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Our largely spoiler-free review of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the Wizarding World and watching justice finally catch up with one of its most notorious villains, then get ready—Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the ride you’ve been waiting for. Located within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, this new attraction is not only a triumph in storytelling and ride design—it’s a long-overdue reckoning for a character many fans love to hate: Dolores Umbridge. We were afforded the ability to check out the Battle at the Ministry as part of a hosted VIP tour during a Universal Orlando media day yesterday, and let me tell you it was worth the wait!
Before we even get to the ride itself, we need to talk about the queue. And I use that word lightly because this isn’t just a line—it’s a journey.
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A Queue So Good, It Deserves Its Own Chocolate Frog Card
Your adventure begins in the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where you enter through the wizarding world’s version of public transportation: the Metro-Floo. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—part subway, part Floo Network—and it transports you straight into the British Ministry of Magic during the 1990s.
The transition is seamless and jaw-dropping. One moment, you’re surrounded by art deco storefronts; the next, you’re walking into a massive atrium bathed in green tile, gold accents, and magical energy. The Ministry is HUGE, and the attention to detail is incredible—it honestly feels like you’re stepping onto a film set. Everywhere you look there are moving portraits, enchanted objects, and whispers of wizarding business being conducted around you.
And then, you enter Dolores Umbridge’s office.
Yes, that office. The nauseating pinks. The decorative plates. The oppressive sweetness hiding something far more sinister. And there, amidst the chaos of her fall from power, we meet Higgledy—Umbridge’s former house-elf, who’s now stuck cleaning up her mess (literally). It’s a brilliant touch that adds emotional depth and narrative richness, especially for longtime fans.
For context: Dolores Umbridge is the Ministry official who famously tormented Hogwarts students during Harry’s fifth year. She banned magic in classrooms, forced Harry to write lines using his own blood, and sent countless Muggle-borns to Azkaban under the guise of “order.” So yes—seeing her finally face trial for her many, many crimes is deeply satisfying.
The Ride Experience: Magic, Mayhem, and One Epic Lift
Once you board your ride vehicle—designed to mimic a magical Ministry lift—you’re whisked away on an adventure that’s both whimsical and intense. The motion is a little jarring at times, but that’s part of the fun. After all, you’re flying through the magical bureaucracy of the wizarding world… and no one ever said wizard elevators were OSHA-compliant.
The storyline? Fantastic. Without giving too much away, you’ll find yourself deep in the heart of the Ministry alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione, battling chaos and creatures that lurk behind the pristine Ministry walls. It’s a dark ride, yes—but filled with heart, humor, and just the right amount of danger.
What sets this attraction apart is the blend of animatronics and screen-based storytelling, all done without 3D glasses. This creates a crystal-clear, fully immersive experience that feels more real than reality. And there are moments—several of them—where the lines between screen and set disappear completely.
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Verdict: A Must-Ride for Muggles and Magic Folk Alike
Whether you’re a casual fan or someone who’s read the books and watched the films more times than you can count, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry delivers something special. It captures the feeling of being in the Wizarding World like never before—and gives fans the long-awaited moment of catharsis in watching Umbridge finally squirm.
The ride is thrilling, the queue is an experience all its own, and the magic? Let’s just say it’s Ministry-approved.
This is one dark ride you’ll want to ride again… and again… and again.
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