Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park lands are renowned for their cinematic immersiveness. When Epic Universe opens next year, that movie magic is magnified in what’s expected to be Universal’s most ambitious ride yet.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic is the newest Harry Potter land at Universal Orlando and is one of five themed areas opening at Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. The land showcases both 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and 1990s Britain from the original Harry Potter movies.
With only one ride, it had to be a good one. And Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most intricate rides Universal has ever done. New details and photos shared this week provide a glimpse at the grand scale of the attraction, which begins as soon as guests step foot into the Floo Network fireplace.
Through the iconic green flames, guests will travel from Paris to the iconic British Ministry of Magic, stepping into the to-scale grand atrium. Heavily detailed, the atrium features a restored Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, an enchanted weather ceiling, and rows and rows of ministry offices.
Like other Wizarding World attractions, the queue is multifaceted and immersive so it doesn’t feel like a line for a ride. During the tour, guests will learn that their visit falls on the same day as the trial of Dolores Umbridge, who’s being charged with crimes against the Wizarding World for her role in helping bring Lord Voldemort back to power. As the entire Ministry prepares for the trial, guests will pass through Ministry Reception and even visit Umbridge’s former office. Inside the pink nightmare room is Higgledy, her former house-elf, who is cleaning out the office.
Guests will also get to see other iconic Ministry offices and scout for Easter eggs from the films — copies of the Daily Prophet newspaper, flying interdepartmental memos and belongings of beloved characters. All this before guests even board the ride.
The omnidirectional lift ride car is key to the high-tech indoor dark ride. Seating up to 14 guests, the lift cars take guests up, down, left and right, forward and backward as they travel deeper into the Ministry to get to the trial. Adorned with red and gold accents, these unique ride vehicles look like plush theater seats. Guests shouldn’t get too comfortable, though, as Umbridge has escaped and these lift cars go on a thrilling chase through the Ministry. Get ready to dodge attacks from Umbridge and Death eaters and avoid rampaging magical creatures.
The ride won’t be all chaos. Guests will also soar through the cavernous Magical Archives, the Department of Magical Creatures and the Time-Turner-filled Time Room.
While The Battle at the Ministry is the only ride-based attraction, the rest of the Wizarding World at Epic Universe features Le Cirque Arcanus live show, themed dining and shopping and interactive wand experiences throughout the Fantastic Beasts-inspired land.
Universal revealed a Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package, which includes seven nights at a hotel and a 5-day theme park ticket to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe (one day). The package also includes Wizarding World perks like an ice cream flight at Florean Fortescue’s, a Honeydukes cooler tote, a Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session and breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, the Three Broomsticks and Café L’air De La Sirené.
Beyond Harry Potter, Epic Universe will have Super Nintendo World, The Isle of Berk: How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. Select tickets and vacation packages are on sale online now.
