Flight of the Hippogriff is a steel family roller coaster located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California. It opened on April 7, 2016, alongside the park’s Wizarding World expansion, and holds the distinction of being the first outdoor roller coaster ever built at the Hollywood park.
Built by German manufacturer Mack Rides, the coaster uses the company’s Youngstar Coaster platform, marking the first installation of that model in the United States. Themed around Hagrid’s flying lessons on replica Hippogriffs, the ride sends guests over a course inspired by the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid’s Hut, offering a gentle introduction to coasters for younger riders and families.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Universal Studios Hollywood
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides
- Model: Youngstar Coaster
- Opened: April 7, 2016
- Height: about 43 feet (13 m)
- Top speed: about 28.5 mph (46 km/h)
- Length: roughly 1,000 feet (about 305 m)
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Flight of the Hippogriff is designed as a beginner-friendly coaster, using a booster wheel lift hill instead of a traditional chain lift to send its two trains along a compact, twisting layout with no inversions. The ride’s story frames the trip as Hagrid’s flying lesson, with riders bowing to a Hippogriff replica before the short journey unfolds past scenery meant to evoke the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid’s Hut.
With a minimum height requirement of 39 inches (99 cm) to ride with an adult, and 48 inches (122 cm) to ride alone, the coaster is built to welcome younger guests and first-time riders while still delivering the swoops and turns expected of a junior-class attraction, making it a common starting point for families exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
A Wizarding World Milestone
Beyond its family-friendly design, Flight of the Hippogriff carries some notable firsts: it was the first outdoor roller coaster ever constructed at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it introduced Mack Rides’ Youngstar Coaster model to the United States. The attraction opened as part of the broader Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in 2016, which also brought Hogsmeade village and the Hogwarts Express-style theming to the West Coast park.
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Flight of the Hippogriff FAQs
Who manufactured Flight of the Hippogriff?
It was built by German manufacturer Mack Rides, using their Youngstar Coaster model, the first of its kind installed in the United States.
How tall do you have to be to ride?
Riders must be at least 39 inches (99 cm) tall to ride with a supervising companion, or 48 inches (122 cm) to ride alone.
When did Flight of the Hippogriff open?
It opened on April 7, 2016, as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Photo: popculturegeek.com from Los Angeles, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.