Everything to Know About Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Epic Universe is about to introduce a new mesmerizing wizard experience and we got all the details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.
Years in the making, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is almost here, and it captures the heart and imagination of the franchise in a way that you’ve never experienced before. It's one of five immersive worlds that make up Universal's new theme park, Epic Universe, which opens on May 22, 2025. Surprises await!
Set in wizarding Paris of the 1920s, you'll encounter fantastic beasts throughout the area’s cobbled streets, as well as at Le Cirque Arcanus, the centerpiece live-action show. Then you can journey through time and space to Harry Potter’s London in the 1990s, where an epic battle is brewing over the trial of Dolores Umbridge.
Combining the Fantastic Beasts prequels with the Harry Potter films provides a “more global view and a chance to set into another era,” said Assistant Director Anish Vyas Burgos at the most recent New York Comic Con.
“We really felt like we owed our guests an expansion of the wizarding world,” added Senior Director Gary Blumenstein.
With Parisian buildings built to scale, magical shops, and cutting-edge ride technology, the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic fully immerses guests in a storybook experience. But beyond the grand archway marking the entrance, there are several other worlds to explore at Epic Universe. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Super Nintendo World are all seemingly connected through Celestial Park, an area themed to the cosmos.
Few places, however, are more transporting than The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. Here’s a quick guide to make the most of your experience.
Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic Rides and Attractions
Place Cachée
After passing through the Phoenix arch at the entrance, guests will find themselves in the Place Cachée, inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films. This enchanting recreation of Paris in the 1920s invites exploration. Filled with cafes and shops, it’s “the biggest thing we’ve ever built. Our shortest building is taller than the tallest building in Diagon Alley,” revealed Senior Director of Projects Eileen Stephens, referring to its counterpart at Universal Studios' Wizarding World.
There's also many places to use your interactive wands. More on that below.
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
In Place Cachée, you’ll want to make a beeline to the new wand shop, Baguettes Magique. True to form, Universal fully embraced the Fantastic Beasts film lore in every detail. The shop is run by the mythical French artisan Cosme Acajor, who is “famous for exquisite haute couture designs,” said Blumenstein. A new lineup of stunning interactive wands is sure to thrill guests, who can practice “casting spells” on enchanted objects found in shop windows and hidden in corners throughout the world.
A first look revealed several interactive wands belonging to the franchise’s beloved characters. Among them are Leta Lestrange, who hails from the oldest pure-blood family in the series, and her archnemesis Gellert Grindelwald, a dark wizard. There’s no telling whose wand will be more powerful.
Newt Scamander, the esteemed magizoologist (a researcher of magical creatures) has his own magical tool, as does ancient alchemist Nicolas Flamel, whose wand is packaged in a bright ruby-colored box, perhaps a nod to his philosopher’s stone. We also spotted an accoutrement for half-blood witch Queenie Goldstein. Harry Potter purists will not be left out; the shop will also sell British imports from Ollivanders in Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando.
In a playful press release, Universal asks us to suspend our imaginations as they describe the creative process of the fictional 1920s Parisian wandmaker, Cosme Acajor. “[His} unique approach to wandlore and Parisian couture influence come together to create not only a fine wand, but a work of art,” it reads. First look photos show impressive details, including illusions of gold leaf and handles in luminous colors.
The attention to detail extends to the wand shop itself, which features a stunning chandelier crafted from more than eight hundred crystal wands adorned with brass pixies.
Just like at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando, the wands at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe are interactive and not just for show. Equipped with special sensors, guests can use the wands at many locations throughout the streets of 1920s Paris to cast spells and interact with those namesake fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and even the elusive sloth-like Demiguise, who at least in the films and books, possesses the ability to foresee the future.
The entire shopping area of Place Cachée is designed to evoke a sense of wonder and surprise, with many storefronts showcasing enchanted objects that come to life with the right swish or swoop of your wand. Be sure to check the inside of your wand box for locations where you can experience the magic.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Le Cirque Arcanus is the first full-scale indoor show connected to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Billed as a “musée des curiosités,” Universal spared no expense conjuring the many mysteries of this traveling circus. Set within a colorful tent, the theatrical stage show features fantastic beasts that come to life through aerialists, puppetry, and special effects.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the many sideshow booths on the way to the main stage.
Battle at the Ministry
Over the river and through the woods you’ll go to the Ministry of Magic in 1990s London. Actually, you’ll step through a giant fireplace before hopping on the Métro-Floo (the wizarding subway) to get to your destination. This is Harry Potter, after all!
Described as a “game-changer” by Universal, this ambitious ride employs advanced newfangled technologies, including a multi-directional elevator lift that whisks you away on adventure. But as with everything at Epic Universe, it’s the narrative that drives the experience. The ride takes place after vicious Lord Voldemort has been defeated and Ministry of Magic bureaucrat Dolores Umbridge is about to stand trial for crimes against the wizarding world. However, Umbridge managed to escape, and you’re put in the center of a battle involving a pack of Death Eaters and beloved characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione
Pro tip: the queue for the attraction is nearly as fascinating as the ride, featuring a gorgeous Fountain of Magical Brethren and nearly 125,000 colorful tiles.
Food options at Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The Parisian ambiance continues with dining options, but guests can find American fare as well.
Cafe L’air De La Sirène
This Parisian-style bistro offers sidewalk seating for alfresco meals along with a sprawling indoor area. French classics like baquette sandwiches, quiche Lorraine, and buttery baked goods make up the menu. Be sure to save room for a Butterbeer crepe for dessert.
Le Gobelet Noir
According to Universal, “dark magic is always on the menu” at Le Gobelet Noir. Situated in a “shadowy corner” of Place Cachée, witches and wizards dig into vegan lentil stew, smoked sausage platters, and other hearty fare. On your way there, be sure to keep an eye out for the home of famed alchemist Nicholas Flamel, which is located nearby.
Bar Moonshine
If the Harry Potter films had an American sports bar, it would be Bar Moonshine. Decked out in U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other wizarding memorabilia, this watering hole serves American snacks and a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers — including the non-alcoholic butter beer.
Pro tip: Look for the “biere au beurre” stand in the Place Cacheé dispensing butter beer out of barrels.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal’s Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025.
Originally published Mar 17, 2025.
