Universal Epic Universe Preview: Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic

Universal Orlando is officially opening its eagerly anticipated Epic Universe theme park in just over five months, but we’ve already got your in-depth guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic, direct from the brand-new Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025.

Universal’s third (and presumably final) Wizarding World re-creates the streets of Paris from the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series, as well as the Ministry of Magic in London, as seen in the original Potter films. Guests will travel through time and space between 1920s Paris and late-1990s London via Métro-Floo, emerging from magical green fireplaces into the Ministry’s grand atrium.

The Place Cachée part of the land features full-scale Parisian buildings (like a beefed-up EPCOT pavilion) filled with magical creatures around every corner. The Paris facades in Epic Universe’s Wizarding World tower 65-70 feet high, and period jazz music fills the air; keep an eye open for wizards, aurors, and exchange students roaming the streets. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Wizarding World without a cart that serves Butterbeer (known here as Bièraubeurre), uniquely themed foods, merchandise— including clothing, robes, and wands—as well as a whole new land’s worth of interactive wand displays to cast a spell on. This land features two large quick-service dining locations, including one tucked away in a hidden alley on the right side of the area.

The standout draw for this Wizarding World is its main attraction, a state-of-the-art new dark ride set within the Ministry of Magic, featuring an entirely new type of simulator-base ride vehicle. A live stage show featuring Newt and his Fantastic Beasts rounds out the land’s attractions.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a high-tech indoor dark ride that takes us beyond the Harry Potter stories, as we go on a new adventure to defeat the diabolical Dolores Umbridge (Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton), aboard enchanted elevators that can travel in any direction. This high-tech dark ride combines animatronics, moving set pieces, and projection mapping, along with a new type of tracked motion-based ride system, to create another level of immersive experience.

Featuring new settings not seen in the films, magical creatures that were first seen in the Fantastic Beasts series, and new characters developed specifically for this ride, Battle at the Ministry extends the Harry Potter story, taking place after the events of the initial series.

Similar to the impressive experiences of walking the halls of Hogwarts Castle and entering the lobby of Gringotts Bank, the queue for this attraction is not to be missed. Travel magically from Paris to London to find yourself in the massive atrium of the British Ministry of Magic, where Dumbledore and Voldemort once battled, with office windows reaching five stories up and wizarding statues towering 40 feet tall.

After touring some of the Ministry’s more recognizable workspaces, including Umbridge’s feline-filled office, guests are invited to attend the trial of the infamous ex-headmaster, alongside Wizarding World luminaries like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. But before the abusive educator can face justice, she’s jailbroken by a band of fellow Death Eaters; now, you must help the heroic trio and Higgledy (Umbridge’s long-suffering house elf) to recapture her, before she can repair a broken Time-Turner and revive Voldemort’s reign.

While you do load into elevator-style seating, rest assured that this ride is not a drop-tower attraction like the Tower of Terror. It does simulate the motion of rising and falling between the larger-scope show scenes, but without the extreme thrill. Visitors who have trouble with rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man or Transformers: The Ride—3D may still have issues with motion sickness, despite this attraction opting not to utilize 3D glasses.

Le Cirque Arcanus

Join Newt Scamander and Gwenlyn (a squib circus assistant) as they try to rescue Newt’s famous suitcase full of fantastic beasts from Skender, an unscrupulous ringmaster who plans to use its inhabitants to revive his once-fashionable show’s fading fortunes. This all-new live production brings magical creatures—like a Demiguise, Zouwu, Kelpie, and Mooncalves—to life right before audiences’ eyes, using uniquely integrated media, high-tech puppetry, aerial acrobatics, and special theatrical effects. Enter the circus tent in the center of Paris, based on the scene in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and you’ll find yourself in a space that is much larger inside than it appears outside.

Shows may be continuous throughout the day, but if the line is extending beyond the tent, you may want to come back later to experience this attraction. There is still a queue inside, followed by a holding room that can fit a full theater’s worth of guests after passing through the tent outside.

Interactive Wands and Spell-Casting Locations in the Wizarding World

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic takes interactive wands to the next level. Not only can you create magic by casting spells in front of a whole slew of new windows here—including adorable animatronic Nifflers and Bowtruckles, as well as enchanted portraits that converse using customized quips—but you can also unlock secret areas by completing tasks.

With the help of the official app (like the way Power-Up Bands work in Super Nintendo World), this Wizarding World was built with a new level of interactivity in mind—and some areas you may recognize from Fantastic Beasts can only be entered with an interactive wand after completing special challenges.

Shopping in the Wizarding World

Just as it has been within the existing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley areas, this new Wizarding World features a whole new array of shopping opportunities. Leaning into Parisian theming, you can find certain spots with all-new French-inspired treats and wares, as well as classic Wizarding staples like house robes, wands, and even Butterbeer.

Shops include:

• Bar Moonshine is an American-style walk-up bar that not only features alcoholic spirits but also nonalcoholic drinks like Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, and more.
• Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique The Parisian counterpart to Ollivanders doesn’t offer the selection experience found there, but it does sell an exclusive range of new interactive wand designs, which come wrapped in unique-and-colorful triangular boxes, along with a selection of English imports. You might find Cosme Acajor’s proprietor roaming around the wand shop, helping customers to cast spells.
• K. Ramelle is a sweet shop near the front of the land featuring freshly made desserts in addition to classic packaged treats and snacks.
• Les Galeries Mirifiques is a Parisian department store located within the center of the land.
• Mademoiselle Malkins is a robe shop, for all your school uniform needs.
• Patisserie Matagot is a bakery window at the back of the land. (Note: This location may not be open yet when the park debuts.)
• Tour en Floo is a travel agency–themed gift shop at the exit of the Battle at the Ministry ride.

Dining in the Wizarding World

Cafe L’air la Sirene serves French café–style foods, including sandwiches, plats du jour, and unique desserts; Butterbeer and nonalcoholic drinks; plus beer, cocktails, and French wines. The largest of two dining locations within this Wizarding World, this indoor spot features multiple bright-and-cheery Parisian-inspired dining rooms adorned with elaborate Art Nouveau decor. Sidewalk seating outside is ideal for Muggle-watching. Be sure to check out the colossal croquembouche sculptures composed of nearly 2,000 cream puffs.

Le Gobelet Noir offers Wizarding-style French cuisine, including soups, salads, entrées, and desserts. The smaller of two dining locations within this Wizarding World, this indoor restaurant is somewhat hidden, tucked away in an alley where dark witches gather in the shadows.

What are you most excited to experience inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic? Let us know in the comments below!

For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.

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