Universal Epic Universe‘s new ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, has been unveiled during this year’s ‘Back to Hogwarts’ celebrations.
Part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, the ride is billed as one of Universal’s most impressive to date. It will offer immersive environments, powerful storytelling, and unique ride technology.
In the video below (around 3 minutes in), Peter van Roden, senior vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery, introduces the new land at Epic Universe.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been part of Universal Destinations & Experiences for 14 years, and next year fans will get even more magic to discover,” he says.
Anisha Vyas Burgos, assistant director of projects at Universal Creative, says: “We’ve continued to bring the storytelling to the next level, and this is just the next way we’re doing it.”
The ride experience begins with guests travelling by Métro-Floo, based on the Floo Network in the films, to the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Guests will enter the ministry’s grand atrium and see other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place.
When Umbridge attempts to escape, guests join Harry, Ron, Hermione and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase through the building as they dodge attacks from Death Eaters and other creatures.
“Guests are going to walk through the Floo passage and see the Ministry of Magic at its full scale, full glory, full glamour,” says Hope Glomski, director of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery. “You’ll see the Fountain of Magical Brethren statue restored to its rightful state, flying memos swirling through the atrium, and finally you’ll see the beautiful enchanted weather ceiling above you.
“Technologically advanced” ride experience
“It’s here in the atrium you’ll discover it’s the day of the trial of Dolores Umbridge as you enter the new attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.”
Van Roden adds: “The scale and detail of this ride is truly epic. I think it’s going to be one of the great rides in the world.”
Kim Gritzer, creative director at Universal Creative, says: “Our ride is so technologically advanced, there are so many layers of elements.”
The Harry Potter land at Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park is inspired by 1920s Paris in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery and Universal
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