We all remember our first time walking through Hogwarts Castle, right? Or how the ornate interior of Gringotts bank took our breath away when we first saw it, complete with goblins hard at work? Without a doubt, Universal’s incredible talent for immersing guests in the worlds they portray is truly at its peak in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; going beyond basic theme park design into an architectural marvel that mimics the design motifs of a culture that doesn’t even truly exist, Universal Orlando has always put forth great effort and even greater talent to ensure that these places felt as real as possible to guests.
The design work behind Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry is no exception; this pinnacle attraction featuring an all-new story set in the world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes immersion and design to new heights, ushering guests into the mysterious and beautiful British Ministry of Magic, as it was depicted in the Harry Potter film series. Guests will be immersed in iconic locations within the Ministry, including the atrium, Dolores Umbridge’s office, and a variety of Ministry departments as part of the queue for this groundbreaking new attraction.
Guests will be able to travel from Wizaring Paris to the British Ministry of Magic via Métro-Floo, an enigmatic new mode of transportation inspired by the Floo Network from the series. Guests will exit the Métro-Floo into the Ministry of Magic atrium, a grand and elaborate set that conveys all the authority and eminence that the Ministry represents. The Fountain of Magical Brethren statue has been restored to its former glory after the ousting of corrupted Ministry officials during the second Wizarding War, and guests will be able to view floor-to-ceiling Ministry offices with countless details to behold.
Guests will find themselves touring the British Ministry of Magic, coincidentally, on the same day that Dolored Umbridge will stand trial for her crimes. Guests will be ushered into an omnidirectional lift that seats up to fourteen. These state-of-the-art vehicles are unlike anything seen before by wizard or muggle, and can propel guests up, down, forward, backwards, and every which way through the Ministry, via magic.
They also look really good while doing it, adored with rich red and gold accents to match the luxurious flair of the Ministry itself.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Wizarding World without a little magical mayhem, and we soon see ourselves on a thrilling chase to catch Umbridge as she tries to escape her trial. Dodge Death Eaters, magical creatures on the loose, and try not to get turned into anything by errant spells as you soar through the Ministry of Magic in your omnidirectional lift. Visit new locations within the Ministry, like the Magical Archives – a cavernous library filled with centuries of Wizarding history – or the Department of Magical Creatures, where countless strange and unusual beasts have escaped their holdings. The Time Room, where time-turners and other means of time manipulation are kept by the Ministry, is another location guests will see as they try to recapture Umbridge.
For a deeper look at what The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe will have to offer when it opens in 2025, check out Discover Universal – Universal Orlando’s official podcast, in which hosts interview Universal Creatives about Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Le Cirque Arcanus, and all the entertainment that 1920’s Wizarding Paris has to offer.
