Universal Epic Universe features a handful of new thrills, including the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride, the latest addition to the Wizarding World’s notable attractions. Epic Universe is home to five worlds, with one being an expansion of Universal Orlando Resort’s existing Wizarding World based on the Harry Potter franchise. The new addition is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, an area primarily set in 1920s Paris, but it also incorporates the British Ministry of Magic.

To date, there are five attractions at Universal Orlando Resorts dedicated to Harry Potter, including two stops on the Hogwarts Express. However, that list will soon grow to six with the arrival of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry when Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025. I had the opportunity to check out the new theme park for Screen Rant, and the visit included The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic on the first day the ride was available to visitors.

Harry Potter And The Battle At The Ministry’s Queue Line Sets High Expectations For The Actual Ride

There’s Plenty To See Before Making It To The Magical Lift

After walking through Place Caché, you’ll pᴀss by Le Cirque Arcanus and eventually get to the entry for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. Epic Universe went all out with its queue line, crafting a memorable experience for guests before they actually embark on the main attraction. To enter the queue, you must first pᴀss through the Métro-Floo, which was easily one of my favorite aspects of the experience. From there, you’ll find yourself in the mᴀssive atrium of the British Ministry of Magic.

There are offices overlooking the Fountain of Magical Brethren at the center of the atrium, with a large banner hanging from the ceiling that presents Dolores Umbridge, the character currently on trial. After following the line through the atrium and around the fountain, guests are guided through various department rooms within the green-tiled Ministry building, including Umbridge’s office, the Magical Archives library, and the locker room for Aurors. There’s even an appearance by Umbridge’s former House-elf, Higgledy.

Rumor has it that the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry queue line capacity is estimated to be six hours. I can’t say whether the estimation is accurate, but it’s important to note that the ride’s line setup is equipped to keep guests entertained with heavily detailed rooms. As someone who visited on a very H๏τ day, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to hang out in an air-conditioned, darkened building to cool down while slowly checking out everything the attraction had to offer.

What To Expect From The Harry Potter And The Battle At The Ministry Ride At Epic Universe

Universal Puts You Right In The Middle Of The Action

After winding your way through the Ministry of Magic, it’s time to board the magical lift at the center of the new Harry Potter thrill ride. Each lift is equipped with two rows: a front row with three groups of two seats and an elevated back row consisting of eight seats. All seats are cushioned, serving as official Ministry chairs for guests attending Umbridge’s trial. After buckling the seat belt, the lift sets off before encountering Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who are also there for the trial.

The story behind Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry involves Dolores Umbridge attempting to escape capture with the help of Death Eaters to steal a Time-Turner. Riders are recruited to help the Golden Trio thwart Umbridge’s plans, and in doing so, the lift flies all around the Ministry of Magic, falling, spinning, and even dodging attacks from various threats. The motion-simulated aspects incorporate digital special effects as well as impressive animatronics of Harry Potter characters before coming to an epic conclusion. For the ride, I was positioned in the first row at the very end, so it was nice to lean against the wall during surprise spins and drops.

I Absolutely Loved Epic Universe’s New Harry Potter Ride (Even Though I Had To Ride It Twice For The Full Experience)

It’s Unlike Any Other Harry Potter-Inspired Attraction

Considering Universal Orlando Resort is no stranger to Harry Potter rides and attractions, I can see why some guests might not be inclined to prioritize Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry once Epic Universe opens. That said, I highly recommend checking it out based on how innovative it is compared to the other offerings within the expansive Wizarding World.

While each attraction based on the Harry Potter series has its own unique appeal, the groundbreaking nature and advanced storytelling aspects of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry helped the ride exceed my expectations. With it being the first day the Harry Potter ride was up and running, I knew there could be some technical difficulties and delays. Sure enough, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry broke down about a third of the way through the attraction while I was on it, but it didn’t ruin any of the fun.

After getting us back to the boarding area, my group stood by as the operators reset the ride. We then went back on another lift and set off a second time, and we got through the entire attraction that time around. Rather than react negatively to the situation, I looked at it as Universal Epic Universe gifting me a bonus ride and a funny story to tell as one of the riders that got to celebrate Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry’s first official day in operation.

Universal Epic Universe

Website

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe

Location(s)

Orlando, FL