Universal Epic Universe is the much-anticipated new theme park coming to Universal Orlando Resort, where fans can traverse five different immersive worlds, including Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, and Dark Universe.
But of course, we are most curious about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the latest addition to Universal Orlando Resort’s celebration of the Harry Potter stories. Created lovingly by a production team of talented designers, the wizarding world has never felt more real.
From the glitz and glamour of 1920s Paris to the quintessential Britishness of the 1990s British Ministry of Magic, fans will get to experience significant locations from the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter films, rich in authenticity. New shops, new restaurants, new entertainment, and a new thrill ride - all with a continental twist? Yes please.
Here's the full lowdown of what to expect, from discovering French wands in the streets of wizarding Paris to traveling to London via the Métro-Floo and embarking on a new immersive ride in the Ministry of Magic.
Celestial Park
Epic Universe gives you the opportunity to enter a world between worlds: Celestial Park is the core of where your journey begins. Taking place in beautiful, astral-themed gardens, fans will find a series of portals that transport them to incredibly immersive worlds. One of those portals features a golden hand atop a tower, brandishing the Elder wand; this is the start of your journey to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
1920s Paris
Fans will instantly be transported back in time and location, entering Place Cachée: a wizarding pocket of Paris. Taken from the glamorous settings seen in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, this is the French capital with wizarding stylings, where visitors can walk down cobbled streets filled with shops, cafes and magical minutiae. No small detail has been missed here: you can even listen to conversations from French witches and wizards as you walk through the streets!
Le Cirque Arcanus
As featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, get ready for a larger-than-life recreation of the mysterious wizarding circus, Le Cirque Arcanus. Fans will be able to walk through the theatre and discover live performers, puppets and special effects, just like a real-life circus. But this one is a little different.
Here, you’ll spot magical creatures, such as a Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more – and encounter characters such as Ringmaster Skender and his assistant (and Squib!) Gwenlyn, a brand-new character exclusive to the park. And who knows, perhaps a certain Magizoologist may also make an appearance. You’re in for quite a show.
Food, drinks and shops
After all that excitement, you’ll likely need a moment of restoration. Continue your Parisian fantasy with a visit to Café L’air De La Sirène, a beautiful eatery adorned in art nouveau mosaics and carved marble effects. Herbology lovers can expect to find some magical flora and fauna from the wizarding world on display – and because this is Paris – make sure to grab yourself a delicious pastry.
For some hearty dinner, visit Le Gobelet Noir, deep in the wells of Place Cachée: a mysterious tavern known to attract Dark witches and wizards. The pub is inspired by medieval buildings, boasting ancient beams and aged relics. You can even find carvings from past patrons...
Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a magical libation. If so, Bar Moonshine is an American-styled bar designed to be a home-away-from-home for visiting US witches and wizards. And before you ask – yes of course you’ll be able to find a friendly flagon of Butterbeer (or should we say Bieraubuerre?) during your visit! That is simply the wizarding way.
For those sweet tooths among you missing Hogsmeade’s Honeydukes – don’t worry – Place Cachée is home to the confectionary king, K. Rammelle.
After your energies are replenished, the French wand shop Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques is a must-visit. Yes, “wand” in French is “Baguette Magique” – never forget this.
A little different from the familiar ramshackle environment of Ollivanders, here you’ll discover the work of French wand-maker Acajor, which is a little more sophisticated. Indulge in a whole new culture and discover beautifully crafted French-styled wands. Or for the Ollivander hardcores, don’t worry – some old-favourites from England have been imported over too.
To complete your Parisian odyssey, be sure to pick yourself up an elegant souvenir at Les Galeries Mirifiques, such as school uniforms from international wizarding schools. We’re sure you’ll find your French wizarding experience extremely très chic. Fleur Delacour would certainly nod in approval.
The British Ministry of Magic
After your adventures in 1920s France, it’s time to head towards the Paris Métro-Floo station, where you’ll arrive in 1990s London. During this stopover, you’ll be able to experience the sensation of travelling via the Floo Network – the magical transport method of witches and wizards through fireplaces. You’ll find yourself engulfed in the Métro-Floo before arriving at your next stop: a familiar grand atrium known as the heart of British wizarding government: the Ministry of Magic.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
It's time for a new ride! And even better: it’s an all-new, fully immersive dark ride! Previous visitors of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands at Universal Orlando will be all too familiar with its thrilling attractions – from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure in Hogsmeade to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley.
Now, we present Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This new, groundbreaking ride is set in the period just after the Battle of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The story goes a little something like this: although order has now been restored at the Ministry of Magic, which had been corrupted by Lord Voldemort’s followers – it’s time for those responsible to be held accountable. And you’ll love this: the despicable Dolores Umbridge is finally being put on trial!
Yes, you’ll get to witness the cruel, pink-loving one-time Headmistress of Hogwarts be put on trial for her crimes during Lord Voldemort’s ascent to power. Board a lift to the court room where you’ll spot many familiar characters at the hearing (like Harry, Ron and Hermione were ever going to miss this!) and meet new ones, such as Umbridge’s former house-elf, Higgledy.
As you might imagine, equilibrium is not in place for very long... with Umbridge escaping the Ministry thanks to fellow Death Eater survivors, Yaxley, Carrow and Macnair, and planning a terrifying plot involving Time-Turners (uh oh...) to reinstate Voldemort’s reign.
Now it’s down to you. Team up with the golden trio and Higgledy to recapture Umbridge and sort all this sorry business out. We’re sure you’re in for quite the escapade.
Tour En Floo
Parting is such sorrow – but don’t worry. There is one final stop before your continental wizarding adventure comes to a close. Tour En Floo is the perfect final shop to complete your journey, where you can pick up some keepsakes. We’re particularly excited to hear about a new Auror clothing line!
And there you have it! From Paris to London, be prepared for an enchanting mixture of old and new flavours of the wizarding world, crammed with spellbinding details just waiting to be found. Grab a Baguette Magique and we’ll see you there!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic opens at Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Visit the official website for more information.
