The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park lands draw large crowds in Orlando. Where is Harry Potter at Disney World? Which theme park can I experience the Harry Potter lands?
The Harry Potter theme park phenomenon started when the Hogsmeade area opened in June 2010. Since then, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands increased with the opening of the Diagon Alley area. Now, a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter land is coming to Orlando. In fact, in 2025, an entirely new Harry Potter-themed land opens in Orlando. This new theme park land is known as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -Ministry of Magic.
However, before we discuss that exciting new theme park land, we must clear up some confusion. In fact, you may be surprised by this confusion. We apologize for this explanation for readers who are very familiar with the Wizarding World areas in Orlando.
However, we often hear guests ask questions during our visits to Walt Disney World, showing that this confusion still lives on after almost 15 years of Harry Potter in the Orlando area theme parks. In addition, we hear Walt Disney World staff give inaccurate information, adding to this confusion about Harry Potter.
Building off that statement, we do not recommend asking questions about the theme parks from the talented and skilled security people working there. About once a week, we hear support or security staff feed the misinformation about Harry Potter at Walt Disney World.
Harry Potter Takes Up Residence at Universal Orlando Resort
Sadly, those looking to visit Hogwarts Castle from the “Harry Potter” movies will not find it at any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Disney does not have the ability to use any Wizarding World of Harry Potter properties in their theme parks. However, Universal Orlando Resort, a nearby theme park resort, operates all the Harry Potter theme park attractions, including the one opening in 2025.
Universal Orlando Resort resides about nine miles from Walt Disney World Resort. However, with Orlando area traffic, you should expect 20-30 (or more, depending on the time of day) minutes to drive from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort, Home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida
Universal Orlando Resort consists of two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida (which opened in 1990) and Universal Islands of Adventure (which opened in 1999), Volcano Bay, a waterpark, eight hotels, and Universal CityWalk Orlando, an entertainment complex like Disney Springs but much smaller. Thus, Harry Potter fans must purchase tickets to Universal Orlando Resort to enjoy the elements of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in theme park form.
Each Universal Orlando Resort theme park contains a Wizarding World of Harry Potter land. At Universal Islands of Adventure, the Hogsmeade area features three rides, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This family-style roller coaster has drawn big crowds since opening in 2019.
At Universal Studios Florida theme park, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts stands as the shining attraction in the Diagon Alley area. The Diagon Alley section at Universal Studios Florida opened several years later than the Hogsmeade section. Diagon Alley offers a more immersive feel, showing off what Universal Creative can do to entertain guests.
Two Current Wizarding World of Harry Potter Lands
These two Harry Potter lands changed the face of the Orlando area theme park industry. More importantly, these Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas empowered Universal Orlando Resort to compete with Walt Disney World for visitors’ vacation time and budgets. Since then, the decision between Universal vs. Disney has become more challenging for Orlando area theme park fans. In fact, the popularity of “Butterbeer” at Universal Orlando Resort continues to surprise informed sources.
After building the two Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park lands, Universal Orlando Resort created the Hogwarts Express attraction. This “train” takes guests from one theme park to the other theme park with the feel of riding the Hogwarts Express seen in the “Harry Potter” movies. If you are interested in taking this five-minute ride, you will need ticket media that allows you to visit both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks on the same day.
The relationship between Universal Orlando Resort and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, controlled by Warner Bros., has elevated the Orlando theme park experience for all. As announced previously, Universal Orlando Resort plans to open a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park land in a brand-new theme park in 2025.
Good News – Universal Epic Universe Opens in 2025
Not since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure opened, has a major new theme park opened in the Orlando area. That changes in 2025 with the opening of Universal Epic Universe. This new theme park will include five lands, one of which will be based on the Harry Potter narrative. You can find more information about Universal Epic Universe in a previous blog on our site.
Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic
Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third installment of its popular Harry Potter-themed lands with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. This theme park land will be set in wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” film series.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic features an awe-inspiring collection of unique dining experiences, highly themed retail, spellbinding entertainment, and Universal’s most ambitious, groundbreaking theme park ride. Developed in partnership with the Universal Creative team and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic builds upon the global phenomenon of the boy wizard loved by so many.
Magical Creatures from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Await Muggles
Guests to the latest Wizarding World of Harry Potter land will first journey from a “Muggle” park in Paris. Like in the “Harry Potter” movies, the non-magical world resides very close to the magical world of Harry Potter characters.
