We’ve got BIG theme park news for your next Orlando vacation planning session — and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to grab your Butterbeer for this one!
Universal Orlando is previewing a brand-new ride inside the upcoming Epic Universe theme park, and early buzz says this could be one of the best attractions in Florida — if not the world. But there’s a catch: you’re not getting on without joining a Virtual Line, and trust us, you’re going to want to ride this one.
Let’s break down everything you need to know (with tips to help you save time, skip lines, and maybe even squeeze in an extra snack stop between adventures!).
Say Hello to “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry”
This brand-new attraction is part of the Wizarding World’s expansion inside Epic Universe — and it’s shaping up to be something truly magical.
Universal describes the ride like this:
“Travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic where Dolores Umbridge™ is about to stand trial. Board a lift and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you journey deep into the Ministry’s many departments. Thrilling adventure, fantastic beasts, and unexplored mystery await in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.”
Sounds intense, right? It’s an all-new storyline, set in places we’ve never explored in theme parks before, and yes — it’s got Harry, Ron, and Hermione right there with you.
The Queue Alone Is a Showstopper
During an early preview (before the ride was operational), select guests were allowed to walk through the queue. And let’s just say… this might be the most immersive queue in theme park history.
Seriously — fans who’ve seen it are comparing it to Rise of the Resistance, Flight of Passage, and even Forbidden Journey, and saying it tops them all. The Ministry of Magic is rich with visual details, layered storytelling, and jaw-dropping effects — and that’s before you even board the ride vehicle.
So if you’re someone who loves soaking in all the details (or just enjoys taking some cool queue selfies), you’re in for a treat.
No Standby Line — Just Virtual Queue (Here’s How It Works)
Ready to ride? You’ll need to snag a Virtual Line return time, which becomes available at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM each day during the preview period.
There is no traditional standby line right now, and with a queue that’s built to hold up to 10 hours’ worth of guests, that Virtual Line is an absolute lifesaver.
This gives you the flexibility to explore other areas of the park — or grab a quick snack — without standing around for hours on end. (May we recommend a chocolate frog or a midday frozen Butterbeer break?)
We can see the new rules for the virtual queue from the below photo that Ethan posted while visiting Epic Universe.
I’m gonna throw up pic.twitter.com/0XeGQGwjwh
— Ethan 💫 (@ThatDisneyBoi) April 13, 2025
Team Members Get the First Look
Right now, this attraction is only open to Universal Team Members and their invited guests as part of a special preview event. It was briefly shown to media during a closed-door preview, but this marks the first time regular humans have had the chance to actually ride it.
If everything goes smoothly, this could be the first step toward soft openings — and maybe even surprise public previews — before Epic Universe’s grand opening.
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Your Future Universal Trip
If you’re someone who plans your park days with precision, this Virtual Line model could be a HUGE win. Not only does it save you hours of waiting, but it also opens up your day to enjoy dining, entertainment, and other attractions while your return time ticks down in the background.
That means more time for snacks (we see you, Pumpkin Pasties), more shopping at Honeydukes, and less standing in the sun.
Our Take: This Ride Might Become the Crown Jewel of Epic Universe
With a next-level queue, an action-packed storyline, and cutting-edge ride technology, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is already being called the best ride Universal has ever created.
And if early reactions are anything to go by, it could easily become the must-do experience when Epic Universe opens to the public.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this attraction, and you can bet we’ll be back with more tips on how to ride it as soon as general access becomes available.
Until then, time to start planning your dream park day — snacks, spells, and all.
