Dragon Challenge at Universal Islands of Adventure

I think this is a fantastic coaster. I rode it four times in a row on DEC 16. When it is running smoothly--and it was that day--there's not a better coaster in the parks. The workers and many riders will tell you that the blue coaster has more inversions and the red one is faster. A quick look at the Roller Coaster Database will tell you that they both the the same number of inversions (5) though they are different types, and that the Chinese Fireball goes 60 mph, while the Hungarian Horntail runs up to 55 mph. The second-best coaster in Florida, imho. (Sheikra is tops on my list.)

I absolutely loved this ride and highly recomend it. I went on the blue side first after being told it wasnt quite as intense as the red. I was so excited after the first ride i almost missed the shortcut back to re-ride. The red side semed to be faster then the blue but i loved the blue side. The que has some cool things to look at while you wait too. Overall i loved everything about this ride and look forward to riding again on the next visit.

Dueling Dragons isn't what it used to be. Yeah, I know it's called, "The Dragon Challenge" now since the re-theming, but it's still Dueling Dragons. When the ride was still a part of the Lost Continent, the entrance and line cue were fun and imaginative. I always found the ride to be a bit rough, but I thought that the idea of two roller coasters running at the same time and almost colliding was really cool. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, the "dueling" aspect of the ride was removed and the two trains now operate independently. So, while it is a decent roller coaster, the re-theming and absence of the dueling aspect really take a toll on the experience for me. And, to be fair, I am a bit biased because I was a big fan of the ride when it was Dueling Dragons. So, if you weren't a big fan of the original ride and are there to fully enjoy the Wizarding World, you'll really enjoy. It just doesn't hold up for me.

These roller coasters are fun. I would recommend not eating prior to riding if your stomach is easily upset. The blue dragon has more twists and loops, and it seemed like the red dragon went slightly faster, but I'm not sure. The queue has a lot of Harry Potter artifacts (like the Ford Anglia), so it keeps Potter fans entertained even while waiting in line, which in my experience typically isn't too bad!

Probably my favourite rollercoaster aside from Hulk and Rip Ride Rockit. I love this ride so much, especially the queue- Universal put in so many Potter references to the Goblet of Fire task - it's not even funny. I loveee rollercoasters, and I love that this ride has my feet dangling... I dunno why.



This ride gives me a great view of the Hogwarts Express!



Also, I've heard from Team Memebers that the Red dragon (Chinese Fireball, Krum's dragon) is FASTER, and that the Blue dragon (Hungarian Horntail, Potter's dragon) has more Turns/loops.



Nonetheless, it's a great ride! If you plan on doing each dragon back to back, I recommend using the staircase situated outside the exit once you get outside that leads you back the Ford Anglia (the Weasley Car)in the queue