Extinct Universal Tribute
Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been one of the most successful lands at Universal Orlando Resort, bringing it to levels of success it had never seen before. But one attraction in this land has not survived to the present. That attraction is Dragon Challenge.
Dragon Challenge was a reimagined version of the opening day Islands of Adventure attraction Dueling Dragons. It was a series of two dueling B&M Inverted roller coasters that had multiple near-miss encounters with the other track.
Themed to the first challenge of the Tri-Wizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, this ride towered over the land with its two interlocking tracks named Hungarian Horntail and Chinese Fireball.
Unfortunately in 2011, the ride's dueling feature would be permanently turned off following some high-profile incidents of injuries on the ride caused by loose articles connected to the dueling feature. This robbed the ride of its signature element.
The ride would continue to operate until 2017 when it would be closed down and eventually replaced by Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Dragon Challenge never really fit in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was a large mostly unthemed roller coaster in one of the most immersive theme park lands of all time. It was obviously a holdover from a different period in the history of the park, and Harid's fits the park much better.
Sadly we lost not one but two amazing roller coasters with the closure of this ride, as while they may not have fit in their new location, they were amazing rides individually and together.
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