Photo via Universal Orlando Resort
Universal announced today that the famous Hungarian Horntail and Chinese Fireball will officially retire to make way for an all new roller coaster experience in the Hogsmeade area.
On September 5, The Dragon Challenge will close permanently and construction for the new attraction will begin. Not a lot of details have been released, but Universal says it will be "highly themed" with "a few surprise."
From Universal:
Dragon Challenge's last day of operation will be Monday, September 4.
- This all-new thrill ride will take you deeper into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where you will encounter some of your favorite characters and creatures. It’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever done before and it will be fun for the entire family.
- The new attraction will be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences we’ve created. It will combine a new level of storytelling with an action-packed adventure…and a few surprises along the way.
The name of the new coaster and its expected opening date have yet to be released.
Since back in 2015, it's been rumored that Universal was looking to integrate the (at the time) the upcoming Fantastic Beasts films into the Potter universe at the parks, specifically within Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
The Orlando Business Journal published a story back in May of this year which cited unnamed sources but claimed that, “Universal Orlando’s rumored plan is to remove the coaster track, demolish the queue, and completely rework the space. This includes a new entrance, new queue, new locker system and an overhaul of the land itself.”
That article said the new coaster wouldn't be opening until 2020.
