Okay, we have to say it, but everything we’ve learned so far about Epic Universe has been, well, EPIC (yes, we went there).
Each land seems to have been carefully thought out and constructed and so far, the theming seems SO on point. We’ve learned about Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe so far. That just leaves one more land remaining (yep, FIVE NEW LANDS in this new theme park), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Well, we finally have ALL the details about this new Harry Potter-inspired land!
The Ministry of Magic will add a new chapter to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando that blends the 1920s wizarding world of Paris from the Fantastic Beasts movies with the first Ministry of Magic from the original Harry Potter series.
The new land will feature a brand-new ride, several new entertainment options, four restaurants, and more!
The Land
Universal shared that in this land, “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.”
It’s here that wizards and “non-magiques alike” will be “enamored with the majestic grandeur and enchanting ambiance of the city as they cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets using interactive wands, encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus, and – for the first time ever within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – travel across countries and time to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic.”
Rides
There will only be one ride in this land — but it’s sure to be a good one.
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – With its unique combination of massive environments, powerful storytelling and first-of-its-kind ride technology, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry builds upon the historic theme park innovation Universal is known for – and will be one of its most impressive attractions to date. The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s jaw-dropping grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place…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.
Restaurants
Wondering what sort of wizarding eats will await?
- 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 desserts.
- 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-favorite beverage.
Entertainment
Of course, there will be plenty of entertainment, too!
- Le Cirque Arcanus – For the first time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects and more to takes 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.
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique – Guests can shop some of the world’s finest wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor, in the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find a selection of exquisite wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes – each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells.
- Inspiring Wand Magic – As guests explore the streets of wizarding Paris, they can use their interactive wands to create magical experiences as they cast spells at various locations, interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows plus other areas throughout the marvelous Place Cachée.
- Captivating Entertainment – While exploring the streets of Place Cachée, guests will also encounter other visitors, officials and residents from the wizarding world, including exchange Students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardy, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France who roams inquiring of suspicious characters, talking portraits of delightful wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.
And, you can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy your 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.
Epic Universe isn’t set to open until 2025, so we’ll just have to wait patiently (or in our case, IMPATIENTLY) until then to see it all for ourselves. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more details, though, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
EVERYTHING We Know About the NEW Dark Universe Land at Epic Universe
What do you think about Epic Universe so far? Will you be making a trip to Orlando in 2025 to check it out? Let us know in the comments!
Mark Dunne says
Not to worry . Zootopia is taking over TTBAB. 😂, then there’s the horizan info in D23, Then if course stopping international guests from booking LL PASS, well done Disney !! Smart vision for the future, don’t be so sure worldwide guests don’t revolt on this, all universal have to do is the opposite, dear o dear !! Looks like universal have the magic now .
Jenn says
I. Cannot. WAIT! Of course we’re going! I do wonder though if they’ll hold off on offering any type of express pass there for a while though…My favorite perk currently is staying at Royal Pacific to have unlimited express pass options.
Pris says
We already have reservations for Portofino! Just wish the park ticket situation would be explained and open up for booking. Want to get it finalized!