The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting its third (and potentially final) Orlando expansion at Universal Epic Universe in 2025. This new land will once again be specifically based on the film series, just like the existing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley areas.
However, unlike these previous lands, this new area will also incorporate the more recent Fantastic Beasts series, which recently concluded with Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Those who have seen these films will likely know that they explore the Wizarding World beyond Hogwarts, and this type of international feel will be present in this new area, which will take guests to a well-known, real-life location when they enter.
Welcome to Paris...
Though the previous two Harry Potter lands were firmly set in the Wizarding World of the UK, Epic Universe park-goers will be able to see the sights of Paris when they enter this brand new Wizarding World land. As they take their first steps in this new area, they'll be greeted by a replica of the real Porte Saint-Denis arch, before heading into the fictional Place Cachée, as seen in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Once inside, this area guests will find the Circus Arcanus tent, as seen in the second Fantastic Beasts film, and several shops, restaurants, and other locations inspired by the Parisian location of the Fantastic Beasts films.
...And then back to the UK for a ride inside the Ministry of Magic
Though the outside of the land will be based on the French Wizarding World, the new land's headlining attraction will transport guests back to the London Ministry of Magic from the original 8 films via Floo Powder. Rumors indicate the attraction will be based on the flagship Harry Potter series (and not the Fantastic Beasts spinoff) and will take guests inside the sentencing of the evil Delores Umbridge at the Ministry of Magic. Reportedly, actor Imelda Staunton has signed on to reprise her role for the ride, giving film fans an important connection to the original series.
This ride concept may sound very familiar to long-time Universal fans, as the Orlando resort has reportedly been attempting to create this Ministry of Magic attraction for several years, originally planning to make it a part of a Diagon Alley expansion. However, as plans for Epic Universe came together the concept was moved to the new park, which could better accommodate the attraction's huge show building, which will the biggest in the entire theme park when it opens.
As for the ride experience itself, this attraction will be a dark ride that will use a vehicle system similar to that of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. However, instead of just moving around on a motion base along a trackless route, this vehicle will have an upgrade that will allow it to move up and down as well, allowing for the creation of more dynamic movement through show scenes and environments. This attraction is also rumored to use a mix of 2D screens as well as animatronics in its set pieces, which means guests won't have to wear 3D glasses during the experience like they do on other attractions that use this ride system.
Add new comment