Epic Universe: Universal Officially Announces the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
We’ve been waiting for official details about Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe extension for a while, especially since the reveal of major concept art and merchandise at the park’s preview center last month. Today, we’re celebrating the birth of the wizarding world’s Chosen One with a huge announcement of attractions, restaurants, and shops, plus artist-conceptual renderings of all the major destinations mentioned.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is the official name of Epic Universe’s magical section, matching the name that was leaked via patent applications last year. It celebrates the ministries of both Britain – as seen in the original Harry Potter films – and France, allowing guests to explore the Parisian streets shown in the Fantastic Beasts franchise via the magical 1920s shopping district of Place Cachée.
Several other attraction names match the ones previously reported in the patent applications, including the park’s main ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The ride is set to use state-of-the-art technology and powerful storytelling to bring to life an impressive adventure. Guests will travel from the magical streets of Paris to the Ministry of Magic in London via the Métro-Floo, a travel system that combines the Floo network of the wizarding world and the famous Parisian metro. They will then join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and a house-elf called Higgledy at the trial of Dolores Umbridge, watching through a system of magical lifts until the worst happens and Umbridge attempts to escape her captors. The ride will take guests on a chase through the Ministry to find her, traveling in every direction to dodge Death Eater attacks and creatures on the loose.
For the first time ever at a Wizarding World park, Le Cirque Arcanus will bring a live theater experience for guests to enjoy. The show will include enchanting aerialists, special effects, puppetry, and more, following the story of Ringmaster Skender and his employee Gwenlyn. The ringmaster has stolen Newt Scamander’s magical suitcase and the creatures living inside, trying to bring the circus back to its former glory, and it’s up to Gwenlyn to rescue them from his clutches.
Alongside these major attractions, the streets will be filled with a variety of shops. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique will sell gorgeous wands designed by esteemed wandmaker Cosme Acajor, as well as imports from Ollivanders. The wands will be packaged in unique three-sided boxes, each containing a list of locations within the park where the wands can be used to practice casting. These casting opportunities will include enchanted objects in storefronts and other areas across the park and fantastic beasts to interact with.
Exploring the streets of the Place Cachée will also lead to encounters with witches and wizards, including exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny and French Aurors from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France.
Among the entertainment, guests will be able to experience delicious food matching the French atmosphere. The Café L’Air De La Sirène will offer a menu typical of a charming French café. The building will celebrate French architecture with carved marble and magical beasts hidden in mosaic designs.
Le Gobelet Noir will provide hearty meals for seedier characters, a mysterious auberge tucked in the shadows where Dark witches and wizards can gather away from the Ministry’s gaze. The Bièraubeurre Cart will sell butterbeer to those passing by, and K. Rammelle will satisfy even the sweetest of tooths with a selection of French confectionery.
If an alcoholic drink is more your style, a visit to the Bar Moonshine should be on your list. American wizards will fit right in with the exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails served at the bar, as well as the US Quidditch memorabilia that will adorn the bar’s walls.
If it’s merchandise you’re after, there are plenty of shops to explore. Les Galeries Mirifiques will be filled to the brim with wizarding gear, including some that debuted at the preview center. Ministry of Magic–inspired items will be available at the Tour En Floo, a Métro-Floo gift shop located at the end of the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. Merchandise for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is already available for a limited time at both the preview center and online.
More details are expected over the coming months before the park opens in the summer of 2025. A couple of the names listed under Universal’s patent applications, including presumed clothing store Mademoiselle Malkin’s and bakery Patisserie Matagot, are yet to surface, so keep an eye out for future updates, though it is possible that not all the patent names will be used.
Were you always planning on visiting Epic Universe, or has this announcement convinced you to experience the magic of the French wizarding world?
