For “Back to Hogwarts” on September 1, Universal Orlando Resort released a video with new concept art and details about Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a ride coming soon as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe.
Ministry of Magic Queue
Guests will enter the British Ministry of Magic via the Floo Network, arriving in the atrium. The giant space includes the restored Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, flying memos, and an enchanted weather ceiling. Here, guests discover it’s the day of Dolores Umbridge’s trial.
The queue and ride feature scenes and sets fans have seen in the films as well as brand-new spaces.
There are signs of Harry, Ron, and Neville in the locker room, showing they are in training to be Aurors.
In the Hall of Ministers, portraits of past Ministers of Magic interact with each other.
The room is lined with moving portraits and busts. Universal referenced appearances by 1700s Minister Gamp and 1900s Minister Bagnald.
A map room features a magical moving map of the Ministry, teasing guests about the spaces they will soon visit.
Guests will walk through the Aurors’ headquarters, which is full of Easter eggs. It also includes a tribute to fallen Aurors. Visible in the concept art is a portrait of Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody.
Before witnessing her trial, guests will walk through Umbridge’s small but ornate (and pink) Ministry of Magic office.
Of course, there will be cat plates.
A new character, Umbridge’s former house-elf Higgledy, is in the office packing it up.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Guests then board the lifts (elevators) that will act as the ride vehicles, taking them to the trial and then off-course through the Ministry. Guests will see the Ministry archives and the Department of Magical Creatures.
“Harry Potter” characters never before featured in an attraction include Death Eaters Corban Yaxley, Walden Macnair, and Amycus and Alecto Carrow, as well as Kingsley Shacklebolt, who is Minister at the time the ride takes place.
Universal also confirmed for the first time that Dame Imelda Staunton is reprising her role as Umbridge and shared footage of her performing in front of a green screen. She appears in Azkaban rags as well as a pink dress.
Watch the full video below.
While this ride is set in 1990s England, the exterior portions of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will be set in 1920s Paris. Guests will enter Place Cachée, the Parisian equivalent of Diagon Alley, through the Phoenix Arch. They’ll be able to experience Le Cirque Arcanus, where Ringmaster Skender has obtained the magical creatures-filled suitcase of Newt Scamander. There will be new interactive magic spells, a wand shop, a cafe, and more.
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