We FINALLY rode Universal Orlando’s VelociCoaster for the very first time (and we loved every second of it).

Although VelociCoaster was totally epic, there’s still something to be said about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure too. Now, we’ve experienced them both, and we’re putting the roller coasters to the test!

‘Twas a hard decision to make, but we are putting Universal Orlando’s two newest coasters head-to-head for a throwdown! So, which is superior — Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or the VelociCoaster?

Storytelling

Walking through Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure versus VelociCoaster, there are two very different experiences that guests can have. When it comes to VelociCoaster, riders have the opportunity to be immersed in the story when waiting in line for the ride.

The story behind VelociCoaster is that Claire Dearing is hoping to attract more business to the Jurassic World park in the time period prior to the first film in the series. With her “more thrills initiative,” humans can safely observe raptors in an up-close environment. Owen Grady, on the other hand, warns that it could spell disaster.

Of course, it’s no surprise that the raptors break loose out of their paddocks to chase the humans on the coaster. In the queue, you can even watch them chase after the ride vehicles as you pass by one of the tunnels! But, Universal also does an incredible job story-building what should have happened, according to Claire Dearing!

Dr. Henry Wu explains how they’ve trained raptors to ensure that everyone is safe during their visit.

Dr. DNA from Jurassic Park even teams up with him to give everyone all the details they need to know!

We're at the VelociCoaster Passholder preview today! We could not contain our excitement to see MR. DNA in the queue! pic.twitter.com/92fUcqoxwJ

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) May 2, 2021

Right before you board the attraction, you’ll be able to meet a raptor up close. But, don’t worry! The raptor is secure, so you don’t have to worry about anything wild happening just yet. Well, at least until you board the attraction, that is! 😉

A closer look at the statue in the queue (plus that amazing soundtrack). Behind the raptors you'll see a portrayal of the GIANT bit of coaster that guests will soon be on. pic.twitter.com/lqkX38IWRP

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) May 2, 2021

The actual coaster is a high-speed adventure, so the story isn’t the main focus once you’re on the ride. On the flip side, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure brings the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life throughout the track.

Hagrid’s sets up some of the premise through various illusions and screens in the queue with appearances by Arthur Weasley and Hagrid himself. But, the queue doesn’t have the same attention to details and references from the films (or books) that VelociCoaster does. Instead, Hagrid’s keeps guests immersed in the Wizarding World throughout the actual track.

Guests encounter animatronics along the way, as Hagrid narrates each twist and turn! Arthur is able to help duplicate Sirius Black’s motorbike in order for the riders to journey into the Forbidden Forest to help Hagrid find the Blast-Ended Skrewts.

The track uses a stop-and-go method, where the coaster will slow down at certain scenes to look at the animatronics that Hagrid is talking about. Guests are able to see Hagrid’s Hut, an abandoned part of the castle, Fluffy the three-headed dog, a centaur, Devil’s Snare, and MORE that fully create an immersive experience.

The ride-through of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is still thrilling, but it does primarily focus on its ability to world-build through storytelling and sets as well.

Track

Speaking of those thrills on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the track is unique in how it will slow down and speed up again in certain sections. At one point, the ride vehicle does launch at a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour in 4 seconds towards the end of the ride.

The track also features a 65-foot tall, 70-degree vertical incline that ends up sending guests backward through part of the attraction. However, the most thrilling part of the ride is when passengers drop through Devil’s Snare after they cast “Lumos Solem,” causing them to free-fall 17 feet.

If you don’t consider any of the theming of the rides, VelociCoaster’s track is a LOT more exhilarating! Guests do reach a speed of 70 mph amidst the twists and turns of the ride. The roller coaster blasts off to the top of a 155-foot top hat tower, where everyone comes down at an 80-degree angle.

The rest of the ride is full of narrow misses of rock formations and quick movements. But, the ending makes VelociCoaster the epic ride that it is! Towards the end, guests are tossed upside down 4 times with a 100-foot-long “zero-gravity” stall that makes them feel like they’re flying.

The grand finale features a 360-degree barrel-roll inversion or “mosasaurus roll,” where passengers are meant to feel like they are gliding above the water of the Islands of Adventure Lagoon. Throughout VelociCoaster’s track, there are 12 seconds of airtime, making it unlike anything we’ve really seen in a Universal park!

So, which coaster is the winner, you ask?

Overall

If you’re looking for theming, you’re going to want to fully immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter over at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Buuut, if we’re talking about a thrilling track, then you may want to opt for a visit to VelociCoaster instead.

Still, if you’re going to make us choose, we’ll have to break it down to JUST the coaster without any of the themes. And, then we have to say that VelociCoaster is a winner for that reason! Either way, though, you’ll have an amazing time whichever coaster you choose to ride (or just visit BOTH for that matter)!

As we continue to make our way around the parks, we’ll be sure to give you a look at everything new happening in Universal Orlando! Stay tuned to AllEars for the latest theme park news!

6 surprising things we experienced at Universal Orlando’s VelociCoaster!

What is your favorite thing to do in Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!

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