Today in which the rumors can be finally laid to rest after a long two-and-half years worth of talks about when the Dragon Challenge (former Dueling Dragons), was going to close. Universal Orlando made the official announcement in which Dragon Challenge is set to close this September 5th and the last day of operation on September 4th, 2017. The long time run twin-looped coaster at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Hogsmead Village at Islands of Adventure is set to be replaced by a brand new and highly themed, Potter attraction.
Dragon Challenge or it was known at the time as, Dueling Dragons first opened up on May 1999 and it was themed of the elements of Fire and Ice. The two dragons were centered around the “Hungarian Horntail” and “Chinese Fireball” that were colored towards a red and blue track to separate the two.
It went under a major refurbishment towards The Wizarding World of Harry Potter take over in June 2010 to align more towards the theme of the Potter franchise and the Trizwizard Tournament from the 4th Potter novel/film. In 2011, it was changed in only allowing for each train to take off individually and not avoiding any collision between the two trains.
Guests who are fans of the “Dragon Challenge” coaster have till September 5th, 2017 before the official closing date of Potter themed attraction. Source: (©Universal Orlando Resort)
This new Potter attraction, will be “a new generation of a thrill ride” coming towards Islands of Adventure in 2019 although, no specific date was mention. Here’s more details to give us insight of what this brand new Potter attraction will all be about.
“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.”
“Our award-winning Universal Creative team is once again collaborating with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films to bring this new coaster experience to life.”
“This ride is going to redefine the category and transport you to thrilling places, drawing you into even more exciting adventures within the wizarding world. It’s going to be the perfect addition to Hogsmeade.”
Although details of what this press release really means and are scarce at the moment but, this is our Potter project before some point when the Nintendo property gets a official date at the Universal Orlando Resort. More updates are to come once we get anymore details about this upcoming Potter project later on in the future.
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Source: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
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