Universal Orlando Resort has revealed details about Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a new attraction set to open May 22, 2025, in Universal Epic Universe.
The ride, located within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, takes guests on an immersive adventure through the British Ministry of Magic, complete with what Universal says is groundbreaking ride technology and richly detailed environments.
The Ride Experience
- Setting: The British Ministry of Magic, recreated as a full-scale environment inspired by the Harry Potter films.
- Storyline: Guests will witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge, known for her infamously strict and controversial role in the wizarding world. The experience culminates in a thrilling chase as Umbridge tries to evade justice.
- Ride Vehicles: The attraction uses magical, omnidirectional lifts that seat up to 14 people. These vehicles move in multiple directions, including up, down, forward, and sideways, offering dynamic movement through the Ministry’s various departments.
Here is a closer look at some of the immersive details and environments guests will find in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry:
Métro-Floo Corridor
Guests will journey from wizarding Paris – the setting of the other experiences inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – to the Ministry via the Métro-Floo – a unique mode of transportation inspired by the iconic Floo Network from the films. As they emerge from the fireplace-like structures they’ve seen in the films, guests will immediately find themselves in the lobby of the Ministry of Magic.
The Ministry of Magic Atrium
The grand atrium of the Ministry of Magic comes to life in all its grandeur in the queue for the attraction. Here, guests will find a restored Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, the enchanted weather ceiling, an endless array of Ministry offices from floor to ceiling and many more intricate details for guests to discover while inside. Guests will also discover that their visit falls on the same day that Dolores Umbridge will stand trial for her crimes against the wizarding world.
Ministry Reception
Guests will pass by the Ministry Reception, where wizards typically ask for information before going about their wizarding business. However, guests won’t find anyone working the reception booths today as the entire Ministry is busy preparing for the trial.
Dolores Umbridge’s Office
A glittering chandelier illuminates Dolores Umbridge’s former office, which is revealed to be just as over-the-top as the woman herself with its pink hues and ornate gold carvings throughout. Here, guests will meet Higgledy, Umbridge’s former house-elf, for the first time as she enthusiastically cleans out the office ahead of the trial.
Daily Prophet, Memos and Other Wizarding Details
Guests should keep an eye out for a variety of details from the films while they venture through the Ministry, like the latest edition of the Daily Prophet, flocks of interdepartmental memos and even the belongings of some of their favorite characters from the films.
Magical Ministry Lift
Guests will board a magical, omnidirectional lift that seats up to 14 guests to travel even deeper through the British Ministry for the long-awaited trial of Dolores Umbridge. Adorned with vibrant red and gold accents, these lifts are unlike any ride vehicle ever created and will propel guests up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry – just like guests have seen in the films.
Additional Ministry Areas
Once aboard the ride, guests will find themselves on a thrilling chase to catch Umbridge as she attempts to escape her trial – all while dodging attacks from the Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way. Additional areas guests will soar through in the British Ministry include the Magical Archives –a cavernous library filled with towering cabinets that hold centuries of Ministry archives and wizarding documents; the Department of Magical Creatures – where creatures have escaped and are running amuck; and the Time Room – which is overflowing with a variety of Time-Turners and unique timekeeping devices.
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