Universal Studios Unveils Harry Potter ‘Ministry Of Magic’ World
Video screenshot via Universal Orlando Resort
What happens when our favorite stories draw to a close? That bittersweet sensation of longing for more, knowing that beloved characters continue their adventures beyond the final page or screen. But what if there’s a place where you can physically step into the wider wizarding world? Universal Epic Universe, set to open in 2025, promises just that.
Universal Orlando Resort has previewed this riveting area with new colorful artistic renderings.
Entrance
No longer just restricted to Hogwarts and Britain, Potterheads are invited to embark on an intercontinental journey spanning decards of wizarding history. Your introduction to this new world begins at Celestial Park, where astral-themed gardens surround you.
Image via Wizarding World
1920s Paris
Step through the portal and find yourself in a pocket of 1920s Paris, called Place Cachée, a pocket of 1920s Paris catering to witches and wizards. Here, stone streets bustle with shops, cafés, and banners advertising Le Cirque Arcanus—all beckoning you to explore. You’ll also encounter characters from the wizarding world, including Hogwarts and Ilvermorny exchange students and officials, an Auror from the French Ministry of Magic, and talking portraits of delightful wizards.
Image via NBCUniversal
Magical theatrics
For the first time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience at Le Cirque Arcanus, where they’ll be treated to a spectacular show featuring live performers, aerialists, amazing puppetry, and brilliant special effects.
Image via Wizarding World
Image via Wizarding World
Wand-erful antics
Outside of the comfort of their seats, travelers can shop some of the finest wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, the premier Parisian wand shop. In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find exquisite wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes, each listing locations throughout the wizarding world where spells can be practiced.
Image via Wizarding World
As budding witches and wizards meander through the enchanted streets of wizarding Paris, they can use their interactive wands to create magical experiences. Cast spells at various locations, interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows.
Fancy some Butterbeer (or Bieraubuerre?)
International fare is served at an array of dining locations. These include Café L’Air De La Sirène with its French sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts in a setting adorned with fabulous carved marble and tile designs featuring fantastic beasts.
Image via Wizarding World
For a more mysterious atmosphere, Le Gobelet Noir serves hearty meals in a shadowy auberge where international Dark witches and wizards gather.
Image via NBCUniversal
American visitors can feel at home at Bar Moonshine, which offers exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails amid US Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
More adventures to come
The pièce de résistance of this adventure awaits: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This adventure ride filled with powerful storytelling begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo—a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the Floo Network—to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge. They’ll enter the Ministry’s grand atrium and venture through various departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial. But when Umbridge attempts to escape, riders will team up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase, dodging Death Eaters and rampaging creatures throughout the Ministry.
Image via NBCUniversal
We can’t wait
This entire zone is poised to showcase the wizarding world like never before, with its creators teasing that the Ministry of Magic’s shortest building towers the tallest of Diagon Alley.
Image via Wizarding World
Image via Wizarding World
