Gallopin’ Gorgons! People Waited 10 Hours For Universal’s New Harry Potter Ride

Ed Mazza

Universal Orlando’s latest Harry Potter attraction opened to the public on Thursday and it clearly cast a spell on fans. Many waited 10 hours to ride on it.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, in the Hogsmeade area of the Islands of Adventure theme park, is essentially a roller coaster. The “cars” on the coaster mimic Hagrid’s motorcycle and sidecar and take visitors through the Forbidden Forest:

The $300 million ride was under construction for two years, CNBC reported. It features nearly a mile of track, seven launches and a 17-foot vertical free-fall drop.

Naturally, social media has plenty of footage of the ride in action (spoilers!):

But on Thursday, the biggest topic of discussion online wasn’t the ride. It was the wait. People arrived at Universal before dawn to wait in a line to get into the park, then waited in another line inside the park that grew, stretched and spread. Universal posted wait times of 10 hours and ride operation was interrupted by both lightning and technical glitches.

For at least one visitor, it was a 13.5-hour effort.

So, was it worth the wait? Twitter users shared their experiences:

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Daniel Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter...

Since appearing as the movies' title character, Daniel has managed to shake off Harry and ensure he's known by his own name - which has been aided by the fact he'll happily get his kit off on-screen and on-stage. After stints in the West End and on Broadway, Daniel recently starred in 'What If', and in 2015, fans will see him take on the role of Igor in 'Frankenstein'.

Rupert Grint starred as Ron Weasley...

Since hanging up his wizard's hat, Rupert has made waves on the West End stage, and in 2013 he received rave reviews for his performance in 'Mojo'. He also stowed some his 'Harry Potter' cash away and splashed it on an ice cream truck, fulfilling a childhood dream. Aww!
Since hanging up his wizard's hat, Rupert has made waves on the West End stage, and in 2013 he received rave reviews for his performance in 'Mojo'. He also stowed some his 'Harry Potter' cash away and splashed it on an ice cream truck, fulfilling a childhood dream. Aww!

Ralph Fiennes as He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named...

You'll find Ralph in 'Wrath of the Titans', 'Skyfall' and 'Great Expectations'. It has also been announced he's been cast in the upcoming, as-yet-unnamed, James Bond film.
You'll find Ralph in 'Wrath of the Titans', 'Skyfall' and 'Great Expectations'. It has also been announced he's been cast in the upcoming, as-yet-unnamed, James Bond film.

Jamie Waylett starred as Vincent Crabbe...

Sadly, Jamie hasn't faired too well in recent years and in 2012 he was imprisoned after participating in the 2011 London riots.
Sadly, Jamie hasn't faired too well in recent years and in 2012 he was imprisoned after participating in the 2011 London riots.

Joshua Herdman starred as Gregory Goyle...

Joshua Herdman (Goyle)

Sadly, Joshua hasn't faired too well either, and has dropped off the radar as far as acting is concerned.
Sadly, Joshua hasn't faired too well either, and has dropped off the radar as far as acting is concerned.

Tom Felton starred as Draco Malfoy...

After being everyone's favourite bad guy in the films, Tom decided to try something a little different and recorded a number of singles, which he shared with fans via YouTube. He's currently filming 'Clavius', where he stars as a character called Lucius. Tom's also really, really good at Twitter.
After being everyone's favourite bad guy in the films, Tom decided to try something a little different and recorded a number of singles, which he shared with fans via YouTube. He's currently filming 'Clavius', where he stars as a character called Lucius. Tom's also really, really good at Twitter.

Matthew Lewis starred as Neville Longbottom...

After getting surprisingly dishy, Matthew now spends his time reminding everyone that he's also hugely talented, making his West End debut in 2012 alongside Arthur Darvill and Laurence Fox in 'Our Boys'. Matthew also took part in<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZoAl8-XQmo" target="_blank"> one of the best editions of Innuendo Bingo ever on Scott Mills' Radio 1 show</a>.

Bonnie Wright starred as Ginny Weasley...

