Universal’s Epic Universe is set to open next year, and along with it comes a brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction that’s turning heads—not just for its magic and mayhem, but for how it’s making theme park thrills more inclusive.
Let’s dive into the details of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, opening May 22, 2025—plus why it’s already being called the most accessible Harry Potter ride to date!
A Ride Designed With More Guests in Mind
Theme parks have always walked a tricky line between thrill and safety. Not every attraction is suitable for every guest due to restrictions like height, health conditions, and body size. While that’s often a matter of keeping riders safe, it can also mean that some guests feel excluded—especially larger-bodied visitors.
Universal Orlando Resort has long been home to iconic thrill rides, many of which feature tight restraints and limited seat space. Attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure have well-known issues with accessibility due to restrictive seating.
But that’s about to change in a big way.
Test Seats? Yep. But This Time… They’re Actually Comfortable!
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry features updated ride vehicles, and according to reports, they’re much more size-inclusive than past Potter attractions.
“Here is the test seat and actual ride vehicle for Battle at the Ministry! This is the most accommodating Potter ride to date! The seatbelt can stretch across the two seats for context! Fluffy folks rejoice!” – Theme Park Express
Here is the test seat and actual ride vehicle for Battle at the Ministry! This is the most accommodating Potter ride to date! The seatbelt can stretch across the two seats for context! Fluffy folks rejoice! 🙌🏽@UniversalORL #EpicUniverse #Hosted pic.twitter.com/B6JjJt96Ou
— Theme Park Express (@ThemeParkExpres) April 5, 2025
Outside the attraction, you’ll find the familiar test seat setup—only this time, it’s described as “some of the most accommodating test seats” a Universal ride has ever had. The ride uses a lap seatbelt system that allows for more flexibility in securing guests comfortably.
Minimum height to ride is 40″, and Universal has also confirmed the presence of a Rider Swap room (so families can stick together even if someone opts out), and a Single Rider line for those looking to hop on faster.
The Queue Is a Whole Experience on Its Own
As with most Wizarding World attractions, the ride queue is practically an attraction in itself.
Guests will step into the heart of the Ministry of Magic, winding through grand offices that stretch up to the ceiling. Along the way, you’ll pass moving portraits, enchanted statues, and even a towering screen featuring none other than Dolores Umbridge.
You’ll also enter Umbridge’s office and meet a new character: Higgledy, a house-elf who once worked for Dolores. This animatronic is incredibly lifelike and adds a little extra magic while you wait for the main event.
The Story: A Magical Trial Goes Very, Very Wrong (Spoilers Ahead!)
The ride’s plot kicks off as guests board a magical elevator en route to witness the long-overdue trial of Dolores Umbridge. You’re not alone—Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Higgledy are there too.
But wait! A rogue Death Eater is in another elevator—and things quickly spiral into chaos. A spell is cast, and your elevator begins to plummet! 🎢
You’ll rush through the Ministry’s inner chambers, dodging spells and facing off with animatronic Death Eaters that look so real…
“Quincy shared that she even thought a few times they were live actors!”
The action continues into the Department of Magical Creatures, where you encounter a massive animatronic Erumpent (that magical rhino-like creature from Fantastic Beasts), and later travel into the Time Room, where things go from bad to worse.
Umbridge tries to use a time turner to escape—but ends up breaking them all. You’re launched into a terrifying time void, where she makes one final, desperate stand… and loses.
Harry and Ron capture her and deliver her to Kingsley Shacklebolt, who presides over her trial. Justice is served!
What Makes This Ride a Big Deal
Beyond its top-tier theming and jaw-dropping effects, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a major step forward in theme park inclusivity.
By designing more accommodating seats and enhancing the boarding experience, Universal is working to make sure more guests can enjoy their biggest and most magical attractions. It’s an effort many fans have been asking for, and it’s wonderful to see steps being taken in the right direction.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning! Epic Universe officially opens May 22, 2025, and the new Harry Potter land is only one piece of the puzzle. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates as the park prepares for its grand opening.
Until then, get your wands ready… and maybe practice a few spells to make sure you don’t end up in Umbridge’s trial elevator.
