"The first time we saw that first train of guests come in, and they were cheering and they were clapping, and some were in tears, and it was probably one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had within my career."
Building and designing a major ride on a nearly seven-acre site might normally take up to four years, but Universal’s team fast-tracked Hagrid’s roller coaster, finishing in half that time.
Universal Creative executive Elaine Hinds called it a “tremendous undertaking" from the ride itself to the details as Universal bought multiple tree farms to supply the 1,200 trees for the backdrop of the Forbidden Forrest.
Universal gave insight into creating Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure during a virtual presentation with the Themed Entertainment Association last month. The coaster opened to rave reviews last year at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
To pull it off in two years, the team of engineers, designers, creative directors and construction crews enjoyed a special camaraderie to meet their deadline, said Hinds, an executive producer for Universal Creative, at last month’s Thea Awards Digital Case Studies session.
Read more at the Orlando Sentinel