Uh-oh, one of the newest additions to the Harry Potter lands is already making a name for itself, and we’re not sure that’s a good thing.
We’re eagerly awaiting the day Epic Universe finally opens its doors after what seems like forever gazing at glimpses of its construction. Although we’ve already gotten a taste of what some of the different offerings in Epic Universe will be like, we’re not so sure that different is translating as well for one particular world of the new park with Harry Potter fans.
Fans of the Wizarding World are known to be some passionate people. In fact, several of us self proclaimed “Potterheads” (Harry Potter fans) still feel our hearts skip a beat the moment we step into either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, no matter how many times we’ve visited before.
However, it seems that when Universal made the decision to include inspiration from the controversial Fantastic Beasts franchise in the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter– The Ministry of Magic, they may have ruffled a few feathers with fans.
We’ve only had a few glimpses of what to expect from the new land and what will await us here, but at first glance it feels very reminiscent of the late 1920’s to mid 1940’s timeline found throughout the Fantastic Beasts franchise events.
We recently asked our readers their opinions on Universal’s decision to invite parts of Fantastic Beasts into the Ministry of Magic world’s design and the responses were very telling. Reader Ed H. said, “I think it’s weird to go from Fantastic Beasts in France to the British Ministry of Magic. That said, the land and primary ride look absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to experience it.”
And Ed is definitely right — while the world will include elements of Fantastic Beasts in it, there will also be areas of it that deal with the Ministry of Magic located in Britain. And again we have to agree with Ed because Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride looks insanely ambitious to the world and the franchise!
Another reader, Nancy J. also expressed cautious optimism likening the new world to that of Pandora in Disney World. Nancy said, “I didn’t really connect with the Fantastic Beasts movies like the originals, but I think they will still do a great job with it. I didn’t really like Avatar but the area in AK is great and FOP is awesome. Don’t have to love the movies to enjoy the areas.” Considering that Pandora is one of the biggest appeals that draws visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom time after time to ride new thrill rides and explore the bioluminescence of the land at night, it makes us hopeful for Ministry of Magic and the foresight they’ve entrusted of Universal’s creative team.
Another reader, Jean G. went on to explain, “…I get wanting a new location given the distance from the other two parks and nothing to unify them like the Hogwarts Express.” Others like Shawn L. are more excited for this fresh take chiming in, “I think it’s a cool addition and really adds to the land.”
We’re hopeful that once we all step foot inside the newest Wizarding World at Epic Universe we’ll be transported out of our regular day to day and into another mystical area to explore of Harry Potter. While not everyone seems to have connected with the Fantastic Beasts franchise quite as deeply as the original timeline, it’s still built on stories of characters we’ve grown to love and look forward to seeing how that’s translated into our muggle world.
We’ll be updating you more as opening day draws nearer for Epic Universe! Be sure you’re already following along with us to see everything on its opening day and beyond.
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Will you be visiting Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe once it’s open? Tell us why or why not in the comments below!
I am very much looking forward to visiting the Wizarding World circa 1920s-1940s. It will be different, yet familiar. I am glad they are introducing Fantastic Beasts and the history and legacy behind the 1990s Harry Potter stories in a new way, where guests will be ableto live the story. Setting the original stage for the land in the past gives a fabulous way to utilize the Floo System to time travel to 1990s England. And of course, I cannot wait to watch Delires Umbridge get her comeuppance!
I am very much looking forward to visiting the Wizarding World circa 1920s-1940s. If will be different, yet familiar. I am glad they are introducing Fantastic Beasts and the history and legacy behind the 1990s Harry Potter stories. Setting the original stage for the land in the past gives a fabulous way to use the Floo System to time travel to 1990s England. And of course, I cannot wait to watch Delires Umbridge get her comeuppance!
I’ll give it a couple years for the crowds to thin out first.
Far from controversial. Once EU opens, fans will accept the differences between 1920s France and 1990s Britain just as guests accept that humans can now breath Pandoran air at that land in Animal Kingdom. I’m sure that Hermione’s time-turner can be merged with the floo network to explain it.