The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic - A Universe of Universal Facts
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter continues to captivate fans, and its latest expansion at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe is no exception. This new area builds upon the success of the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, immersing guests in the magical side of 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series through a bustling shopping district named Place Cachée.
An Immersive Design
In keeping with the immersive design of Epic Universe, all worlds, including the new Harry Potter area, are ingeniously separated by berms with “portal” entrances. Fans with a sharp eye will recognize a series of familiar wands displayed around the portal, including those belonging to Harry, Hermione, Queenie, Newt, and Grindelwald. Crowning the display is the Elder Wand-once wielded by both Grindelwald and Dumbledore-serving as a symbolic link between their intertwined stories.
This magical Epic Universe zone features the tallest buildings ever created for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. At the 2024 New York Comic Con, it was revealed that the smallest building in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic is actually larger than the tallest building in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Attractions
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
With the Métro-Floo, a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network from the films, guests will travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, they enter the Ministry’s grand atrium and explore various departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to witness the trial.
The event takes a dramatic turn when Umbridge attempts to escape, prompting guests to join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase. This high-stakes pursuit moves up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more throughout the Ministry as guests dodge attacks from Death Eaters and creatures along the way.
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The queue for Battle at the Ministry of Magic isn’t just a lead-up to the ride-it is an experience. As soon as you walk in, you’re deep inside the wizarding world. There are spellbound elevators, enchanted fireplaces, even full offices that feel like someone just stepped away.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Step into the big top for a live stage show inspired by the circus featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Prepare to be dazzled by live performers and aerialists, stunning puppetry, brilliant special effects, and fantastic beasts like never before! The show centers around Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase-home to creatures like the Demiguise, Diricawl, and Mooncalves-in a desperate bid to restore the failing Le Cirque Arcanus to its former glory. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these magical creatures before they fall into Skender’s greedy clutches. It’s located inside an air conditioned building and away from the hot Florida sun.
Entertainment
Character Experiences
While exploring the streets of Place Cachée, guests may encounter a variety of visitors, officials, and residents from the wizarding world. An Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France stands guard at the entrance, questioning those who dare to enter. Talking portraits of charismatic wizards engage with locals, sharing the latest happenings in Place Cachée. This isn’t your typical theme park meet-and-greet.
Guests can also meet Cosme Acajor, the renowned Parisian wandmaker with a shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. Cosme doesn’t just wave and pose for photos… she teaches magic. With flair, wit, and a bit of illusion, she’ll walk you through a spellbinding moment that pulls you deeper into the story. You can pick up a wand inside her shop (and trust me, they’re gorgeous), or bring your own… just make sure it’s a second-generation Wizarding World wand to unlock the interactive magic hidden throughout the parks. Her interactions are one on one and never feel rushed.
Exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny will be present, joined by a Beauxbatons student carrying The Monster Book of Monsters-which, for the first time, guests will be able to interact with and open.
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Plus, enjoy the lively sounds of a trio of street musicians, joined by a Puffskein named Plume. In 1920s Wizarding Paris, enjoy the retro pleasures of this jazzy band and watch out for a special appearance from a lovely Puffskein called Plume!
Interactive Wands and Spells
Guests can use their interactive wands to cast spells at various locations throughout Place Cachée, interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows and other areas throughout the Place Cachée.
Dining
Café L’Air De La Sirène
This restaurant is beautifully adorned with carved marble and intricate details of fantastic beasts hidden within the tile and mosaic designs. The '20s Parisian spirit of many of the cafes, bars and shops you'll discover is truly breathtaking. Be sure to take in the marble details, paintings and romantic lights. The menu features French sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts.
Le Gobelet Noir
Le Gobelet Noir is a hotspot for Dark witches and wizards to gather and escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana. Tucked away in a quiet alley across from Le Goblet Noir is one of the most magical and most overlooked experiences in the Wizarding World at Epic Universe: the Living Portraits Character Encounter. My daughter spent over five minutes talking and laughing with the characters just them… casting spells together and exchanging stories like old friends.
Bièraubeurre Cart
No trip to The Wizarding World is complete without a Butterbeer! Be sure to grab a cup of this frosty drink at the Bièraubeurre Cart.
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Baguette de Dinde
The Baguette de Dinde features sliced cracked black pepper turkey piled high with arugula, crisp apples and creamy brie. It’s set between a warm crusty baguette with zesty mustard butter and apple butter.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Want an even more authentic dish? Try the Boeuf Bourguignon, a braised beef slow cooked in Burgundy wine, with mushrooms, pearl onions, roasted carrots, and bacon lardons served with pommes puree. It’s tucked away in a quiet street corner, where American witches and wizards in Paris can enjoy a taste of home.
Lobe Blaster
For guests 21 or older, the Lobe Blaster is a must-try.
Shopping
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
There is no doubt that a wand is an essential accessory when exploring The Wizarding World. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic introduces a new shopping destination for this magical tool at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, a Paris-based store featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. In addition to imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find a selection of wands packaged in this shop’s signature three-sided boxes, each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells. A wand will set you back $65, but it’s worth it for what you can do inside this immersive world. And don’t miss your chance to win a wand of your own, courtesy of Orlando magazine.
Tour en Floo
Shop Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop, cleverly named Tour en Floo.
Les Galeries Mirifiques
Grab the latest in non-muggle fashion at Galleries Mirifiques in Place Cachée. This merchandise location plans to offer a range of goods, including wizarding gear and memorabilia.
K. Rammelle
Those looking for a sweet treat can visit K. Rammelle for a delicious confectionery spread. And don’t forget the sweets! Enjoy delectable chocolates, candies and other sweet treats from K. The shop windows are particularly fun at K.
Additional Services
Guest Services
Guest Services is located in a kiosk to the right of the portal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. Stop by if you have any questions, concerns, or special needs during your time at the park.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be found across from Café L’air De La Sirène and near the entrance of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
First Aid
The nearest First Aid location is just outside the portal to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. It also serves as a Family Care center.
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