Epic Universe construction update: Nicolas Flamel hidden message in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe may contain a hidden message about Nicolas Flamel, keeper of the sorcerer’s stone.
Aerial photographer bioreconstruct captured pictures of Epic Universe construction in Orlando, Fla. on Oct. 24, 2024. In this batch of Epic Universe photos are a number of storytelling details conveyed via architecture and props throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Translating a multi-layered ‘Harry Potter’ message in Epic Universe
The exteriors of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe depict Place Cachée, a nook of 1920s Paris as seen in 2018’s “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”
Just behind the area’s entrance portal stands a large archway. As construction workers remove scaffolding from this arch, we can see how they’ve weathered the architecture to appear old and grimy. Epic Universe may be a brand-new theme park, but Place Cachée has already “existed” for quite some time within the story. Therefore, it shouldn’t appear shiny and new.
Also now visible is lettering on the archway that seems to spell out “senescallus petrae fecit.” The Latin words literally translate to “old man rocks he did”; tinkering with various online translation tools, a more coherent consensus seems to be that this phrase means “The old man made a rock.”
Okay, but what’s that got to do with “Harry Potter” and why would it be front and center on one of the first structures guests see as they enter this area of Epic Universe? Think about the events of the “Fantastic Beasts” films and which well-known wizard lives in Place Cachée. Need another hint? Think of a synonym for “rock.” Might one call it a … stone?
Yes, one of Place Cachée’s residents is Nicolas Flamel, the wizard who leverages the power of the sorcerer’s stone to never die. He’s the world’s oldest wizard. Hence, “The old man made a rock.”
Images courtesy of Warner Bros.
Though Nicolas Flamel isn’t a major character in any Epic Universe attractions (that we know of), this inscription underscores a key theme of this new Wizarding World of Harry Potter area: time.
The events that transpire in this theme park land transcend time and space. Many of the area’s entities take place in 1920s Paris, while its signature attraction (Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry) is set in 1990s London. This time-traveling motif is hinted from guests’ arrival by the (recently unveiled) hourglass visible on the portal leading into this Wizarding World from Epic Universe’s Celestial Park central hub.
With this context of time as an underlying thread of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the phrase nodding to Nicolas Flamel takes on deeper meaning. As the oldest man alive, he’s had more time than anyone.
Glancing back at the photo again, it’s worth noting the weather vane-like sculpture at the top of the entrance portal is a hand that holds the Elder Wand, known in the “Harry Potter” stories as a wand of invincible power. At the points in the timeline during which The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic takes place, the Elder Wand simultaneously belongs to Grindelwald (in 1920s Paris) and is altogether destroyed (in 1990s London).
The places and people of Place Cachée
Continuing into Place Cachée proper, construction workers continue making progress as Epic Universe’s May 22, 2025 opening date draws nearer — and with it, the grand opening of Orlando’s third “Harry Potter” world. The five intersecting alleyways of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic combine with some clever set design to bring to life a vibrant community.
A community is nothing without people to call it home, though, and recently installed signage and props continues to flesh out the backstories of the tenants of Place Cachée. The window displays in particular (!!) are noteworthy for providing a glimpse into the proprietors’ goods sold at each establishment. Can you guess what each place of business might sell?
Video of ‘Harry Potter’ Epic Universe construction + other park worlds
bioreconstruct also captured video footage of Epic Universe construction, including not only the new “Harry Potter” world, but also Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Check it out:
More construction photos of Epic Universe:
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