We’ve got a HUGE update about one of the most secretive rides thus far at Universal’s Epic Universe!
With the opening of Epic Universe just months away, we’re already hurriedly scooping up our tickets and planning our next Universal stays in its upcoming hotels! While not much has been announced about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic until this point, Universal’s FINALLY allowing us a first look into its most ambitious ride and it looks incredible!
Universal has just released an exciting first look into one of the most anticipated rides coming to Epic Universe in 2025. This first look inside Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is beginning to answer a lot of the outstanding questions we’ve had about the attraction since it was first announced.
Until this point, other than knowing the name and a gist of what we could expect out of the attraction, that was really all we had to go on. Now, we’re learning that for the first time EVER we’ll get our chance to step inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic. Here’s you’ll bear witness to the Trial of Dolores Umbridge in the most ambitious ride Universal has created yet!
Universal Orlando Resort shared a sneak peek inside the stunning, full-scale recreation of the British Ministry of Magic that will be the setting of the innovative new attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — opening on May 22, 2025 at Universal Epic Universe.
The groundbreaking new attraction found within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic promises to be Universal’s most impressive ride to date — blending massive incredibly detailed environments, powerful storytelling, unprecedented ride technology and so much more to take guests on an action-packed adventure to witness the trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.
Just like when Universal brought to life Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, this new scaled version of the Ministry of Magic and all of its awe-inspiring details held within are set to make quite an impression on you as you’re immersed in yet another iconic location ripped from the films.
You’ll find yourself on a journey through the typically restricted building through the grand Ministry atrium, into Dolores Umbridge’s office, as well as visiting other Ministry departments and more. All of this before boarding “magical, omnidirectional lifts” and help bring Dolores Umbridge to justice once and for all for her wrongdoings against Wizards and muggles alike.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the highly immersive details and environments you’ll find inside Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry!
Métro-Floo Corridor
You’ll begin the attraction by way of Wizarding Paris which you might recognize as the setting for the Fantastic Beasts films.
You’ll access the Ministry via the Métro-Floo — a unique mode of transportation inspired by the Floo Network from the films. As you find yourself emerging from the fireplace-like structure, you’re immediately spit out right inside the lobby of the Ministry of Magic.
The Ministry of Magic Atrium
The grand atrium of the Ministry of Magic is jaw-dropping and comes to life in all its grandeur as part of the queue for the attraction. Here, you’ll find a restored Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, the enchanted weather ceiling, an endless array of Ministry offices from floor to ceiling, and many more details for guests to while inside and spend your time making your way through the ride’s queue.
What’s even better is that your visit to this typically restricted government building falls on the same day that Dolores Umbridge is set to stand trial for her crimes against the wizarding world and its citizens.
Ministry Reception
As you continue on, you’ll make your way by the Ministry Reception, where wizards typically ask for information before going about their wizarding business.
However, you won’t find anyone working the reception booths today as everyone is busy preparing for the upcoming trial.
Dolores Umbridge’s Office
The highlight of your visit so far though might be as you cross into Dolores Umbridge’s Office!
A glittering chandelier will illuminate her former office, which as you may have already supposed, is just as over-the-top as the woman herself donned with its pink hues and ornate gold carvings throughout. While you’re here, look out for Higgledy, Umbridge’s former house elf. She’ll be busy enthusiastically cleaning out the office ahead of the trial.
Daily Prophet, Memos, and Other Wizarding Details
Be sure to keep an eye out for a variety of details from the films while you venture through the Ministry!
You might spot cool details like the latest edition of the Daily Prophet, flocks of interdepartmental memos, and even the belongings of some of your favorite characters from the films.
Additional Ministry Areas
Once aboard the ride, you’ll find yourself on a thrilling chase to catch Dolores Umbridge as she attempts to escape her trial — all while dodging attacks from the Death Eaters, rampaging creatures, and more along the way.
Expect to soar through additional areas throughout your search in the British Ministry including the Magical Archives…
…a cavernous library filled with towering cabinets that hold centuries of Ministry archives and wizarding documents, the Department of Magical Creatures…
…where creatures have escaped and are running amuck, and the Time Room…
…which is overflowing with a variety of Time-Turners and unique timekeeping devices.
Magical Ministry Lift
To board the ride, you’ll make your way onto the omnidirectional lift that seats up to 14 riders at a time as you travel even deeper through the British Ministry for the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge.
Its seats are adorned with vibrant red and gold accents and these lifts are unlike any ride vehicle ever created. The lifts will propel you up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more throughout the Ministry – just like you’ve seen them operate in the films.
We can’t wait to experience this ride with Universal’s Epic Universe finally opens its gates on May 22nd, 2025! Multi-day tickets with one-day admission to Universal Epic Universe are on sale now as well as packages that combine your theme park tickets with a Universal Orlando hotel stay to double your fun.
Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for all the latest updates and see what awaits you when we’re out exploring Epic Universe during its first opening days!
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What are you most excited to do and see when you first step inside Universal’s Epic Universe park? Tell us what tops your list in the comments below!
The Ministry of Magic sounds cool! As for the ride, is it a roller coaster? Or is it a simulator along the lines of The Forbidden Journey at Hogwarts? If a simulator, is it more intense, less intense, about the same level of intensity as The Forbidden Journey? (I can’t ride rollercoasters but I can take meds and do simulators ok)