior construction. Since our last update more trees and landscaping was added to the north west portion of the land by the final overbooked turn. More themed elements such as wagons, barrels, and directional signage was added to the first portion of the outside of the ride.
Access walkways are receiving their final pavement and theming after the construction equipment was removed. Final touch ups, painting, and landscaping is occurring throughout the ride. The back sound barrier is also being painted a neutral green pattern with more trees coming soon.
Entry to Hagrid's Motorbike queue from Hogsmeade now faced with plywood. As seen through scrim. 3rd photo is similar completed entry into the coaster station. pic.twitter.com/yO4NpzVM4F— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 19, 2019
In Hogsmeade the new entrance archway is under construction. The previous design was scrapped with a new, distinct triangular archway being built. Some new pavement work is also being worked on, possibly to add a queue between the entrance and lockers for busy days.
We have testing! Full circuits with one ride vehicle were running for weeks at night but recently Universal has started daytime testing. See the above video for a sample of what type of speed and forces we will expect to see on this ride.
That's not all, the coaster has crossed a major milestone: human testing has begun! In the above video you can see what is likely Universal and Intamin employees testing the attraction. This is a huge milestone as the attraction is now safe for human riding. Additionally we can hear music, sound effects, and Hagrid's narration are running, meaning the attraction is running with show elements in place.
What remains in this project? The queue is likely the last thing to be completed with set design, effects, and show elements to be installed. Final elements are still being added to the attraction such as landscaping, trees, painting, and completed animated figures. The last components of the attraction, running multiple trains and operations training, will occur in the next month. Universal probably doesn't know when Team Member or guest technical rehearsals will occur but I would bet a Hogs Head Ale on Team Member testing immediately after Memorial Day weekend and guest testing shortly after.
Coaster Testing
We have testing! Full circuits with one ride vehicle were running for weeks at night but recently Universal has started daytime testing. See the above video for a sample of what type of speed and forces we will expect to see on this ride.
That's not all, the coaster has crossed a major milestone: human testing has begun! In the above video you can see what is likely Universal and Intamin employees testing the attraction. This is a huge milestone as the attraction is now safe for human riding. Additionally we can hear music, sound effects, and Hagrid's narration are running, meaning the attraction is running with show elements in place.
What remains in this project? The queue is likely the last thing to be completed with set design, effects, and show elements to be installed. Final elements are still being added to the attraction such as landscaping, trees, painting, and completed animated figures. The last components of the attraction, running multiple trains and operations training, will occur in the next month. Universal probably doesn't know when Team Member or guest technical rehearsals will occur but I would bet a Hogs Head Ale on Team Member testing immediately after Memorial Day weekend and guest testing shortly after.
Hagrid's Motorbike coaster merchandise display in main Universal Studios Florida gift shop. New items are string back pack and T-shirt. pic.twitter.com/xtxz7TLTjQ— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 20, 2019
As this project wraps up and approaches the grand opening we plan on posting one more final update followed by photos, videos, and our review of the attraction shortly after opening.
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