Hoppin’ news! Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, 2025 — and you can save on your Universal Orlando Resort tickets when you purchase through Undercover Tourist, up to $88 per ticket!
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, muggles and wizards alike are able to roam the streets of Place Cachée. Inspired by "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," this spell-binding slice of 1920s wizarding Paris is lined with majestic shops and enchanting sidewalk cafés. However, this isn't the only location in the Wizarding World you'll explore when Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025. With the help of the Métro-Floo, you'll be transported to 1990s London, where the British Ministry of Magic is abuzz with the news of a very important court case that's about to take place. Welcome to Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Hang on to your wands!
Who Is Dolores Umbridge? Setting Up the Ride's Storyline
Hold up! Before we get any further, wasn't Lord Voldemort the bad guy? Who is Dolores Umbridge? If you aren't as familiar with the "Harry Potter" series, no worries — we'll bring you up to speed! Skip this Muggle lesson if you're a Potterhead. ;) Voldemort was indeed the big bad of the "Harry Potter" series, but the ride storyline takes place after his downfall. So, I have the absolute displeasure of introducing you to the witch in pink we all love to hate — possibly even more than the Dark Lord himself. But why?
Harry Potter first encounters Dolores Umbridge at the British Ministry of Magic in the fifth installment, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." At the beginning of this book and movie, Harry is on trial himself for using magic outside of school to defend himself and his cousin Dudley from Dementors, the cloaked, wraithlike Azkaban prison guards. Spoiler alert: Umbridge was the one who sent those dementors after Harry to silence and discredit him since Harry saw Lord Voldemort come back to life at the end of "The Goblet of Fire" (the fourth book and movie).
After Harry's acquittal, Umbridge is appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts so that the Ministry could monitor school activities and control the narrative of Lord Voldemort's "rumored" return. It allowed her to keep a close eye on Harry and Dumbledore, who Cornelius Fudge (the Minister of Magic) thought was using students to overthrow the Ministry. In her lessons, Umbridge used a restrictive Ministry-approved curriculum consisting of theory and not practical use of magic. She silenced any students who spoke out against her, including Harry Potter, using cruel and torturous punishments during detention. She then became the first High Inquisitor, which further extended her control and power over Hogwarts, and used this position to evaluate, harass and fire professors as well. It goes without saying, she was despised by students and teachers alike.
Umbridge always carried a hateful and prejudiced view of anyone who was Muggle-born or part-human, including Hagrid (half-giant), centaurs, werewolves and more. Though she was ousted from Hogwarts at the end of the "Order of the Phoenix" once Voldemort's return was proven, she returned to the Ministry and was in charge of the Muggle-Born Registration Commission, which resulted in the degradation and imprisonment of Muggle-borns.
In the ride, you may spot references to other minor characters, including Yaxley, the Carrows and Macnair, who were all Death Eaters, aka Voldemort's closest followers. (Yaxley became the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement under Voldemort's control of the Ministry. The Carrows were a brother-sister duo who became professors at Hogwarts during "Deathly Hallows," the seventh book. Macnair was an Executioner, the same one who was ordered to kill the hippogriff, Buckbeak, in "Prizoner of Azkaban.") In the queue, you may also notice the portrait of Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was an Auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix.
But what happened to Dolores Umbridge? Due to her crimes against Muggle-borns, she was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban once Kingsley Shacklebolt became Minister of Magic after the Second Wizarding War — which leads us to the new storyline of this ride!
Overview of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
The Art Nouveau surroundings and white tile-lined hallways of the Paris Métro-Floo station in Place Cachée will lead you to a wall of giant fireplaces that the Ministry of Magic production team collaborated with the "Fantastic Beasts" filmmakers to create. Once you step through, you'll be fully engulfed in green flames and magically transported into the iconic British Ministry of Magic. First, you'll enter the jaw-dropping grand atrium, complete with the newly restored Fountain of Magical Brethren, flying memos swirling through the air, an endless array of Ministry offices from floor to ceiling and the enchanted weather ceiling above you. (It's the biggest thing Universal Creative has ever built.)
You'll then wind your way through various recognizable departments and workspaces, including: the vacant Ministry Reception where wizards typically ask for information before going about their business; the locker room where you'll see that Harry, Ron and Neville are in training to become Aurors; the Hall of Ministers where you'll encounter past Ministers of Magic and get to witness them interacting with one another; a map room that features a magical moving map of the Ministry; the Aurors' headquarters where you'll see them gathering information for cases and be able to spot fantastical Easter eggs, such as a tribute to fallen Aurors; and Umbridge's small but extremely ornate pink and gold ministry office where you'll find her famous cat plates and her former house-elf, Higgledy, packing up her things.
Keep your eye out for a variety of details from the films as you venture through the Ministry, such as the latest edition of the Daily Prophet!
This brings me to why you're here. Well, today, my friends, is the trial of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton, who plays Dolores Umbridge in the films, reprises her role). As you board your omnidirectional lift (max. capacity: 14) to the Wizengamot Courtroom, you quickly learn that the wicked witch has wriggled free of Ministry control. Her goal: repair a broken Time-Turner in the Department of Mysteries and restore Voldemort's reign.
