The NEW Harry Potter Ride Just Made a HUGE Rule Change at Epic Universe

We are less than a week away from Epic Universe’s grand opening! We have been enjoying the park during previews and can’t wait for it to open officially. There are only a few days left of previews before the grand opening, so if you want to attend a preview, you’d better hurry!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe

The brand-new theme park is still in technical rehearsal during the previews, so many attractions have been closed or delayed. One attraction that has been having its fair share of struggles is the new Harry Potter ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

The ride sometimes didn’t open until 3 PM and has been utilizing a Virtual Line for its queue. The Virtual Line has been a frustrating aspect for many guests, and it was the only option for experiencing the attraction for a bit. It was also recently closed for a few days during previews. From May 10th through May 15th, the attraction was not operating, although guests could tour part of the queue. The closure was initially expected to last through May 16th, but guests attending previews today, May 16th, were met with exciting news!

Delayed opening sign for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

The attraction opened early after its closure and is currently offering a standby line based on the Universal app. That means no struggling to grab a Virtual Line! Those who are attending previews today, May 16th, are able to utilize the standby line to experience the attraction. We have been monitoring the wait time on the app this morning, and it has been holding steady with a high wait time. We have seen times range from 100 minutes to 150 minutes.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

Keep in mind that this change is happening during a preview day and does not mean that it will become permanent or operate the same once the park has officially opened.

120-minute wait at 10:05 AM ©Universal Orlando

While it is exciting that the attraction is offering a standby line, we have also already noticed the ride being delayed. Around 10 AM, the ride had a 120-minute wait, and around 10:15 AM, we noticed it was delayed. However, it had reopened by 10:30 AM with a 150-minute wait. So, while the standby line has been opened, be prepared that the ride may still experience delays and closures.

Delayed at 10:15 AM ©Universal Orlando

We also don’t know if the standby line will remain in place past today or if the attraction will return to utilizing a Virtual Line. We will definitely be curious to see how the wait times changes throughout the day and whether the attraction is able to remain open for most of the day or not.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

This attraction takes you into the Ministry of Magic where Dolores Umbridge is about to be on trial. However, not everything goes as planned and you end up on a thrilling adventure! We won’t spoil too much, but if you do want spoilers, we have a full overview of the queue and the attraction.

Stay tuned to AllEars for all your Epic Universe news!