(A version of this article was shared with Pirates and Princesses and published on July 31, 2024.)
“Happee Birthdae Harry!” – Rubeus Hagrid
Today – July 31, 2024 – marks the 44th birthday of “the boy who lived.” It also marks the day
Universal Orlando unveils the details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – one of five themed lands coming to Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025.
Back in January, Universal dropped a bombshell announcement offering a few tasty tidbits coming as part of Epic Universe – scheduled to open in 2025. As part of the announcement, Universal identified five themed lands which will make up the resort’s fourth theme park, joining Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay water theme park.
The themed lands of Epic Universe will include:
- Celestial Park (details released January 30, 2024)
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (details release May 2, 2024)
- Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (details released March 28, 2024)
- Dark Universe (details released June 20, 2024)
Here are all the details about the reveal of the final realm of Universal’s Epic Universe: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Pardon my French, but there is “beaucoup de Francais” all over this new realm. You’ve been warned…
Enter Place Cachée
Upon entering the portal to the newest installment of The Wizarding World, guests will be transported back in time to 1920s Paris. Place Cachée – one of the settings seen in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – is a wizarding pocket tucked away in Paris. Here, visitors can walk down cobbled streets filled with shops, cafes, and all the magical details. Within the area’s charming elegance, guests will find plenty to see and do (and eat). Let’s explore.
Le Cirque Arcanus
One of two major attractions in the Wizarding World, Le Cirque Arcanus follows the fate of this once-spectacular circus featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. In the present day, the circus has fallen out of favor, and ringmaster Skender has resorted to stealing Newt Scamander’s suitcase in an effort to restore the show’s former glory. Of course, Newt’s suitcase contains fantastic beasts from around the globe, including Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves, and others, which guests will see during the show. When things get out of hand, Skender’s squib assistant Gwenlyn steps in to rescue the creatures. This show promises a “spectacular mix of live performers, amazing puppetry, dazzling special effects and more.”
Rumor has it that Newt Scamander himself may even make an appearance in the show.
Food, Glorious Food
Paris is known for its upscale eateries and cozy cafes. Place Cachée boasts both, with a healthy pinch of wizarding flair to keep things magical. Let’s explore the food options available in The Wizarding World’s Parisian locale.
Café L’air De La Sirène
This beautiful Parisian-style eatery is adorned in art nouveau mosaics and carved marble effects. Reportedly, Herbology lovers can expect to find some magical flora and fauna from the wizarding world on display. Guests can dine inside or outside of the café while enjoying French baked goods, sandwiches, “plats-du-jour,” and desserts.
Of course, the wizarding world-famous Butterbeer will also be available, but you’ll find it under “Bièreaubeurre.” A variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks will also be available, including beer, cocktails, and French wines.
Le Gobelet Noir
For deeper dining, guests can visit Le Gobelet Noir. This mysterious tavern tucked into a quiet corner of Place Cachée is known to attract dark witches and wizards. The pub is inspired by medieval architecture, as guests will see in the appearance of the ancient beams and aged relics. Past patrons have even left their mark in some of the beams.
Bar Moonshine
Thirsty? Bar Moonshine is an American-styled bar designed to be a home-away-from-home for visiting wizards from the U.S. Magical libations are served up in this wizarding watering hole. And of course, Bieraubuerre is available here as well.
K. Rammelle
For guests seeking a post-dinner sweet, K. Rammelle has you covered. The French wizard and “confectionary king” (with a name sounding curiously similar to a certain dessert sweet) boasts an assortment of treats that will rival Hogsmeade’s famous Honeydukes.
Magical Mementos
What’s a visit to the Wizarding World without picking up a few spirited items? These Parisian merchants will have you covered.
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
This is no Ollivanders Wand Shop! Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique offers some of the world’s finest wands, designed by esteemed French wandmaker, Cosme Acajor. The wands available in this upscale purveyor are packaged in unique three-sided boxes, with a note from the wandmaker herself in each box guiding guests to interactive wand locations throughout wizarding Paris.
Of course, Cosme Acajor keeps a certain amount of “imported” favorites from Ollivanders in stock, for guests who prefer a more traditional tool-of-the-trade.
Les Galeries Mirifiques
For guests wanting to look très chic in Paris, check out Les Galeries Mirifiques – selling elegant clothing and accessories. You’ll find more than Hogwarts uniforms here. International wizarding school attire will also be available. Fleur Delacour would be proud.
The British Ministry of Magic
After leaving 1920s France, guests can head towards the Paris Métro-Floo station en route to 1990s London. In a truly unique experience, guests can experience the sensation of traveling via the wizarding world’s famous Floo Network. Travelers will be engulfed in the Métro-Floo before arriving at the Ministry of Magic – the heart of the British wizarding government.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
In the Ministry of Magic, the deliciously evil Dolores Umbridge is about to stand trial for crimes she committed during Lord Voldemort’s attempt to take over Hogwarts. Visitors board a lift and travel through the Ministry to the courtroom. There, they see Harry, Ron, and Hermione attending Umbrige’s trial. Unfortunately, they also encounter a few uninvited guests – Death Eaters Yaxley, Carrow, and Macnair – who break in to help Umbridge escape her much-deserved judgment.
Chaos ensues, and guests team up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Umbridge’s former house elf Higgledy to bring order to the courtroom (and safety to the ministry)!
Tour En Floo
On your way out of the Ministry, stop into Tour En Floo to pick up some keepsakes. Interested in being an Auror? You have to look the part, and Tour En Floo may have the clothing you need, as well as an assortment of wizarding accessories.
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic takes guests through both space and time, offering a combination of stories from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.
Check out this video tour of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. It truly looks EPIC!
Want to immerse yourself in some of these details now? Universal Orlando recently opened the Epic Universe Preview Center, located in Universal CityWalk. It includes a model of the park, along with select information, photo experiences, and merchandise.
Are you wizard enough to enter the Ministry of Magic? Sometime in 2025, you can discover this area for yourself! Contact Facts and Figment Vacation Planning to start the process. There are great deals to be had, and I can help you find them. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE, and I can help you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable.
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