For months, fans have been flocking to Universal Epic Universe to step into the brand-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. It’s the shining star of the new park, promising breathtaking immersion and thrilling new experiences. But this weekend, the only thing guests experienced was confusion, frustration, and gridlock as a lift rolled into Wizarding Paris during operating hours, shutting down access to parts of the land.
A “Magical” Evening Gone Wrong
Saturday night was supposed to be just another bustling evening in Wizarding Paris. Guests were sipping Butterbeer, lining up for the Battle at the Ministry attraction, and watching street performers bring the 1920s wizarding world to life. Then, a bright orange construction lift appeared.
Team Members began working from the basket of the lift to remove shutters from one of the Parisian façades — right in front of guests. The sight of a massive machine weaving through the cobblestone streets broke the carefully crafted illusion Universal is known for. Worse, it completely choked the flow of traffic, leaving some guests trapped on one side of the street while others were turned away entirely.
No. This is not concept art. This is real life. This is Epic Universe pic.twitter.com/9OiVzUGN3c
— Somewareatdisney (@somewareatdiz) October 26, 2025
Why It Matters So Much
Theme park fans know that behind-the-scenes maintenance happens constantly. The difference here is that work like this usually happens after hours, when the park is closed. Seeing a lift in the middle of the land isn’t just inconvenient — it shatters the magic.
For many, this trip was their first time stepping into the Wizarding World at Epic Universe. Instead of a magical evening, they got construction chaos. Social media quickly lit up with frustrated guests sharing photos and venting about how Universal “should know better.”
One of Several Recent Setbacks
This wasn’t an isolated issue. Just one day earlier, the Time Turner — a centerpiece of the Ministry of Magic portal — was quietly removed, leaving fans wondering if something bigger is going on behind the scenes. And this incident follows several smaller operational hiccups at Epic Universe in recent weeks.
For a brand-new land meant to be a flawless showcase of Universal’s immersive storytelling, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
What the Land Is Supposed to Be
This Wizarding World expansion has been a huge part of Universal’s marketing push. Guests begin their journey in Wizarding Paris, a bustling magical city filled with interactive wand spots, themed shops, and Parisian-inspired eateries. From there, they travel to the British Ministry of Magic — home to the headline ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, along with shows, shops, and spell-casting opportunities throughout the area.
Every inch of the land is designed to make guests forget they’re in Orlando. So seeing something as ordinary as a construction lift rolling through was jarring, to say the least.
Guests Make Their Voices Heard
Reactions from fans were immediate and intense. Many took to social media to share photos and videos of the incident, calling the moment “a total immersion killer.” Others noted how crowded the land became during the work, with entire walkways being blocked off.
Universal Team Members did their best to reroute traffic and keep things moving, but for some visitors, the damage was already done.
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