Big Changes Coming To Wizard World Of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Orlando

As a long-time fan of J.K. Rowling’s magical universe, I must say that the latest announcement about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion has left me absolutely spellbound! Growing up with Harry and his friends, I could only dream of stepping into the wizarding world myself. Now, it seems like my dreams are about to come true!


For over a decade, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios has brought in big tourist bucks for fans worldwide as they immerse themselves in magical landmarks like Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. The park eventually expanded to add Gringotts Bank as one of the attractions and in 2025, looking to add another destination: the Ministry of Magic.

The forthcoming attraction, set within the magical milieu of wizarding Paris as seen in the Fantastic Beasts movies and the British Ministry of Magic from the initial Harry Potter films, promises to be “an exceptionally innovative and daring ride that Universal has yet to achieve.”

Visitors initially traverse a regular park in Paris, leading them to Hidden Square (Place Cachée), an enchanted shopping area within wizarding Paris that boasts architecture reminiscent of the Haussmann era, various boutiques, street cafés, and iconic Parisian domes.

In a statement, Universal announced that both wizards and non-magical folk will be captivated by the stunning beauty and magical atmosphere of the city, where they can perform breathtaking spells in interactive wands and encounter extraordinary creatures at a traveling circus. For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, travelers will journey through different countries and time periods to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo system.

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As a seasoned explorer of parks, I can’t help but be intrigued by the fresh, unexplored destinations that Universal has unveiled in this new section. Having traversed numerous parks over the years, I am always on the lookout for the next hidden gem to add to my map, and these new locations certainly pique my curiosity. From the captivating descriptions provided by Universal, it seems that these areas are brimming with untold stories just waiting to be discovered. Can’t wait to embark on this journey and uncover the secrets that lie within!

  • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – With its unique combination of massive environments, powerful storytelling, and first-of-its-kind ride technology, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry builds upon the historic theme park innovation Universal is known for–and will be one of its most impressive attractions to date. The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films–to journey 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 magical, 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 – Guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects, and more to take guests on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before. 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 exquisite 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 marvelous Place Cachée.
  • Captivating Entertainment – While exploring the streets of 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, talking portraits of delightful wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.

As a thrilled enthusiast, I’m excited to share that not only are there exciting new attractions on the way, but also an array of new stores and dining spots are being added. These additions promise to maintain the captivating ambiance of the park, ensuring an even more immersive experience for us all!

  • Café L’Air De La Sirène – A wonder of French architecture adorned with fabulous carved marble and details of fantastic beasts hidden in the tile and mosaic designs, Café L’air De La Sirène is a charming café where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts.
  • Le Gobelet Noir – In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée is a mysterious timeworn auberge, where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry 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 – No visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without Butterbeer! Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre cart during their visit to Place Cachée for a frosty, delicious mug of the fan-favorite beverage.

If you’re eagerly anticipating next year, Universal has already launched a range of new merchandise inspired by the Ministry of Magic and fresh tales! This assortment encompasses clothing, accessories, drinkware, and more. However, remember that this collection is only available for a limited period. You can grab your favorite pieces at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center located in Universal CityWalk or shop online at the Universal Store.

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2024-07-31 21:39