To be honest, it was difficult to narrow down a list of the best queues at Universal Orlando. It is obvious that the teams behind the designs of the queues at Universal are passionate about what they do. After experiencing every ride at Universal Orlando, we managed to select the ride queues we were most impressed with.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Let us start at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where my first stop is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure! From beginning to end, you will be immersed in the depths of The Forbidden Forest and Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures Class. As you walk through the queue, you will see Hagrid’s hut where he resides near the edge of The Forbidden Forest. Peek through the trees for a stellar view of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The view of the entire rollercoaster while walking through the line will make you that much more eager to hop aboard your choice of motorcycle or sidecar. Whichever choice you make, you will not be disappointed! If you book with The Magic for Less Travel, you receive Early Park Admission! Early Park Admission is the best way to ensure you are the first students to Hagrid’s class!
Inside Hogwarts Castle: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Next door to Hagrid’s, you have to stop at Hogwarts Castle! Inside Hogwarts, you can experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Even if you are unable to experience this ride, you can still tour the grounds of Hogwarts. Upon entering the castle, you will pass through the hallways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Doors for the classrooms line the hallway and lead the way to Professor Dumbledore’s office. Prepare to be amazed as you walk into the foyer of talking portraits and the Defence of Dark Arts Classroom, where you will be greeted by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. You will find Gryffindor’s common room door guard, The Fat Lady, who will speak to you as you pass. The Sorting Hat will have some words of safety for you before you hop on your ride. Don’t forget to say “Observatory” on Hermione’s cue to be transported!
Hogwarts Express & Platform 9 3/4
When it is time to leave Hogwarts and head back to Diagon Alley, you will want a Park-to-Park ticket so you can experience The Hogwarts Express. The Hogwarts Express is a train ride, unlike any other, that transports you to Universal Studios. Upon entering the train station from Hogsmeade to London’s King Cross, or vice versa, you will have a different, unique experience either way. From King’s Cross to Hogsmeade, have your camera ready as fellow passengers walk through the wall of Platform 9 3/4.
Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringotts
After arriving in London, you will find a secret alleyway, hidden from Muggles. This secret way leads you into Diagon Alley. Here, a fire-breathing dragon perched atop Gringotts Bank will guide you to your next fun queue, Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringotts. Inside Gringotts, huge chandeliers and goblins will be among the first things you see before you enter the dark corridors. Within these corridors, you will encounter Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Bill Weasley. An elevator in the queue brings you down to the vaults prior to climbing stairs and aboard your mine car. This feature of the queue is currently on hold for social distancing purposes but does not rob one of the ultimate experience.
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Fast and Furious: Supercharged
Another ride queue definitely worth making the list is Fast and Furious: Supercharged. Before entering the garage, you will walk past the family table appropriately lined with Corona beers as homage to the family. You will feel like you walked on the set of the films as soon as you enter the garage. The garage is full of props and supercharged cars from the movies. An interactive app available on the Universal Resort app allows you to test your knowledge of the movies, get car stats, and meet the family. As Dominic Toretto says, “I don’t have friends, I got family.”
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Speaking of family, make sure to stop at my favorite family ride queue, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. Adult or kid, the queue for this ride is fun and adorable! Start out in Gru’s home filled with eccentric paintings and decorations. Next, you will enter the lab where Gru is recruiting you to be one of his minions. Make sure you have showered because you will go through a full body scan to ensure you are not bringing “human germs” into the lab. Brace your nose for the fart gun Gru deploys right before you enter your training. After the ride is over, get your groove on at the interactive dance party waiting for you!
While waiting in a line is not ideal, this list of best ride queues at Universal Orlando make the time spent in line enjoyable! If waiting in line is not your style, we highly recommend the Express Pass Unlimited! Do not worry, you will not be fully deprived of the queue experience if you take the Express Lane. If there is a ride queue we missed that is one of your favorites, we would love to hear it!
If you have any questions about these or any of the attractions contact a travel agent at The Magic for Less Travel who is a Universal Specialist. Their services are provided free of charge and you can request a no-obligation pricing quote for your Universal Orlando vacation.
