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Alohomora. Unlocking Epic Universe’s plans for new Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts land

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Alohomora. Unlocking Epic Universe’s plans for new Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts land

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is growing. 

Muggles can already immerse themselves in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, but next year, they’ll also be able to visit the Ministry of Magic at the new Universal Epic Universe theme park. 

“Set in wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films and the British Ministry of Magic from the ‘Harry Potter’ film series, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic features an awe-inspiring collection of experiences that includes fantastical dining, whimsical retail, spellbinding entertainment and the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created,” Universal Orlando said in a press release Wednesday that included new details on the land.

Here’s what we know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and how it fits into the rest of the Florida resort. 

Is Epic Universe going to have a Harry Potter land? 

Yes, but The Wizarding World of Harry – Ministry of Magic will also include the Fantastic Beasts franchise. 

The whole land is being developed by Universal Creative in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment. 

The first thing guests will see in the land is 1920s Paris. There, they can cast spells and interact with fantastic beasts, dine on French-inspired cuisine, take in a show, and shop for wands and souvenirs in the wizarding shopping district Place Cachée, which translates to Hidden Place in English. 

From Paris, guests take the Floo Network-inspired Métro-Floo across space and time to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic, where Dolores Umbridge faces trial in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.  

What is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry? 

Universal is calling Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry “one of its most impressive attractions to date.”  

“Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s jaw-dropping grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch (Umbridge’s) trial take place…until Umbridge attempts to escape,” Univeral said. “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.”  

Is there a Harry Potter show at Universal Studios? 

Not Harry Potter, but In a first for the Wizarding World, the Ministry of Magic will feature a “live, full-scale theatre experience” called Le Cirque Arcanus. 

“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,” Universal said. “It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.” 

What food is served in ‘Harry Potter World’? 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley’s main restaurants, the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron, are known for British foods like fish and chips and magical drinks like Butterbeer.  

Of course, there will still be Butterbeer or Bièraubeurre in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, but guests will find mostly French fare. Café L’Air De La Sirène will offer plats du jour, sandwiches and desserts. French confections will be available at K. Rammelle.  

There will also be a darker dining option, Le Gobelet Noir, which Universal describes as “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.”  

An exception to the French theme is Bar Moonshine, which Universal says will offer American wizards “a taste of home … beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.” 

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Is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter included in Universal Studios? 

Yes. Access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with park admission, but only guests with Park-to-Park tickets may ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida.  

Will Epic Universe be a separate ticket? 

Ticketing details for Epic Universe have not yet been revealed, but Universal Volcano Bay water park already has a different pricing structure than its sister theme parks, so it would not be unprecedented for Epic Universe to have a different type of ticket, too. 

What is the difference between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley? 

Hogsmeade, in the Harry Potter books and films, is a wizarding village near Hogwarts, which students may visit – with their guardian’s permission – starting in their third year. At Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade is where you’ll find iconic Hogwarts Castle, which is home to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, as well as a queue that’s worth walking through all on its own. There are two other rides in the land: the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, one of the most popular attractions at the resort.  

Diagon Alley, in Harry Potter lore, is the hidden London high street where wizards and witches can shop for all their magical needs, including school supplies for Hogwarts. There’s only one ride in Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. But there’s lots to see like creepy Knockturn Alley, the Knight Bus, and Kreacher the house elf at 12 Grimmauld Place. 

While the lands are in separate parks, guests can go between them on the Hogwarts Express with Park-to-Park tickets. 

Can you do all Harry Potter at Universal in one day? 

Yes, for now. If you focus on the Wizarding World without trying to accomplish everything else in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, you can experience all of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one day.  

However, it’s not yet clear if you’ll be able to fully experience both of those and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in one day, once Epic Universe opens.

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