Bonnie was one of the 'Harry Potter' frachise's younger stars, however, that hasn't stopped her from going on to carve a successful career. While she hasn't quite achieved the worldwide success of the films' leading stars, Bonnie has been applauded for her work as a model and actress. She also writes and directs her own screen plays.
Bonnie was one of the 'Harry Potter' frachise's younger stars, however, that hasn't stopped her from going on to carve a successful career. While she hasn't quite achieved the worldwide success of the films' leading stars, Bonnie has been applauded for her work as a model and actress. She also writes and directs her own screen plays.

Robert Pattinson starred as Cedric Diggory...

To be honest, Rob's had a rather quiet life since his character's exit left us weeping in the 'Goblet Of Fire' film. After a lot of digging, Robert's main achievement seems to be another franchise entitled 'Twilight'. Nope, we've never heard of it either...
To be honest, Rob's had a rather quiet life since his character's exit left us weeping in the 'Goblet Of Fire' film. After a lot of digging, Robert's main achievement seems to be another franchise entitled 'Twilight'. Nope, we've never heard of it either...

Julie Walters starred as Molly Weasley...

Julie is one of the many huge names who appeared in the 'Harry Potter' films so it's not like her career needed the boost. Since the final film in 2011, Julie's been praised by critics her roles in a whole host of other movies, including voicing the witch in Disney's 'Brave'.
Julie is one of the many huge names who appeared in the 'Harry Potter' films so it's not like her career needed the boost. Since the final film in 2011, Julie's been praised by critics her roles in a whole host of other movies, including voicing the witch in Disney's 'Brave'.

Michael Gambon starred as Albus Dumbledore...

Michael is rumoured to be reprising his role in the upcoming wizrding flick 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'. He also plays Howard Mollison in the TV adaptation of JK's novel 'A Casual Vacancy'.
Michael is rumoured to be reprising his role in the upcoming wizrding flick 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'. He also plays Howard Mollison in the TV adaptation of JK's novel 'A Casual Vacancy'.

Dame Maggie Smith starred as Professor McGonagall...

Already a legend, Dame Maggie Smith continues to win fans with her performance as the Dowager Countess in hit TV series 'Downton Abbey'. She's also no stranger to the big screen, and starred in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and is set to feature in the upcoming sequel.
Already a legend, Dame Maggie Smith continues to win fans with her performance as the Dowager Countess in hit TV series 'Downton Abbey'. She's also no stranger to the big screen, and starred in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and is set to feature in the upcoming sequel.

John Hurt starred as Mr Ollivander...

Amongst other projects, John has completed three where he was cast alongside other 'Harry Potter' stars; 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', 'The Gruffalo's Child' and 'Labyrinth'.
Amongst other projects, John has completed three where he was cast alongside other 'Harry Potter' stars; 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', 'The Gruffalo's Child' and 'Labyrinth'.

Alan Rickman starred as Severus Snape...

Since 'Harry Potter', method actor Alan has been part of several projects including 'CBGB', alongside his former co-star Rupert Grint.
Since 'Harry Potter', method actor Alan has been part of several projects including 'CBGB', alongside his former co-star Rupert Grint.

Toby Jones provided the voice for Dobby...

After providing the voice of everybody's favourite House Elf, Toby's projects included 'The Hunger Games', 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and 'The Adventures of Tintin'.
After providing the voice of everybody's favourite House Elf, Toby's projects included 'The Hunger Games', 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and 'The Adventures of Tintin'.

Robbie Coltrane starred as Hagrid...

Once filming wrapped, Robbie moved over to the Dark Side and joined Voldemort's gang. By which we mean, starred alongside Ralph Fiennes, in 'Great Expectations'. Traitor.
Once filming wrapped, Robbie moved over to the Dark Side and joined Voldemort's gang. By which we mean, starred alongside Ralph Fiennes, in 'Great Expectations'. Traitor.

Kenneth Branagh starred as Gilderoy Lockhart...

Oh Kenneth, where do we start? Ever since *that* version of 'Hamlet', Brannagh has been one of our favourite stars to swoon over. Since leaving the Wizarding World, Kenneth has turned his attention to directing, as well as starring in flicks such as 'My Week With Marilyn' and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'.
Oh Kenneth, where do we start? Ever since *that* version of 'Hamlet', Brannagh has been one of our favourite stars to swoon over. Since leaving the Wizarding World, Kenneth has turned his attention to directing, as well as starring in flicks such as 'My Week With Marilyn' and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'.

Emma Watson starred as Hermione Granger...

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.