Epic Universe’s Ministry of Magic Is More Like a Parisian Getaway Than a Theme Park (PHOTOS)
Epic Universe's new Harry Potter-themed world transports travelers to Paris.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic promises to transport travelers to 1920s Wizarding Paris when the World opens in Epic Universe on May 22. After attending a press preview of the new park, NBC Insider can confidently say that Universal isn't kidding about leaning into the Parisian aesthetic.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort is getting even bigger when Epic Universe opens its World themed around the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The new World — which also features a ride based on the British Ministry of Magic set after the events of the Harry Potter films — joins Hogsmeade Village in Universal Island of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida as Harry Potter-themed areas at the resort. And it's just one of Epic Universe's five immersive and imaginative Worlds, which also include How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and Dark Universe.
While the Ministry of Magic area includes a brand new Harry Potter-themed ride and a thrilling live show, it’s the new World’s Parisian theme that really stands out, making it one of the best places to simply hang out and soak up the scenery in the brand new park. Great care was taken to make travelers feel like they’ve left Florida and not only traveled to Europe but back in time to the 1920s. From the set design to the costumed actors within the Ministry area, it's all there to help you feel like you've truly traveled somewhere else.
The World is rife with outdoor seating at its many food and drink options for travelers to just sit and enjoy a Butterbeer while taking in the sights, of which you'll see more of the more you look. While you may want to be constantly on the go at Epic Universe, it’s hard not to want to slow things down and take in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic’s incredible sights one at a time (in true Parisian fashion).
Upon walking in, the eye is quickly drawn to the massive circus tent that grants you access to Le Cirque Arcanus, a two-part live show where the Fantastic Beast protagonist Newt Scamander’s suitcase filled with wondrous magical creatures has been stolen by a ringmaster bent on putting on the greatest live show the Wizarding World has ever seen.
Nearby, there are also dining options with outdoor spots to enjoy the many actors donning their Wizarding World Paris gear.
Meanwhile, upon taking a left at the tent, you can make your way to the Metro Floo network and enter the area's premiere ride: The Battle of the Ministry, where you find yourself actually traveling through the Floo network to the 1990s-era Ministry where the villainous Dolores Umbridge is standing trial for her many crimes. The ride itself acts as a sequel to the Harry Potter movies, as it’s set after the events of the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. We won’t spoil the ride, but it's sure to Stupefy any Harry Potter fan.
After the ride, you'll find yourself back in 1920s Paris, where you can either grab a bite of French food or do the kind of shopping that only the Wizarding World can offer.
You can even pick up your very own wand to use at some of the park's hidden interactive stations that will come to life if the right witch or wizard knows what they’re doing with their new wand.
The World is also home to some exclusive wands you can’t get anywhere else in Orlando, designed just for Epic Universe...
In short, if you’re a fan of soaking up the ambiance of the Wizarding World or Paris, you could spend literally all day in this World. However, it’s just one of five incredibly immersive Worlds that are on offer for those who get their tickets to Epic Universe.
