Fans Say 'Forbidden Journey' Declined After Universal Orlando Maintenance
Universal has not provided a detailed public explanation of what was changed or what comes next.
Overview
- The Hogwarts Castle ride reopened in late 2025 after a brief November maintenance window, prompting immediate complaints from returning guests.
- Multiple visitors describe rougher, choppier motion with more frequent mid-ride stoppages, including reports of getting stuck several times in one visit.
- Riders report dome-screen visuals that appear blurry and washed out, with image quality worsening as the experience progresses.
- Practical effects remain inconsistent, with the dragon’s breath effect cited as failing to trigger reliably.
- Fans say the maintenance missed expectations set by Universal’s reputation for aggressive reinvestment, and they are calling for fixes and clarity on next steps.