Next year will see the debut of Universal Orlando Resort’s third installment of its highly immersive Harry Potter-themed lands with the unveiling of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Set in wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic—one of five worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025—features a collection of experiences that range from fantastical dining, whimsical retail and spellbinding entertainment to the “most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created,” according to the press release.
Beyond the world’s ornate portal, guests will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the 1920’s Place Cachee—a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafes, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance. Here, wizards and non-magiques alike can cast spells 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 Metro-Floo for an adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic.
Here’s a look at some of what awaits your clients:
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – The attraction begins when guests travel by Metro-Floo—a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the Floo Network seen in the films—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 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.
- Le Cirque Arcanus – This live, full-scale theater experience takes place in the heart of the land and features live performers, aerialists, puppetry and special effects. 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 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 Place Cachee.
Harry Potter-Themed Fun Around Place Cachee
While exploring the streets of Place Cachee, 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 Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministere 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 Cachee and more.
Guests can also enjoy international fare during their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at themed dining and retail locations, including Cafe L’Air De La Sirene, offering French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts; Le Gobelet Noir—where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry dining on everything from soups and salads to a variety of entrees and desserts; Bar Moonshine, offering exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana; and Bieraubeurre Cart, serving frosty butterbeer.
While hanging out at in this magical world, visitors can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy their sweet tooth at the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle, or make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Metro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.