Harry, Ron and Hermione, who are also in attendance, recruit you to capture her and stop her from escaping. This groundbreaking attraction will propel you up, down, forward, backward and sideways throughout the entire Ministry as you dodge attacks from Death Eaters Yaxley, Macnair and the Carrows, rampaging creatures and more. You'll also cross paths with Kingsley Shacklebolt for the first time in an attraction!
Your thrilling chase will take you to never-before-seen locations, such as the Magical Archives, a cavernous library filled with towering cabinets that hold centuries of wizarding documents and 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. Prepare for an action-packed adventure and unexplored mystery in an experience that combines new and different technologies to bring the most ambitious ride Universal has ever created to life.
Other Magical Attractions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Can't get enough of the Golden Trio? Well, Universal Orlando Resort has two other thrilling attractions featuring Harry, Ron and Hermione that you are not going to want to miss out on! Hop over to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, where you can follow your favorite wizards down into the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank. Help them defeat Bellatrix and the Dark Lord himself in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Want the ultimate tour of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Take the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure, where you can soar above the castle grounds and encounter plenty of familiar faces in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
While you're strolling through Hogsmeade Village, don't froget to attend Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class at Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — Universal's most highly themed, immersive coaster. Even the littlest of wizards can get their thrill on at Flight of the Hippogriff, a family-friendly coaster that brings you face-to-feathers with the magnificent titular magical creature, Buckbeak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
When will Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry open at Universal Epic Universe?
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will officially open May 22, 2025.
What is the ride sensation of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry?
For the most part, the ride vehicle just bounces from room to room like your standard motion simulator. At one point, about two-thirds of the way through, there is a slight dropping sensation — about one story down. It's truly over before you know it! You can definitely feel the air cushion beneath you. For comparison, it's not any bigger than the drop on Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
There are screens, in addition to impressive animatronics and massive set pieces — all of which mesh together so beautifully that you won't know where one ends and the other begins! If you feel comfortable going on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, you should be fine on this one. (And for any vertigo-afflicted frogs out there, no, this doesn't spin!)
If you are prone to motion sickness, we'd recommend sitting in the front row, if possible. Mommy Frog got a little motion sickness when she sat in the second row in the far right corner, but felt better in the front. She thinks it's because, when you're in the back, you can see the people and seats in front of you (which are, for the most part, stationary) while looking at the moving screens simultaneously. Check out our guide to overcoming motion sickness at Universal Orlando for our best tips to soothe your stomach at the parks!
What is the height requirement for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry?
Riders must be 40 inches to ride.
Are there test seats?
Test seats are available at the ride entrance. This ride employs safety restraints, which may restrict certain guests from riding due to body shape and size. The ride restraint is a seatbelt that buckles across your lap. Universal states that large-framed guests may not be accommodated on the ride, but we found these seats to be some of the most accommodating in the entire park!
Can I ride if I use an ECV or wheelchair?
Guests must be able to transfer to the attraction's seating either independently or with the assistance of a member of the party. Team members may not assist.
Are there any accommodations available?
Closed captioning and assistive listening are available for this attraction. Please see an Attractions Attendant for assistance.
Is Child Swap available?
Child Swap is available for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
Is there a Single Rider line?
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will have a Single Rider line, which means parties will have to split up. However, the Single Rider option is subject to availability and may open or close at any time.
Will Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry have a Virtual Line?
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is currently utilizing a virtual queue during Epic Universe previews. Return times have dropped at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. but random times may pop up throughout the day. It's unknown if a Virtual Line will continue to be used once the park officially opens, but we'll be sure to keep this post and our Virtual Line post updated with the latest info.
Is Universal Express Pass accepted?
Universal Express Pass is not accepted at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Check out our helpful infographic with the full list of attractions offered on the Universal Express Pass.
Will I need to stow my belongings in a locker?
No, you will not need to stow your belongings. Your bags can be placed on the floor in front of you.
Will there be an attraction photo?
Yes, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will have an attraction photo. It's taken at the very end of the ride. (You'll know it when you see it!) You can purchase a My Universal Photos package to collect mementos of your frogciting day at Universal Epic Universe or just purchase your ride photo individually at the attraction.
Do I need to watch the "Harry Potter" movies to understand the ride?
This attraction heavily features Dolores Umbridge and the British Ministry of Magic, both of which appear in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1." You could just watch those films, but at that point, we recommend marathoning the whole film series!
As you enter Umbridge's office, Higgledy does explain what's hoppening, who her master is and why this day is so important — so be sure to listen closely! Also, keep your eyes peeled for details throughout the queue that help give further context to the attraction's story.
Can you purchase Dolores Umbridge's wand?
Yes! We may hate the witch, but we do like the new Dolores Umbridge wand design (and it even comes in a pink box!). It is available at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, the Parisian wandmaker's shop. You can use the wand to cast spells throughout Place Cachée, as well as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Are you frogcited about Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Catch All the Latest Epic Universe News
Related: Cast a Spell in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
Stay cool!
