Islands of Adventure: Dragon Challenge

The Dragon Challenge

You'll take part in this adventure while you explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure. The thrills you'll experience during this adventure won't be easily forgotten!

The challenge waits for you in the deepest, darkest part of the castle. The walkway leading you to the castle is adorned with banners announcing the Triwizard Tournament, as well as banners representing the four contestants.

You'll be greeted by Weasly's crashed flying Ford Anglia - still running. Still honking.

You'll also pass by Hagrid's Hut and the Champion's tent.

Then you'll make way into the dark passageways of the castle. When you're in the castle, you can't miss the Goblet of Fire trophy displayed high on a mantle.

You'll move on from there, beginning your trip through drafty, dimly lit passages. Look above you and check out illuminated floating candles.

But your exploration won't end at magical floating candles.

Continue further into more long, dark, narrow tunnels, and watch out for a large, cracked wooden door. If you listen closely, you'll hear something behind it.

It'll sound like growling from a large beast. It is growling from a large beast.

If you wait long enough, the dragons behind the door will sense you're there and lash out at the door trying to get through.

At the other end of tunnels, you'll arrive at the tent where the Dragon challenge is waiting for you.

Ahead, you will see the boarding area where you will face the really thrilling part of this challenge!

You'll have to choose which dragon you want to conquer: the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail. Above you, in the star-lit sky, you'll see silhouettes of giant, winged creatures flying overhead.

It's time to face the Dragon Challenge!

Dragon challenge is an inverted duel roller coaster- the only one in the world!

It is made up of two tracks.

The Chinese Fireball and Hungarian Horntail navigate two different tracks and offer two complete different and exciting rides. The Chinese Fireball can go up to 60 miles per hour, while Hungarian Horntail runs at top speed of 55 mph.

Although the Chinese Fireball is faster, the Hungarian Horntail has more loops and twists. Both rides last for two minutes and 25 seconds and include five inversions each.

A huge surprise you'll experience on this attraction is the near-misses where you'll within inches from walls, land, and riders on the other coaster.

Experience this attraction. Take the excitement and the memories home with you!

Adventurous Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas time has come around again, which means another round of gift ideas for all of the important people in your life. If you've exhausted all of the traditional shirts, books, jewelry, and jumpers, try out some of these exciting alternatives. No one will expect these 'experience' gifts from you--they are the perfect surprise. No matter the person or people you need to buy for, the right experience is out there. Make a list of your recipients' interests and you'll be sure to hit on the ideal voucher for each.

• Hot air balloon ride

A hot air balloon ride is the perfect romantic gift for two. There is nothing more stunning than England from the air, any time of the year. There are many launch locations within easy reach of London. Champagne is a traditional part of ballooning, so for an excellent presentation of your gift buy some bubbly to give along with the voucher.

• Sailing and fishing charters

A chartered sailing or fishing trip to southern climates is the perfect winter escape for the sporting person on your list.

Consider the islands off the coast of Africa, or perhaps the coast of South Australia, among other equally appealing options. This gift is sure to be a hit no matter the location chosen. For a fun presentation buy a pair of sunglasses to gift along with a description of their trip.

• Horse riding

There are many horse riding vacations of all sorts offered in the UK and in Europe. Horse riding is a relaxing and fun way to see the scenery in places such as the coast of Iceland, Spain's Andalusia, and Italy's Tuscany. Ride from vineyard to chateau in France's Loire Valley. In the UK the Scottish highlands provide treks among castles and ruins.

The ideal location is available to fit the tastes of any equestrian or aspiring equestrian on your list. Try giving them a pair of riding gloves when you announce their gift and its locale.

• Hand gliding

For the truly daring and spontaneous person in your life, try gifting hang gliding lessons. There are many schools in the south of England especially, the perfect location for a chance to hang glide over the beautiful South Downs. South Wales is also a popular hang gliding destination. Give the gift of excitement and adrenaline combined with the tranquility of solo flight. A great way to present your gift could be a map of the UK with your chosen hang gliding school pinpointed.

Adventure Holiday In Mauritius

Have you ever thought of spending an adventure holiday in an island paradise? If yes, then Mauritius may appeal to you. Your holiday in Mauritius could be the experience of a life time, as you can participate in exciting watersports and zip through the trees, only to return after a day of excitement to your luxury Mauritius hotel. And if you do not want to do anything energetic, you can go to the pearly-white beach and the sparkling Indian Ocean.

 

Under the Sea

Ever fancied riding a scooter under the sea? Well you could have your first experience on a Mauritius holiday. One of the most entertaining activities you can do in Mauritius is to go for a ride on a sub-scooter. Mauritius has introduced the world's first underwater scooter, where holidaymakers can scoot about in the Indian Ocean, three metres below the water's surface.

 

You are lowered into the water in a bubble, where you can breathe freely and feel safe in the knowledge that a trained diver is looking out for you.

You will also be attached to a buoy bobbing on the surface, so your exact location is constantly clear. Scooting under the sea, you can watch the colourful Indian Ocean fish swim by, and feel like you're part of the marine life. Sub-scooting is definitely a different and exciting activity when on a Mauritius holiday and is a fantastic way to discover the underwater world if you are not a Scuba diver.

 

Zip-Lining Through the Forests

If you've ever had a fantasy of being like Tarzan and swinging your way through a forest of trees, zip-lining on your Mauritius holiday could be quite an experience.

After a few days of relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying spa treatments at your Mauritius hotel, you can venture inland to a place called Cerfs Volantis, where a sugar-cane plantation awaits you.

 

Here, you can experience the rush of zipping through the trees, as the gurgling river and pretty waterfalls churn beneath you. Fully strapped and harnessed in, this sport is safe and fun, allowing you to discover Mauritius' inland beauty. As you zip through the trees and over the river, keep an eye out for beautiful places to swim. And when you have a rest between your zipping stints, you can swim in the river and beneath the sparkling waterfalls. After a day of excitement such as this one, your Mauritius hotel will be a welcoming thought, where you can sit at the bar as the sun sets over the ocean and relive the exciting stories of your day on holiday in Mauritius.