Harry Potter at Epic Universe to feature return of Umbridge and more as Universal reveals new Wizarding World
Bloody hell! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will open in 2025 at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park.
Updated Sept. 1, 2024; originally published July 31, 2024.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will apparate at Universal Epic Universe — the new theme park opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort. Here’s what to know about the highly anticipated land.
Delores Umbridge returns in new ‘Harry Potter’ world in Orlando
Delores Umbridge returns — as do Harry, Ron, and Hermione — in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, the signature attraction within this new Wizarding World.
Universal has confirmed that Imelda Staunton reprised her role as Delores Umbridge for this attraction, marking the actor’s first time in the role since 2010’s penultimate “Harry Potter” film.
Universal has not mentioned casting details for Harry, Ron, or Hermione, so TBD on whether Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and/or Emma Watson, respectively, are back this time. (The actors’ images in the promotional artwork are over a decade old.) In the concept visuals, Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s faces are covered by elevator grates.
The new Epic Universe ride takes place after the ‘Harry Potter’ movies
We enter the story after the events of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” and Delores Umbridge is on trial.
Things seem to be going all right …
…until Umbridge attempts to escape. Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.
Universal Orlando
Umbridge only appears in two “Potter” films (the fifth and the seventh), but she leaves a strong impression on the series, as does Imelda Staunton in her villainous performance in the movies. The new attraction marks Umbridge’s first appearance in a theme park ride.
The new character Higgledy happens to be Umbridge’s former house-elf.
Familiar Death Eaters will be part of the ride, too: Yaxley, the Carrows, and Macnair. Kingsley Shacklebolt, member of the Order of the Phoenix, will also make his Universal Orlando debut in the attraction.
The queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe
The queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will wind its way through several unique locations never before seen in the films, including:
- a locker room where Harry, Ron, and Neville’s belongings are strewn about (they’re training to become Aurors, aka dark-wizard catchers)
- Umbridge’s Ministry of Magic office
- Aurors’ headquarters (we spy Mad Eye Moody!)
- a hall paying tribute to former Ministers of Magic
- a room showing a magical map of the entire British Ministry
Epic Universe will have both ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will depict both 1920s France (specifically Place Cachée, as seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”) and 1990s Britain (specifically the Ministry of Magic in London, as seen in the “Harry Potter” films).
Of wizarding Paris, you may recall how in “The Crimes of Grindelwald,” the misadventures of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and company converged with the rise in power of the villainous Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp), with more than a few fantastic beasts thrown into the mix. At Epic Universe, this place in this era will be represented in the layout of the land itself and its building’s exteriors.
Here’s how the area looks in the film:
And here’s how it will look at Epic Universe in Orlando:
The British office of the Ministry of Magic — the wizarding government — will be the setting of the area’s signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
Here’s what the lobby for the British Ministry looks like in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”:
And here’s what the interior of the new ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, will look like:
Newt Scamander returns in Epic Universe theatrical stage show
See some magical creatures in person during “Le Cirque Arcanus,” an indoor show themed to the touring carnival show seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”
This spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects and more to take guests on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before. 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.
Universal Orlando
The show will feature Newt Scamander is some capacity; Universal has not mentioned if Eddie Redmayne will return in a prerecorded performance, or if a live actor will portray Newt.
Two words: The. Niffler.
The Niffler, the platypus-like magical creature representative of Newt Scamander’s pet, Teddy, waits to greet you in the windows of Place Cachée.
Also while you’re roaming about, if you happen to strike up a conversation with a talking portrait … they’ll talk back to you!
Dine at a hostel for evil wizards
Described as an auberge, or hostel, Le Gobelet Noir (or The Black Cup) is a quick-service dining location “where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry and have a hearty meal over hushed conversation.”
Stop by a Quidditch bar
Bar Moonshine will be themed to the ever-popular wizarding sport of Quidditch. Universal says, “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.”
Go shopping at chic Parisian stores
Save up some spending money for Orlando’s new “Harry Potter” world, because it’s filled with shops. You’ll find everything to meet the needs you might have as a witch or wizard exploring this fantasy Parisian locale, including a wand of your own — which will interact with the environment and architecture of Place Cachée in unique ways. The local wand shop here is Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. Of course, plenty of “Fantastic Beasts” and “Harry Potter” merchandise will be available throughout.
If you’re hungry, stop by Café L’Air De La Sirène, a Parisian eatery with French sandwiches and desserts, plus hidden fantastic beasts.
‘Exchange students’ from Hogwarts will roam the streets of Epic Universe
As you explore Place Cachée, you might run into atmospheric character performers portraying exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny (the American school for wizardry), as well as an Auror (dark-wizard catcher). We also spot some students from Beauxbatons (a French school) in the concept art.
Yes, Butterbeer will be served
No Orlando “Harry Potter” attraction would be complete without Butterbeer! The butterscotch-tasting, non-alcoholic beverage is known here as Bièraubeurre, served at a streetside cart in Place Cachée.
Time-turners will be critical to the Harry Potter story at Epic Universe
How does it make sense to instantaneously transport from 1920s Paris to 1990s Britain? Within the story, guests will use the magic of a time-turner to travel between the two eras — and in doing so, travel between the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” franchises. The time-turner is also what Umbridge is trying to get her hands on within the Battle at the Ministry ride. She wants a time-turner so she can restore Voldemort’s reign.
