Dragon Challenge has been announced to be closing on September 4th!
We also have a 'new generation thrill ride' confirmed for
Hogsmeade confirming that the Forbidden Forest will not be it's own area. The new rollercoaster will open in 2019!
Universal Orlando wrote:- 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.
The fact you will meet 'creatures' tells us that this attraction is very likely to take place within the Forbidden Forest. The fact they are calling this a thrilling rollercoaster experience supports the rumours of the Hagrid's bike coaster or an SFX coaster!
To put it into perspective, Inside Universal Admin Brian G. has posted this. The green is the current Hogsmeade area and the red is the space which the new expansion will cover...

Whilst the area is huge, it is expected this area will not only feature the new coaster but also a Hogsmeade expansion featuring more areas to explore. The top rumour is an indoor section themed to the Shrieking Shack - similar to Knockturn Alley in Diagon Alley. I wouldn't be surprised if we see an area left for further expansion as well...