Epic Universe Removes Dramatic Effect From New Harry Potter Ride
After years of anticipation, Epic Universe finally opened its gates to eager guests on May 22, 2025. The newest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort family brings with it an ambitious lineup of immersive lands, featuring fan favorites like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, Celestial Park, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Related: “Big Yikes” as Epic Universe Opening Day Merch Snapped Up by Media Before Fans Could Buy
From the moment previews began, fans have been captivated by the level of detail and craftsmanship throughout the park. From the intricate character meet-and-greets to the uniquely themed food offerings, every corner of Epic Universe feels alive with magic and excitement.
Among the many standout experiences, one attraction has already earned a reputation for being an absolute must-ride: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
This ride takes guests deep into the heart of the Ministry of Magic using the iconic Floo Powder, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. Visitors find themselves on a lift that descends into the Ministry’s depths, where the infamous Dolores Umbridge is on trial for her misdeeds.
But things quickly escalate, as guests must face off against a cadre of Death Eaters attempting to aid her escape. It’s a ride filled with action, surprises, and immersive storytelling that only Universal can deliver.
Opening day, however, was not without its hiccups. Long lines and technical issues caused some guests to wait upwards of five hours just for a chance to experience the new attraction. While delays are common with brand-new rides, there’s another change that has caught the attention of many who followed the preview rides closely.
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Reports have surfaced that Universal has altered a key ride effect that was present during the previews but is now missing from the final version of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Specifically, the dramatic drop that once gave riders a thrilling “wow” moment has been replaced by a gentler downward movement.
This revelation comes from Epic Universe Update (@EpicUniverseUpd) on X (formerly Twitter), who shared a firsthand confirmation of the change:
I can confirm that the “drop” has been removed from Harry Potter
and the Battle at the Ministry. This was a big “wow” moment on my
preview rides. Whatʼs interesting is that this part of the ride is
heavily featured at 2:13 of the new Epic Universe trailer:As stated before, this is still one of the best attractions in
the world. The immersion is still there. Instead of a drop,
the vehicle now very gently moves downward. Itʼs a very
unfortunate change, and one that I hope is temporary in an
effort for stability.
As stated before, this is still one of the best attractions in the world. The immersion is still there. Instead of a drop, the vehicle now very gently moves downward. It’s a very unfortunate change, and one that I hope is temporary in an effort for stability.
— Epic Universe Update (@EpicUniverseUpd) May 22, 2025
This change has sparked some disappointment among fans who experienced the preview rides and were looking forward to that thrilling drop. Many have speculated about the reasoning behind the adjustment, with some guessing that the original drop may have caused sensor issues or ride malfunctions.
Indeed, while Battle at the Ministry remains a top-tier attraction in terms of immersion and storytelling, the removal of this standout effect has left some guests wondering if Universal plans to bring it back in the future once any technical concerns are resolved.
What do you think about this change? Should Universal work to restore the original drop effect to maintain the full thrill, or is a gentler ride experience the right call to avoid technical issues? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
