Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, bringing a
third Wizarding World location to Universal Orlando Resort 〞 but this time,
with an unexpected twist. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 每 Ministry of
Magic invites guests into the shadowy charm of 1920s wizarding Paris, setting
of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of
Grindelwald.
It＊s a brilliant choice 〞 one that leans more into
mood and mystique than familiarity. Paris, even in its magical form, is
instantly evocative. Whether or not you＊ve seen the Fantastic Beasts films, the city＊s cobbled streets, caf谷-lined
boulevards, and gothic domes offer an emotional foothold. This is a world built
not only on lore but on feeling 〞 and it just might be Universal＊s most
intricate and transportive land to date.?
A Parisian Portal Into the Wizarding
World
This
land begins like a hushed invitation to explore something mysterious. You
emerge from the portal, curve past a classic Paris M谷tro sign and a wall clad
in familiar white subway tile, before a final turn reveals a soaring, mostly
non-descript arch, save for a peek of gold feathers hinting at something more
fantastical on the other side.?
Through
the arch, Place Cach谷e, a mystical pocket of Paris, is revealed. The wizarding
side of that plain arch is adorned with a magnificent gold phoenix and
intricately carved with fantastic beasts like a Niffler, Mooncalves, Mandrake,
and Bowtruckles, hinting at their prevalence around this spellbinding
neighborhood.
Ahead,
broad boulevards give way to narrow alleys, tiled fa?ades dissolve into
shadows, and every surface and stumbled-upon corner is layered with texture and
story through posters and public notices, flickering storefront windows,
lurking magical creatures, talking portraits, and whispered warnings. This
world feels grander in scale than Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, but no less
intricate 〞 and even more intimate.?
Layers of Lore in Every Cobblestone
Caf谷
tables spill onto cobbled streets. Sidewalks invite lingering. And just when
you feel at ease, a sharply dressed wizard in a vest and bowler hat may lean in
with a quiet ※Bonjour, madame,§ followed by a more cautious suggestion: ※You
may wish to keep your distance from Le Gobelet Noir today.
The
setting may be unfamiliar 〞 drawn from the second Fantastic Beasts film 〞 but Paris itself offers a kind of emotional
shorthand. Whether you＊ve visited, studied abroad, dreamed through books and
films, or just longed for the magic of a caf谷 window and a perfect pastry, you
likely already have a connection to this place.?
Cosme Acajor at Epic Universe＊s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
?
Le Cirque Arcanus: Fantastic Beasts
and Wizarding Wonder
The
land＊s live show, Le Cirque Arcanus, acts as a storytelling anchor for the
world＊s subtle celebration of its many magical creatures. Fantastic Beasts knowledge isn＊t required, but it certainly
enhances the show＊s layered storytelling. On the flipside, Le Cirque Arcanus
acts as a great introduction to creatures you might spot in the windows or
artwork around Place Cach谷e.?
As
for the show itself, it＊s not? just
spectacle 〞 it＊s rich, physical storytelling with jaw-dropping effects, aerial
choreography, and creatures that seem to breathe. Like The Untrainable Dragon in Berk, it＊s not to be missed 〞 as the
audible gasps from the crowd reinforced.
A Twist on Wand Shopping
For
fans of wand lore, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique flips the familiar narrative:
here, you speak first and seek your wand 〞?you don＊t want for a wand to
choose you. Cosme is eager to help 〞 matching wand to wizard by marrying your
story with the inspirations for her wand creations. It＊s a more personal
process 〞 and a lovely addition to the lore of wand selection, should you wish
to engage her.
Witches
and wizards will find plenty more spots to cast spells here, some bringing them
face to face with more fantastic beasts.
Moonshine Bar at Epic Universe＊s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Harry Potter and the Battle at the
Ministry: A Cinematic Game-Changer
The
journey begins unassumingly. Guests board the M谷tro-Floo in wizarding Paris,
stepping into a tiled transit stop that blends seamlessly into the 1920s
streetscape. But it＊s more than a charming station 〞 it＊s a portal to one of
the most jaw-dropping attraction reveals in theme park history. With a magical
flash, the illusion takes hold, and you emerge into the towering grandeur of
the 1990s British Ministry of Magic.
Banners
trumpet the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge, while glowing fireplaces,
fluttering memos, and the restored Fountain of Magical Brethren animate a space
that doesn＊t even feel more like a film set than a ride queue 〞?it just
feels real. Here, the story is
already unfolding. You＊re not just waiting in line 〞 you＊re bearing witness.
Guests
board magical lifts 〞 richly detailed vehicles that don＊t just move forward,
but turn, tilt, and rise through the Ministry＊s labyrinth of departments. I＊ll
leave the details to be discovered, but I will say this: never have ride sets
felt so vast, or so real.
The
scope of this attraction is staggering. You＊ll soar through massive practical
sets, visit cavernous archives, and come face to face with beasts and magical
phenomena unleashed amongst the chaos. For those sensitive to screen-based
motion like I am, know that while there are many digital sequences, they＊re so
thoroughly integrated with physical environments and storytelling that the
result is more seamless journey than simulator. I found that focusing on
something physical rather than a screen helped offset brief bouts of
disorientation.?
Overall,
this attraction is a layered, cinematic experience that blends technology,
theater, and lore from the moment you enter the M谷tro-Floo. More than just a
new headliner, this ride redefines what an attraction 〞 and a queue 〞 can be.
Le Gobelet at Epic Universe＊s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (Photo Credit: Brooke McDonald)
Streetscape,
Sustenance, and Sweets
As
you explore the broad streets and dark alleyways, behind endlessly detailed
storefronts, you＊ll find plenty of wizarding retail opportunities, from scarves
and robes to sweets and creatures.?
Shopkeepers
and roaming characters reinforce the magic. Students from Beauxbatons,
Ilvermorny, and Hogwarts cross paths in the streets. A French Butterbeer cart
vendor hawks ※Bi豕raubeurre§ to
passersby.
Shops, Sinister Side
Quests, and Enchanted Eats
Dining
in Place Cach谷e feels woven into the fabric of the land itself. Caf谷 L＊Air de
la Sir豕ne channels classic French brasserie charm, with indoor and outdoor
seating, and a menu of baguette sandwiches, plats du jour, and elegant desserts
〞 plus Butterbeer, wines, and cocktails.
In
a darker corner of Place Cach谷e, Le Gobelet Noir offers a heartier menu and a
heavy dose of mystery. This shadowy tavern is said to attract Paris＊s more
dubious magical clientele 〞 and looks the part.
Bar
Moonshine brings a touch of Americana to the mix, with vintage U.S. Quidditch
memorabilia and fun cocktails. I loved Giggle Water 〞 served in a souvenir
stemless flute, the shimmering elderflower and prosecco concoction is very
reminiscent of a classic Parisian St. Germain cocktail, despite taking its
inspiration from American Bar The Blind
Pig on screen.
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