VISIT 1920S PARIS AND THE 1990S BRITISH MINISTRY and experience the wonder of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe. Guests will encounter fantastic beasts as they explore wizarding Paris in the 1920s during Le Cirque Arcanus™, one of the two indoor shows at Epic; it’s a spectacular mix of live performers, puppetry and special effects. And the most fantastic beast of all, air conditioning. This show is rated E for everyone, so bring the littles, or the little at heart.
FUN FACT: Guests can explore the strange and unusual acts of Le Cirque Arcanus™ as they stroll past the many sideshow booths on their way to the main stage.
Photo ©Universal Orlando Resort
What to Ride & See in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™
The Grand Atrium of the Ministry of Magic™ ©Universal Orlando Resort
Time to Cast Your Spell
After the show, take the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry in the 1990s for new thrills with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Get ready to explore the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™. This is the most popular ride at Epic Universe and typically has the longest wait. For Harry Potter fans, it’s a must.
Wizarding World Interactive Storefronts. Photo by Omag Staff
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™ allows guests the opportunity to cast spells on the streets of a wizarding Paris. To showcase your wizarding prowess, you need to buy a wand. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique™ is where you’ll find some of the world’s finest wands, designed by esteemed artisan and wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.
A wand will set you back $65, but it’s worth it for what you can do inside this immersive world. Guests armed with wands can cast spells in store windows, turn lights on and off, make pages flip with a flick of your wrist and interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects throughout wizarding Paris.
And don’t miss your chance to win a wand of your own, courtesy of Orlando magazine. Enter the giveaway here.
Photo ©Universal Orlando Resort
Where to Eat in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™
Le Gobelet Noir™ is a dark and moody spot to get away for a spell. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
Explore the Dining of 1920s Wizarding Paris
There are three distinct eateries in Wizarding World: Café L’air De La Sirène™, Le Gobelet Noir™ and Bar Moonshine™. You can also find a delightful Butterbeer™ cart across from the café. Frozen and iced versions are available, as well as collectable mugs.
The Butterbeer Cart! They serve from both sides but only one has the frozen stuff.
Orlando magazine popped into Café L’air De La Sirène™ for lunch (they also serve breakfast), sampling two savory menu items and two sweet offerings. The Baguette de Dinde features sliced cracked black pepper turkey piled high with arugula, crisp apples and creamy brie. It’s set between a warm crusty baguette with zesty mustard butter and apple butter. It’s enough to share.
Baguette de Dinde
The team’s favorite item of the entire trip was the Butterbeer™ Crepe. This whimsical creation is a delight for Butterbeer™ lovers but is also reminiscent of Grand Marnier crepes. These crepes are filled with a delicious shortbread cookie butter Bavarian cream, Butterbeer™ cream and topped with fresh strawberries, Butterbeer™ drizzle and a Butterbeer™ shortbread cookie. The other crepe on the menu, the Crepe Citronee aux Chambord, prepared with lemon cream cheese, Chambord sauce and seasonal berries, is equally delicious, sweet and light.
Want an even more authentic dish? Try the Boeuf Bourguignon, a braised beef slow cooked in Burgundy wine, with mushrooms, pearl onions, roasted carrots, and bacon lardons served with pommes puree. It was delicious and very filling.
Another quick service option in this world is Le Gobelet Noir™, a time-worn haunt for dark witches and wizards to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry. The theming is dark and immersive, and you never know who you’ll see in an establishment such as this (those headed to Le Gobelet Noir™ may come across the humble abode of famed alchemist, Nicholas Flamel).
For light snacks and incredible drinks, try Bar Moonshine™. It’s tucked away in a quiet street corner, where American witches and wizards in Paris can enjoy a taste of home. Along with non-alcoholic beverages like Butterbeer™, you’ll find American cocktails and a variety of beers and wines. It’s all served amid décor featuring U.S. Quidditch™ team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana. For guests 21 or older, the Lobe Blaster is a must-try. A potent mix of moonshine, limoncello, absinthe, lemon juice, club soda and simple syrup garnished with a rosemary sprig and layered with an émulsion verte, the Lobe Blaster will have you riding that broom in no time.
Where to shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™
Galleries Mirifiques in Place Cachée. ©Universal Orlando Resort
A Certain Savoir Faire
Grab the latest in non-muggle fashion at Galleries Mirifiques in Place Cachée. And don’t forget the sweets! Enjoy delectable chocolates, candies and other sweet treats from K. Rammelle™, the finest French confectionery shop in wizarding Paris. Stock up on fan favorites like Chocolate Frogs, Exploding Bon Bons and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans™. The shop windows are particularly fun at K. Rammelle™, with whimsical moving Ferris wheels and carousels.
