Universal Orlando has unveiled the first look of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, one of the five new worlds coming to the resort in 2025.
As part of Universal Orlando’s new theme park Universal Epic Universe, the other four lands include Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
The first-look video highlights the many attractions of the narrative based ride, which will feature elements from both the Harry Potter franchise, as well as Fantastic Beasts.
Set in 1920s Paris and late 1990s London, with the Ministry of Magic serving as the central location of the plot, visitors will get to wade through unmistakable departments, beasts, and quirks of the magical world.
“It’s a multisensory experience. The guests will be fully engulfed,” promised Scott Verble, executive producer for The Wizarding World.
The journey will start at a Parisian park, as guests navigate through Place Cachée, an obscure wizarding shopping district.
With bustling French street corners, shops, and bakeries, one can expect “all the whimsy and charm of the wizarding world, but with an all-new Parisian twist,” added Scott Verble.
The experience will include restaurants, robe shops, on-street entertainment, and of course, ‘bièraubeurre’ or butterbeer carts. This exciting reimagination marries magic with French culture.
“In Britain, you may get chosen by a wand at Ollivanders. But here in Paris, you go to Cosme Acajor, the premier wandmaker famous for exquisite haute couture designs,” explained Gary Blumenstein, Senior Creative Director.
The main event, however, is The Battle of the Ministry, where visitors travel to 1990s London using the ‘Floo Network’, to ultimately fight the infamous Dolores Umbridge at the British Ministry.
Joining the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their quest to capture the villainous professor, you will get do your part in stopping Voldemort from rising to power.
“This is the biggest thing we’ve ever built,” added Patrick Braillard, Senior Show Writer.
Throughout the ride, one can expect to encounter Death Eaters, befriend Nifflers and Bowtruckles, and use interactive wands to cast spells.