Welcome to Theme Park Insider! Join the community or log in
Theme Park Insider
Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey reviews

Theme Park Insider readers offer their ratings and reviews for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. (The minimum height to ride is 48 inches.)

Photo of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

See all photos | Submit Photo

Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: November 1, 2011

Professor Dumbledore has opened Hogwarts Castle to Muggles for the first time, and you're invited. Step inside the castle for a walking tour of the dungeons, greenhouse and Dumbledore's office before Harry, Ron and Hermione catch up to you in the Defense Against Dark Arts classroom.

They warn you of the dreadfully boring hours-long lecture you're about to hear and convince you to join them on the Quidditch pitch instead. After a tour of the Gryffindor common room, you're into the Room of Requirement to board a flying bench for an airborne tour of the castle and grounds. Of course, something goes terribly wrong and a chase ensues....

You can read more about the new Harry Potter section in Islands of Adventure on our Wizarding World of Harry Potter page.

Readers' rating:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
469 votes, so far

Fun ride, great theming. Kids loved it. Can be dark at times and video screens are not that clear. Story feels a bit rushed and contrived but still an enjoyable experience overall. - Don Neal

Loved the line, the rest was so so. Bad animatronics and cruddy video screens. I expected better! - Anthony Murphy

Fantastic used of technology. My only gripe is that it tends to overuse film effects (as opposed to dimensional/physical effects) and the storyline is a bit thin. I like the dragon head. 9/10 - TH Creative

After 23 rides on the Forbidden Journey spread out over two different vacations to IOA, it is simply one of the best theme park rides ever made. The queue line is an attraction in and of itself, and is more than worth the entrance through Hogwarts' gates. After an excellent and detailed tour/waiting line through Hogwarts Castle, you arrive at the actual ride. The Forbidden Journey is a thrilling three minute dark ride that throws all of the best that Universal's substantial bank account can offer. I don't want to spoil anything, but it is definitely a Harry Potter fan's dream come true. Even if you are not a fan of Harry Potter, it is still a thrilling ride experience that should not be missed. After numerous rides on the Forbidden Journey, I'm still blown away by all of the precise detail that Universal has thrown into this attraction. Take my advice, after the intial "WOW!" factor has worn off from a few rides on the Forbidden Journey, ride again and simply look for the details. The makers of this ride were not lackadaisical in the least, and obviously poured their heart and soul into this attraction. 10 out of 10. - Joshua Bixler

The queue leading to the ride is absolutely incredible. It gives riders an intimate look at some of the books/movies classic details. Once you board the broomstick your in for an immersive experience. The illusion of flying is the best part of the ride. Spider-Man is still Orlando's best ride in my opinion. - Jeff Moon

The outside queue for the ride is horrendous and was almost enough to put me off of going on the ride. Once you get past that, the experience begins to be enjoyable. If you have not been on it, it is a similar premise to Spider-Man with a ride vehicle combined with film and effects though it doesn't loose anything from not being in 3D. The ride is enjoyable though I doubt that I will ride it again simply because of the queue. - Mitchell Olson

I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. It is definitely a very cool ride - the sensation of flying is thrilling, and there are some genuinely scary moments (which was great for me but I would make considerations for small children). The queue is also incredible and practically an attraction of its own. However, the plot really didn't make much sense.. It's like they tried to pack too much into one ride. You are bombarded with every enemy imaginable (besides Voldemort) in three minutes, with no real cohesion between scenes. The motion simulator is also very intense and constantly tosses you onto your back and then dips back so you're facing forward again, which tossed my stomach around. Only two rides have ever given me motion sickness: This, and Mission Space. - Renee Michelle

Excellent, excellent ride. My only problem from given it 10/10 is that there's a plothole or two. 9/10 - Dominick D

This ride is amazing, and this is coming from someone who is NOT a Harry Potter fan. I haven't read a single book or seen any of the movies in their entirety. It is a must ride for everyone, not just fans of Potter. Its probably the most intense motion simulator ride I've ever been on. - Tim Taylor

Everything about this ride is awesome. The queue, ride experience and even the shop they march you through at the end. Be sure to get your Butterbeer after riding Forbidden Journey and the Dragon Challenge and not before. 10 out of 10 - N B

More attraction and restaurant ratings: