At a Glance
Duration: 4 minutes
Look Out For: brief appearances of Death Eaters, Dementors, and other beasties as well as some darkness and ominous music inside a small, enclosed train car
Opening on July 8th, 2014, the Hogwarts Express is an immersive train ride putting you on the iconic red steam engine we’ve all dreamed of. But how scary is Hogwarts Express? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Hogwarts Express has a ride duration of approximately 4 minutes. With two different riding experiences (from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and the return journey respectively) both rides are around the same length as the train actually has to travel between parks. While you can expect to spend a bit longer on most rides due to slight delays with loading and unloading, this attraction tends to have a heftier wait while in the actual train car.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Hogwarts Express has no height requirement or official warnings from Universal. As a transportation ride at its core, you can technically take your whole family along. However, if you or anyone in your party is prone to either sensory sensitivity or claustrophobia, be sure to read the sections below before hopping on the train.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Hogwarts Express ride vehicles consist of individual cabins seating around 6-8 passengers in two rows. Much like the Peoplemover in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, the rows face each other towards the center and seat between 3 and 4 people each. In addition, there are no ride restraints as the train ride is gentle and straightforward.
4. How Does Hogwarts Express Work?
Hogwarts Express works like any other transportation ride, shuttling guests back and forth between two areas of the park. What makes this attraction unique is the immersive cabins with screens replacing the windows, giving guests a truly authentic Hogwarts experience as they travel.
5. Is Hogwarts Express Scary?
Hogwarts Express is not intentionally very scary, but certainly features a few spooky moments. Along the way, you’ll encounter Death Eaters, Dementors, and other beasties – though they are never on screen for more than a couple of seconds. In addition, both versions of the ride have a dark and ominous tone with spooky music at times.
If you’ve seen the Harry Potter movies, it’s nothing you wouldn’t expect to find in the magical world and is certainly very brief. However, I would still take a moment to consider hopping on if you have anyone in your party especially prone to sensory overload or easily frightened by creepy theming.
6. How High is Hogwarts Express?
Hogwarts Express does not involve heights. As a transportation ride, the train in no way leaves the ground or gives the illusion of flying at any time.
7. How Fast is Hogwarts Express?
While it might seem like you’re traveling along in a normal train, the Hogwarts Express does not go nearly that fast. In fact, the train itself only reaches a top speed of around 8 miles an hour and only travels a couple thousand feet between parks. What you see on the screens could give you the illusion of going faster, but it’s not a thrilling ride by any means and could be suitable for even the youngest of guests.
8. Does Hogwarts Express Have Drops?
Hogwarts Express does not have drops. In fact, there are no thrill elements to speak of besides the magical encounters you see on screen.
9. Does Hogwarts Express Cause Motion Sickness?
Hogwarts Express may cause motion sickness to some riders. With its closed-off (and often stuffy) cabins, center-facing seats, and large screens with rushing visuals, this attraction could definitely be a problem for some guests. While the train itself is traveling quite slowly and ride duration is only 4 minutes, you may want to reconsider this particular mode of transportation if similar experiences make you queasy.
10. Is Hogwarts Express Claustrophobic?
Hogwarts Express could definitely be claustrophobic for many riders. With its tiny cabin and closed-off spaces, the ride vehicles tend to get pretty hot and stuffy. Combining that with the fact that the windows have been replaced by screens and that it’s prone to significant ride delays – this attraction could be a recipe for disaster for some guests.
While the simulated windows and short ride duration might make the ride more doable for some, it’s worth noting that this is a pretty confining ride altogether. While it’s certainly a fun experience, there are other ways to get between parks that may be more suited to your party.
11. Are There Animatronics on Hogwarts Express?
There are no animatronics on Hogwarts Express.
Hogwarts Express Queue Walkthrough
The two different ride experiences depend on whether you’re traveling from Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) to Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) or vice versa. Because of this, there are two different stations and queues themed to their specific areas.
King’s Cross Station can be found outside of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. Much like the real deal, you’ll travel down large stone corridors complete with realistic advertisements and signage. You’ll go up some stairs where you’ll find platforms 9 and 10, and follow a small winding hallway located between them. On the other side, you’ll find the glorious red engine herself and simply wait to be loaded on the next train.
The Hogsmeade Station is located in Islands of Adventure and takes you down an outdoor path lined with trees. Upon entering the building, you’ll simply follow other guests through a stone corridor, up a flight of stairs, and then find yourself on the loading platform where you’ll wait for the next train.
Hogwarts Express Ride Walkthrough
The two train rides themselves are equally different, each taking you through various magical encounters.
As you set off from King’s Cross Station, you’ll watch as an owl flies beside you, only to see the dark clouds of Death Eaters flying in the distance. Harry, Ron, and Hermione will pass by the cabin doors (you can see them vaguely through the fogged glass) and then pass a large spooky mansion as thunder crashes outside. A flock of birds forms the shape of a skull outside and suddenly a dementor appears outside the cabin doors. Harry banishes it quickly with his Patronus, however, and you’ll hear them buy chocolate frogs off the food trolley.
Outside, you’ll find Hagrid flying along the train on his motorbike as Hogwarts castle looms in the distance. You’ll pass through the Forbidden Forest and find the Weasley’s enchanted car tramping through the woods. On the other side of the forest, you’ll find the castle much closer with mermaids gleaming just under the water. With that, you’ll arrive at the station and prepare to enter Hogsmeade.
Leaving Hogwarts is a bit different. As you leave the station, you’ll wave goodbye to Hagrid on the loading platform before Harry, Ron, and Hermione pass by your cabin, dismissing it as “a bunch of first years.” Turning back to the window, you’ll see Buckbeak the Hippogriff flying over the Black Lake. You’ll then make your way through the Forbidden Forest and find Centaurs running along the train before finding Fred and George Weasley flying by on broomsticks. They set off fireworks right outside before you go through a tunnel and come out at the spooky mansion from before.
A Death Eater shoots a spell into the sky as thunder clashes once again. Harry, Ron, and Hermione return as a licorice spider crawls on the other side of the glass doors. With that, you’ll find yourself back in London, watching as the Night Bus weaves through traffic and tight spaces. You’ll be welcomed into the station by Mad Eye Moody and the train will come to a stop.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Universal experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Hogwarts Express? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out these videos from Theme Park Worldwide:
