It’s not long to wait now until Universal Epic Universe opens its doors on May 22, 2025, welcoming 5 beautiful themed lands within its new groundbreaking and forward-thinking park including a Harry Potter Ministry of Magic Land that is sure to whet a wizard’s appetite.
One land, in particular, was shrouded in mystery up until the last reveal as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic will transport guests to the streets of 1920’s Paris to soak up everything this exciting new area has to offer along with one of the most technologically advanced rides Universe has ever created with Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry.
Beyond the world’s ornate portal, guests will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance.
The carvings, the textures and the props have been made with the utmost attention to detail at a scale unprecedented within a Universal park before with sets at 35-40 feet going all the way up to 70 feet tall! There will be a real sense of authenticity and immersion at a scale unlike anything they’ve done before.
It’s time to get out that translator as everywhere you walk you’ll be seeing French shop signs, french adverts and even hearing the French language as you’re fully immersed in this world that Universal has created.
There’s an enchanted ambience being promised by Universal as wizards cast dazzling spells through the streets and you can encounter fantastic beats at a travelling circus but that’s not it, guests can use the Métro-Floo and be transported into the iconic British Ministry of Magic through a combination of virtual and practical effects, giving guests the sensation of using Floo Powder to navigate the Ministry’s intricate layout.
Harry Potter and The Ministry of Magic
This ride starts with a mass transportation service with the Métro-Floo and Universal has somehow made a way for fans to experience this transportation at scale. Starting in a French subway station you enter giant mantle places and flames and floo powder will surround the guests and transport them to the British Ministry in a very special and unique way.
Guests arrive at the Ministry of Magic on the day of Dolores Umbridge’s trial but Umbridge escapes so it’s up to guests to join Harry, Ron and Hermione guided by a house-elf named Higgledey to capture Umbridge whilst dodging attacks from Death Eaters and more creatures along the way.
You will be propelled up, down, forward, backwards, sideways and more throughout the Ministry in a complex ride system which could very well be Universal’s answer to Rise of the Resistance.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Remember back to Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald where there’s a circus being run by Ringmaster Skender, well, it’s time to explore that for yourselves in this brand new show.
Guests will approach a very small-looking tent that when inside will transform into a giant dome of special effects, live performers and aerialists along with puppetry that will take guests on a journey to get up close and personal with these fantastic beasts.
The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more reside – to try and bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory. It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.
Described as an ’emotional journey’ this show will be a standout piece of the area which features two attractions but a whole host of shopping venues to please wizards of all ages. Guests can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy their sweet tooth at the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle, or make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.
Dining Within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Beautiful design, art and architecture come to the fold to allow guests to indulge in a variety of Cafes and bars within the space.
Dining locations include:
Café L’Air De La Sirène
A wonder of French architecture adorned with fabulous carved marble and details of fantastic beasts hidden in the tile and mosaic designs, Café L’air De La Sirène is a charming café where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and dessert.
Le Gobelet Noir
In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée is a mysterious timeworn auberge, where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry and have a hearty meal over hushed conversation. Menu offerings include starters such as soups and salads as well as a variety of entrées and desserts.
Bar Moonshine
American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine, where they’ll find exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
Bièraubeurre Cart
No visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without Butterbeer! Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre cart during their visit to Place Cachée for a frosty, delicious mug of the fan-favourite beverage.
For further details on The Ministry of Magic land at Universal Epic Universe or the rest of the themed lands at the resort, you can check out the official website at https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/theme-parks/epic-universe or grab your tickets today HERE.
