Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dark ride in Hogsmeade, Orlando, United States
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a dark ride inside the grey stone Hogwarts Castle with its conical-roofed towers and clock face, in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando. Riders board a four-seat enchanted bench on a KUKA robotic arm that moves along a track, passing real sets and wrap-around screens with a dragon, Aragog, the Whomping Willow and Dementors.
The attraction opened in June 2010 as the first ride in the Wizarding World area at Universal Orlando. Later versions were built in Hollywood, Osaka, and Beijing, with each installation receiving minor adjustments to the technology.
The name refers to the forbidden third-floor corridor in Hogwarts where Fluffy guards the Philosopher's Stone. The queue winds through Dumbledore's office featuring the talking portrait and past Fawkes the Phoenix perched on his stand.
The minimum height requirement is 122 cm (48 inches), and visitors must store loose items in free lockers before entering the queue. The ride rotates and tilts the seats, so people with back or neck issues should avoid the attraction.
The robotic technology comes from the automotive industry and was originally designed for welding car bodies. Each vehicle travels on a hidden track through the scenes while the arms rotate and tilt guests in different directions.
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