In a surprising turn of events at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe, guests in the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ attraction queue were evacuated after a fire alarm went off. The alarm caused a temporary halt to operations and led to some disappointment for eager visitors waiting to experience the highly anticipated ride.
The fire alarm triggered a voice message, which echoed throughout the queue, instructing guests to vacate the area immediately. The announcement read: “May I have your attention please. There has been a fire reported in the building. Please proceed to the nearest exit and leave the building.” Guests calmly exited the queue area as Universal Orlando staff assisted in guiding them to safety.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ Temporarily Closed
Following the alarm, the ride was closed for the remainder of the day, with Universal Orlando Resort taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of all guests. No injuries were reported, and the resort quickly implemented its safety protocols, ensuring that everyone safely exited the building.
While Universal has yet to provide specific details about what caused the fire alarm to go off, the evacuation highlighted the importance of safety and preparedness, especially during the preview phase of Epic Universe. The ride had previously been in soft opening, allowing select visitors to experience the magic of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™ before the grand debut, but this interruption left many guests disappointed.
Impact of the Evacuation on the Grand Opening
The early closure on the first day of the ride’s preview is a temporary setback for Epic Universe, which has been building up significant excitement in anticipation of its grand opening. Guests who were unable to experience the attraction on May 7 are urged to check for real-time updates via the Universal Orlando Resort app and website for the latest information on when the ride will reopen.
This event serves as a reminder of the challenges that even the most anticipated attractions can face when it comes to operational safety. With Epic Universe set to officially open on May 22, Universal Orlando Resort will likely address any technical issues to ensure a smoother experience for the opening crowd.
@walruscarp FIRE 🔥 Alarm 🚨 Goes OFF at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe. Everyone was safe and team members were professional and helpful. I’m unsure if this was a fire drill or an actual fire? What do you think? #epicuniverse #epicuniverse2025 #epicuniverseorlando #epicuniversethemepark #epicuniversepreview #harrypotter #battleattheministry #ministryofmagic
The evacuation, while an inconvenience, demonstrates Universal Orlando Resort’s commitment to safety and shows how quickly the team can respond in the event of an emergency. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise and theme park enthusiasts will likely be watching closely for updates as the park prepares for its grand opening.
For more information on Epic Universe and the status of its attractions, visitors are encouraged to follow Universal Orlando Resort’s social media channels and official app.