This theme is symbolized by an hourglass that represents this Epic Universe world above the land’s portal, as well as at the top of the Chronos tower at the park’s entrance.
In any case, jumping from various points within the “Potter” timeline has never been cause for alarm in other Wizarding World areas, even without time-turners as a storytelling device. Over in Diagon Alley, the bustling street is a different time than the desolate wartime depicted inside Gringotts bank. Back when Dragon Challenge was open in Hogsmeade, its story took place in Harry’s fourth year at school (with the Triwizard Tournament being the focal point of the now-defunct coaster), while the ride inside Hogwarts (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) has always been situated in Harry’s sixth year (as evidenced by Ron being on the Quidditch team).
All this to say, Universal hasn’t seen the need to explain these contradictions in the past, but will go to great lengths to explain them at Epic Universe, seeing as the two time periods in question are decidedly further apart than a few school years. Unlike the other Wizarding World rides at Universal Orlando, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will depict a time period not seen in the franchise yet: shortly after the grand finale movie concluded.
But what about the difference in setting from France to Britain? That’s explained by means of the Métro-Floo Network, a magical means of transportation involving green fire.
A famous Dumbledore quote marks the entrance to Epic Universe’s Harry Potter adventure
Each world within Epic Universe is flanked by an entrance portal, which will act as an architectural transition between Celestial Park (Epic Universe’s central hub) and each individual land. Each portal bears a brief transcription that alludes to the quest found within.
The portal inscription for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic reads: “For in dreams we enter a world that is entirely our own.” This is an Albus Dumbledore quote from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” In the film, Dumbledore says this to Snape as the two professors chaperone Hogwarts students sleeping in the Great Hall.
The Elder Wand is here
Atop the portal leading into Place Cachée is a sculpture of a hand holding the Elder Wand. As regaled in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the Elder Wand is all-powerful.
Various characters possess the Elder Wand throughout the story timeline of both the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” series. In the end, Harry claims and destroys it. During the events of “The Crimes of Grindelwald,” the Elder Wand belongs to the titular villain. What this means for the story being told within Epic Universe remains to be seen.
Finally see the Department of Mysteries
Among the familiar locations within the Ministry of Magic in the films, perhaps none is more iconic than the Department of Mysteries, the setting for the climax of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” In Orlando’s newest “Harry Potter” ride, Umbridge is trying to reach the Department of Mysteries to retrieve a time-turner.
To get to wizarding Paris, you’ll pass through Muggle Paris first
Upon first stepping through the portal from Celestial Park into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will enter Non-Magique Park, populated by Muggles and where no magic is allowed. The magic-free zone doesn’t last long, though, because as soon as visitors step through a nearby archway, they’re in Place Cachée, bustling with wizarding activity.
Universal Creative collaborated with ‘Harry Potter’ filmmakers in building Epic Universe
As with previous Wizarding World iterations, the artists of Universal Creative collaborated with production designers from the original “Harry Potter” films to build the new area at Epic Universe, as shared in a behind-the-scenes video. Though not mentioned by name, Stuart Craig was the production designer for all eight “Harry Potter” films and all three “Fantastic Beasts” films, and previously worked with Universal as the art director for “Potter” theme park adaptations (check out our interview with Craig from when Hogsmeade opened!).
Still no Epic Universe opening date or ticket sales
Epic Universe — and the new area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter along with it — will open in 2025, but Universal has not announced a specific opening date.
Additionally, Epic Universe tickets are not yet available. When ticket sales launch, Epic Universe admission will only be sold as part of a multi-day package with Universal Orlando’s other parks. Other ticket options will roll out at a later point. Universal has not mentioned pricing.
Epic Universe makes for three Harry Potter worlds in Orlando
Ministry of Magic makes for a grand total of three areas devoted to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, spread among three separate parks.
The gist of it: Hogsmeade (located in Universal Islands of Adventure) is where you’ll find the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside Hogwarts castle, as well as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a roller coaster. Diagon Alley (located in Universal Studios Florida) is home to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a roller coaster inside Gringotts bank. Both areas are populated by street performers, retail shops, and restaurants. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley (and therefore, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) are connected by the Hogwarts Express, an actual train that you can actually ride (if you have a park-to-park ticket).
Ministry of Magic (located in the forthcoming Epic Universe) will feature everything else discussed elsewhere in this story. Since Epic Universe is geographically separate from Universal’s other parks, it will not be connected by the Hogwarts Express.
Hogsmeade also exists at Universal parks in California, Japan, and China.
Augmented reality sneak peek of Harry Potter’s new Orlando digs
Excited for another “Harry Potter” world in Orlando? Can’t wait for Epic Universe to open? When visiting Universal CityWalk, be sure to stop by the Epic Universe Preview Center. Inside you’ll find a huge scale model of the entire park. You can even use your phone to see augmented reality special effects. Take a look!
Virtual fly-through of new Harry Potter world at Epic Univsere
Take a virtual flight into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, including its exterior alleyways and indoor attractions:
New to Epic Universe? Get caught up
If the Ministry of Magic news is the first you’re hearing about Epic Universe and another “Harry Potter” area in Orlando, there’s a lot more to get excited about. Check out our Epic Universe guide for newcomers, where we go over the basics of the park and its five worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
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