New Portal and Building Details Revealed by Aerial Photos of Epic Universe
As the world turns its attention to welcoming the start of the new year, we also look forward to one of 2025’s most magical promises: the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Snapshots taken over Epic Universe in December by aerial photographer @bioreconstruct confirm that the park is well on its way to meeting its May opening deadline.
One detail captured on camera was the Ministry of Magic’s gateway. The portal to the Wizarding World, located in Epic Universe’s Celestial Park, appears to have the makings of a door in the entryway’s tunnel. The door was only halfway installed at the time of the photographer’s flight and seems to bear a turquoise and gold design. The photos also confirmed the plans revealed by previously released renderings for the portal to feature a Time-Turner as well as a hand holding the Elder Wand.
The portal to the Ministry of Magic section of Epic Universe is still under construction with what appears to be a round doorway. (Source: @bioreconstruct/Twitter)
The world beyond the portal is shaping up rapidly as well. The aerial photographer’s Christmas Day flight provided a wealth of photographs showing the Wizarding World’s section of the park alive with magical detail. One photograph shows the Ministry of Magic section as a whole, with its five Parisian-themed streets meeting at the center. The largest building is to hold the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction complete with the British Ministry’s iconic Atrium.
The large building at the bottom right of the photo is where guests will find the Battle at the Ministry ride. (Source: @bioreconstruct/Twitter)
Le Cirque Arcanus, a theater experience inspired by the Fantastic Beasts films, was captured on camera at the park’s center. Its entranceway is recognizable as a circus-style tent configuration and is already lined with lights. A building adjacent to the attraction bears the words “Coupe de Quidditch,” or “Quidditch Cup.”
Le Cirque Arcanus tells the story of Ringmaster Skender, complete with live performers, aerialists, puppetry, and special effects. (Source: @bioreconstruct/Twitter)
Other visible features indicate an immersive experience for guests that will be both magical and distinctly Parisian. A Butterbeer cart, for example, sits ready to offer refreshments on one street. A striped awning not far away marks the location of Café L’air De La Sirène, which will serve French cuisine. Damp concrete down the street from the café possibly indicates that the elaborate nearby fountain is, in fact, a working water feature.
What do you think of the latest park updates? Let us know in the comments below.
