ORLANDO, Fla. — Spectrum News got a first look at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, which is set to open on May 22.
The highly anticipated park will include five themed worlds: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Here is a closer look at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, including photos, attraction highlights, food options and more.
💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:
- VIEW MORE WORLDS: Celestial Park | Super Nintendo World | How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk | Dark Universe
This is Universal Orlando’s third Harry Potter-themed world, joining The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
The new world is filled with elements from the "Harry Potter" films as well as the "Fantastic Beasts" films, with a part of it being set in the British Ministry of Magic and another portion of it set in 1920s wizarding Paris.
Guests will first enter the world and explore wizarding Paris, and then take the Métro-Floo from there to the British Ministry in the 1990s, where the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride can be found.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Here are more details of what to expect at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, according to Universal Orlando:
Main Attractions 🎢🎭
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo — a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the Floo Network seen in the films — to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical lifts to watch the trial, until Umbridge attempts to escape. Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in a chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, creatures and more along the way.
- Le Cirque Arcanus: Guests can enjoy a live, full-scale theater experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. The show will feature live performers and aerialists, puppetry and special effects. The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase, to try to bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory.
- Inspiring Wand Magic and Entertainment: 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 storefront windows and other areas throughout the Place Cachée. 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 Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France, who roams inquiring of suspicious characters and talking portraits of wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée.
Fans will also be able to take part in shopping for souvenirs and enjoy themed dining at the land, including:
Food Options 🍔🥤
- Café L’air De La Sirène: French sandwiches, featured dishes of the day and desserts are served at this cafe, adorned with details of fantastic beasts and mosaic designs hidden in the tile.
- Le Gobelet Noir: In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée is a mysterious auberge, or a hotel providing overnight lodging, where international Dark witches and wizards gather and have a hearty meal over hushed conversation. Menu offerings include starters such as soups and salads, as well as a variety of entrées and desserts.
- Bar Moonshine: American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine, where they’ll find exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
- Bièraubeurre Cart: Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre Cart during their visit to Place Cachée for a mug of the fan-favorite beverage, Butterbeer.
Shopping 🛍️🧸
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique: Shop some of the world’s finest wands designed by artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor, in the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, guests 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.
- More Wizarding Gear and Memorabilia: Guests can get souvenirs of the land at 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 Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.