After seeing the impressive entrance to the land, guests will view the spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée, a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance. Here, wizards and non-magiques (non-magic people, Muggles) alike will be enamored with the grandeur and ambiance of the city. Visitors can cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets using interactive wands and encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus.
Also, for the first time within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will travel across countries, from the 1990s to London, using the “Métro-Floo” for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic. Universal Orlando claims that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will feature the unmatched levels of immersion and attention to detail fans have come to expect from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
The signature attraction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic promises new innovative technology and incredible storytelling on a massive scale. Universal Orlando Resort stated that Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry will be one of its most impressive attractions. Based on the space being used for this ride, we believe it.
The adventure begins when guests travel by “Métro-Floo,” a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the “Harry Potter” films. The journey will transport guests from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic. Guests arrive in time for the trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.
Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s massive grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial occur.
Of course, this theme park ride involves something going wrong. The easy-to-hate Dolores Umbridge attempts to escape. Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and a house-elf named Higgledy (rumored to be Umbridge’s house elf) in a thrilling chase. This chase will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge. Death Eaters and other creatures seek to thwart Harry and his friends’ attempt to save the day. We expect the queue for this attraction to be long in the foreseeable future once it is open.
Le Cirque Arcanus – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Show
For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This concept from the “Fantastic Beasts” movies provides a phenomenal backdrop for a show.
Universal Orlando Resort stated this new spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, fantastic puppetry, and brilliant special effects. Guests will be taken on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before. The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s magical suitcase. That suitcase contained beasts such as Demiguise, Diricawl, and Mooncalves. Skender seeks to use these fantastic beasts to bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory.
Based on the first movie in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, we know that finding and managing these magical creatures presents many challenges. We know from Universal Orlando Resort that it is up to the circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.
Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique
Guests can shop some of the world’s finest wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker Cosme Acajor in the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find a selection of excellent wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes. Each wand box contains a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells in the Universal Epic Universe Harry Potter land. We expect this to work similarly to the spell casting at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. However, with a clean slate to start with, guests should expect a vastly improved spell-casting experience in this new Wizarding World land.
Universal Orlando Resort stated that as guests explore the streets of wizarding Paris, they can use their interactive wands to create magical experiences by casting spells at various locations. They will interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and a Demiguise. They will also engage with enchanted objects in many storefront windows and other areas throughout the marvelous Place Cachée.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Food and Beverage at Universal Epic Universe
No trip to a theme park should skip over the food and beverage options. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Ministry of Magic promises many options for Harry Potter fans.
The food and beverage options include:
- Café L’Air De La Sirène – A wonder of French architecture adorned with fabulous carved marble and details of fantastic beasts hidden in the tile and mosaic designs, Café L’air De La Sirène is a charming café where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts.
- Le Gobelet Noir—In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée is a mysterious, timeworn auberge, where international “Dark” witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry. They and theme park guests have a hearty meal over hushed conversation here. Menu offerings include starters such as soups and salads and a variety of entrées and desserts.
- Bar Moonshine – American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine. They will find exclusive beers, wines, and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items from Wizarding Americana.
- Bièraubeurre Cart – No visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels complete without Butterbeer, right? Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre cart while visiting Place Cachée for a frosty, delicious mug of the fan-favorite beverage.
Harry Potter is Not at Disney World, But Universal Orlando Does a Great Job Creating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you want to visit one of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park lands in Florida, you need a ticket to Universal Orlando Resort. The Universal Family Vacations travel advisors can guide you through the options to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort.
Helios Grand opening in 2025
The Resort currently has eight hotel options. We love the partnership between Universal Orlando and Loews Hotels regarding hotels. In 2025, three more hotel options will be added to the Universal Orlando/Loews Hotels lineup for guests to enjoy. The three soon-to-open and eight existing hotels all sit near the Universal Orlando theme parks, with complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks.
Ready to Try Universal Orlando for Your Next Orlando Vacation?
Want to be one of the first to experience the upcoming Wizarding World theme park land, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic? Are you interested in visiting Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, which are currently operating, during your next vacation?
Our staff at Universal Family Vacations will be happy to help. Their services are free to you since Universal Orlando pays them after your vacation is complete. Feel free to check out our website for more information. Enjoy planning that next Orlando vacation!
1-Day Park-to-Park with Roundtrip Transfers provides guests a 1-Day Park-to-Park experience with transportation to Universal Orlando® from Disney® Area Hotels.
