One of the most popular portals at Epic Universe just received a confusing update.
Epic Universe, which opened in Orlando in May 2025, was designed around a hub-and-spoke model. Guests pass through Celestial Park before choosing a “portal” to lands such as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Wizarding World Portal at Epic Universe
The Harry Potter land is officially titled The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Guests enter through an ornate arch topped with a golden Time-Turner. Inside, the land blends two settings: 1920s wizarding Paris, drawn from the Fantastic Beasts films, and the British Ministry of Magic, recreated with fireplaces, lifts, and spell effects.
The land’s flagship attraction, the jaw-dropping Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, sends riders plunging into the Ministry’s elevator shafts for a fight against Death Eaters alongside familiar characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
In Paris, guests can attend Le Cirque Arcanus, a live stage show with magical creatures, puppetry, and aerial stunts under the circus big top.
Despite its impressive detail, the land has faced controversy since its announcement due to J.K. Rowling’s widely criticized remarks on transgender issues, which many fans feel tarnish the expansion.
The Missing Time-Turner
Amid this controversy, guests have noticed one big change: Universal has stripped the Time-Turner from the land’s entrance.
Universal has not provided details about its removal. Presumably, however, it’s only for a brief refurbishment, considering the fact that the park only opened a few months ago.
Its removal follows big news for Epic Universe: the park will soon join Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida as being eligible for park hopping, plus will feature in multi-day ticket offerings.
This follows a rough period for the theme park after a fatal incident on its centerpiece roller coaster, Stardust Racers. In September, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala passed away from “multiple blunt impact injuries” after riding the attraction.
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