As the week leading up to the official opening of Epic Universe continues, jam packed with media events and sneak peeks at some of the most astounding rides, foods, shows, and more at Universal’s newest theme park, Theme Park Shark is covering each of the brand-new lands at Orlando’s hottest new theme park. As we venture into these incredible lands that transport us into some of our favorite worlds, Theme Park Shark is continuing the festivities at the Dark Universe land at Epic Universe. Covering all of the rides, shows, attractions, and details of this land, our very own Dustin Sparage is bringing fans the Epic Experience this week from inside Epic Universe.
Theme Park Shark previously covered the Helios Grand Hotel, The Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe as our journey into the worlds of Epic Universe began. Now it’s time for a little bit of magic with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is one of the five new lands at Epic Universe; this new land is the third installment of the Harry Potter franchise that has apparated to Universal Orlando Resort, following the opening of Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure in 2010 and Diagon Alley in 2014. This section of the park seamlessly blends the words of the Harry Potter franchise and its sister franchise, Fantastic Beasts, as guests are invited to explore the streets of 1920s Wizarding Paris (the setting of the Fantastic Beasts films) and the deeper catacombs of the British Ministry of Magic during the later Harry Potter films.
Attractions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Featuring two major attractions – one ride and one show – this newest installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter allows guests to experience parts of this fantastical world never before seen by muggles, as well as brand-new stories that take place after the closing events of the Harry Potter series, giving guests a new leg of the adventure to experience.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
This is the headliner attraction at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Battle at the Ministry. Accessible only by Floo Network, guests are invited to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge for her crimes against the Wizarding World during the second Wizarding War. Manufactured by Simtec Systems, this attraction is a tracked dark ride utilizing a brand-new ride system.
“Travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic™ where Dolores Umbridge™ is about to stand trial. Board a lift and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you journey deep into the Ministry’s many departments. Thrilling adventure, fantastic beasts, and unexplored mystery await in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™.”
This ride does offer a Single-Rider line, but does not currently accept Universal Express Pass. This is one of the most technologically advanced rides in the new park, and has already been billed by fans as one of the best dark rides out there. It is a motion simulator ride – but taken to the next level, with cutting-edge technology and expertly designed physical sets.
Despite being a thrill ride – and certainly, any wizarding battle is going to be a thrill! – the minimum height requirement for this attraction is 40”, meaning some of our littler ones can also experience this epic battle at the Ministry of Magic.
Combining some classic tech with cutting-edge innovation, Universal Creatives themselves have called this the most ambitious ride at Epic Universe.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Le Cirque Arcanus is a different type of attraction. Much like its sister attraction over at the Isle of Berk, Le Cirque Arcanus is a stage show that blends elements of live action, special effect, and puppetry to tell a new story about magic and suspense.
“In an attempt to bring Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory, ringmaster Skender has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures in this spectacular mix of live performers, amazing puppetry, dazzling special effects and more.“
Universal Express Pass is accepted for this attraction, allowing guests quicker entry to this musical comedy stage show. With multiple showings per day, show times may vary and can be found on the Universal Orlando Resort app or their official website.
Guests needing accommodations will also be happy to know that this on-stage spectacular offers Closed Captioning, Assistive Listening, and Sign Language Interpretation. Guests in need of these accommodations should see an attraction attendant or stop by guest services for more information.
Retail and Dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Theme Park Shark has previously debuted the menus for major restaurants, quick-service food counters, and snack carts throughout Epic Universe with out Shark Bites guide to Epic Universe. Check out full menus with details, info, and pictures for all the restaurants of Epic Universe in our official Shark Bites directory.
As for retail, guests can find plenty of wizarding goods at any of the four major retail locations within this section of the park, which includes a confectionery – K. Rammelle, which specializes in period designs in 1920s Paris, serving up sweets from the Wizarding World and muggle favorites alike, with treats crafted by the world renowned K. Rammelle (a play on the word caramel – don’t worry, it took me months and someone had to tell me.).
Guests can also visit Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique for all of their wand needs. designed by one of the most renowned wand makers in all of France, Cosme Cajor, these wands are a unique item at Epic Universe. Like the Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World, these wands connect to your phone via the Universal Orlando Resort app, allow you to use the Universal Play service and complete hidden challenges, compete on leader boards, and unlock exclusive stories as you explore this new land.
As these second-generation wands roll out, guests should know that the old wands (wands typically sold at Ollivander’s prior to this year) will not be compatible with Universal Play, and that new wands will be required to experience this new aspect of game play in the park.
If you’ve already got your wand, then head over to Les Galeries Mirifiques, an international store where guests can find uniforms from wizarding schools across the globe, a variety of wizarding gear, and more.
If you’re a Hogwarts Alumni, or just not looking to go back to school at this point in your life, head over to the Tour en Floo shop, conveniently located at the exist of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. There, guests will be able to find a variety of Metro-Floo and Auror branded merchandise.
Can’t make it to Universal’s Epic Universe just yet, but want to hit your next big vacation ready-to-go and showing off your favorite monsters the second you step foot on property? Universal’s got you covered! Check out the Universal Orlando Resort online storefront to shop some of the most popular Harry Potter items, including wands, robes, and magical artifacts.
Plus, for a limited time, shoppers on the Universal Orlando Resort web store can get free shipping on orders of 100+ by using the code SHIP100 at checkout. This offer does only apply to domestic shipping, is only valid for purchases made online, and excludes tax and additional discounts.
Shark Favorites
If you’re visiting Wizarding Paris, you can’t leave without trying the croissants. A Shark favorite, the croissants at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic land are some of the best you can get here in the states, and certainly the best you can get in the theme parks. Warm, crispy on the outside, and soft and buttery on this inside, this was a surprise food fave from Theme Park Shark’s time exploring Epic Universe.
Check Back for More from Inside Epic Universe
Check back soon, as Theme Park Shark will continue to bring you exclusive views from inside Epic Universe, as well as food reviews, ride reviews, and everything you need to know about the new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. In the meantime, check out Theme Park Shark on your favorite social media platform, like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As Universal’s Media Preview gets under way, expect to see plenty of exclusive footage from Theme Park Shark as we tackle everything Epic, as well as theme park news from Disney, Universal, and theme parks from all across the world!
