We visited Universal Orlando on the second week of the official opening of Epic Universe, just as the capacity for park attendance was increased after the preview and grand opening. We were excited to be part of the early visitors to Epic Universe, and unsure what to expect as they started a more routine operating schedule. We’ve loved our time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (Diagon Alley) and Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade), and were excited to experience the franchise expanded into the Magical Beasts movies.

Entry into the portal of the Ministry of Magic at first feels like any normal Parisian Street, with the first signs of magic from spells being cast at window fronts and along the street. A watch/rewatch of the movies of the Fantastic Beasts franchise and watching the film and or reading Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic is recommended to get the full experience in Epic Universe. The magic is subtle throughout the central 1920s Paris-themed area. This section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is more based around the experience from the adult world, with Aurors walking along the streets and clothing for purchase based on the 1920s costumes from the Fantastic Beasts films.

The Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique shop sold both first- and second-generation wands. We used our first-generation wand from a past visit and it worked well; they even replaced the sensor for free after it broke. The newer wands light up and react to activity in addition to casting spells and connect to a web-based experience that saves progress across the three Universal Parks. 

Dining in The Ministry of Magic

We spent the first morning exploring shops and restaurants while the area was less crowded. One highlight was an invitation to walk around and take in the dark magic details of Le Gobelet Noir before visitors were dining. We then found ourselves at 10am with fairly potent drinks in hand from Café Moonshine, a cleverly themed American wizards’ bar, created in France during what would have been the prohibition era in the US.

Le Cirque Arcanus

After a few hours in the park, it was time to enjoy our first break from the outdoors at Le Cirque Arcanus show. We arrived 10 minutes before the start time for the first show of the day. Later in the day crowds lined up outside well in advance, but it wasn’t as busy, so we walked right into the indoor queue section and wound our way through the circus-themed decorations. The pre-show started in another “tent”- the best view was toward the front and right section of the standing area. After 10 minutes, we were invited into the main theater and were seated for the main performance. While it is advertised as a more generic Circe Arcanus performance based on a few scenes from the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the show does (without giving too much away) find its way into scenes inside Newt Scamander’s suitcase of fantastic creatures.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Tips for riding Harry Potter and the Battle the Ministry

• Watch/rewatch Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic. Once passing through the Floo Metro Station we were transported back to the Trial of Delores Umbridge that took place after she was dismissed from her position in the Ministry of Magic.
• Take a jacket or light coat; like many indoor attractions and restaurants the AC may be on overdrive.
• Be prepared for unexpected breakdowns, since opening the ride has been prone to closures. Guests are normally able to wait inside, but the wait may be longer than expected. 
• During our visit there was a crew member selling water as we first entered the main hall of the Ministry, but we didn’t see many other staff during our wait. There are restrooms inside, so ask when you see someone to get your bearings in case you need one later. 
• The ride itself swings around but doesn’t have the drops or extreme range of motion that the other indoor Wizarding World attractions do. 
• Prioritize the ride ONLY if you are a Harry Potter fanatic and prefer it over the themes of the other lands. We were glad that we had found a shorter wait and really enjoyed the theming of the interior of the Ministry and the continuation of the original Harry Potter storyline, however we didn’t think the ride was as worth the long wait compared to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at the other two parks.

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