Epic Universe Is Facing Numerous Ride Closures Just 15 Days Before It Even Opens: What’s Going On?

It’s the moment theme park fans have been waiting years for. Universal’s Epic Universe—a sprawling, next-generation theme park packed with tech-infused thrills, immersive worlds, and fan-favorite franchises—is finally preparing to open its gates on May 22, 2025.

But even before the grand opening, preview guests are discovering a plot twist no one saw coming: some of the park’s most anticipated attractions are closing down during soft openings.

You can walk through the grand marble halls of the Ministry of Magic… but you can’t ride the marquee Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride.

What’s going on behind the scenes of Universal’s boldest project yet?

Epic Universe Closures Revealed Ahead of Public Previews

According to an official update posted on the Epic Universe Preview Page and shared by industry expert Scott Gustin on X (formerly Twitter), Universal has confirmed that Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will be closed from May 10–16, during general preview access for Epic Universe.

While the Ministry of Magic area will remain open for self-guided tours, the ride itself—touted as a major technological breakthrough—will be off-limits during this key window.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will be closed during Epic Universe previews May 10-16, according to an update on the Epic Universe Preview page. The Ministry of Magic will remain open for self-guided tours. The Viking Training Camp will also be closed May 13-16. – @ScottGustin on X

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will be closed during Epic Universe previews May 10-16, according to an update on the Epic Universe Preview page. The Ministry of Magic will remain open for self-guided tours. The Viking Training Camp will also be closed May 13-16. pic.twitter.com/Sz2e4y14Qm

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 7, 2025

And that’s not the only attraction affected.

From May 13–16, the Viking Training Camp within the How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk area will also be closed to guests.

These closures, while temporary, cast a shadow over what was expected to be a flawless showcase of Universal’s long-awaited theme park expansion.

What Could Be Causing the Delays?

Ride closures during previews aren’t unusual—but the timing and prominence of these specific attractions raise eyebrows.

The Battle at the Ministry ride is the centerpiece of one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated lands. Fans were expecting to enter the Wizarding World like never before, with a state-of-the-art attraction that could rival (or surpass) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Escape from Gringotts. The fact that it’s going offline during public previews suggests technical hiccups or fine-tuning are still underway.

Given the sheer scale and ambition of Epic Universe—five themed lands, multiple E-ticket attractions, and cutting-edge ride systems—it’s not surprising that not everything is running at full speed just yet. Universal may be using preview windows to quietly test operational limits, work out bugs, and train staff.

But the fact that these closures are happening this close to opening could signal something more.

What This Means for Epic Universe’s Future

On one hand, the closures may seem like minor inconveniences. But on the other, they could indicate just how demanding and complex these new attractions are behind the scenes.

Universal is positioning Epic Universe as a game-changer—a bold move against Disney’s longstanding dominance in Florida. With lands themed around Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park, this park is meant to reshape the guest experience and set a new standard for immersive storytelling.

If major rides need to be pulled offline before the park even officially opens, it suggests that Universal is prioritizing long-term ride quality and safety over short-term optics. And in many ways, that’s a good thing.

Think of it as a delayed opening night for a Broadway show—better to reschedule than to deliver a flawed performance.

Still Plenty of Magic to Experience

Despite the closures, there’s still a lot for preview guests to explore:

• The Ministry of Magic walkthrough offers an up-close look at stunning set design and atmospheric storytelling.

• Super Nintendo World, featuring Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, remains a huge draw.

• Thrill-seekers can still enjoy Stardust Racers, the park’s dual-launch coaster centerpiece.

• And the rest of the Isle of Berk is expected to operate as normal, offering family-friendly experiences and character interactions.

Universal hasn’t shared exactly why these rides are temporarily closed, but updates are expected in the days leading up to the park’s May 22 opening.

Epic Universe Closures: A Calculated Setback or a Warning Sign?

It’s easy to sound the alarm when big rides go down before the gates officially open—but seasoned theme park fans know that previews are designed for testing, not perfection.

While the closures may be disappointing to early visitors, they also show that Universal is willing to pause, adjust, and improve—even when the world is watching.

If anything, this move reflects a deeper commitment to quality that could pay off in the long run. When Epic Universe does fully open, fans can expect a polished, jaw-dropping experience that delivers on years of anticipation.

The question now is: Will Universal be ready in time to meet its May 22 deadline? Or will more surprises appear along the way?