Mais oui, there’s always one at the end of the Universal rainbow, and true to form our Floridian friends have a Potter gold in Paris and Orlando.
As promised we’re bringing you first and fastest the anticipated news of the third installment of its Harry Potter-themed lands.
With The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic– one of five worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe next year.
Set in wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic features an awe-inspiring collection of experiences.
They promise fantastical dining, whimsical retail, spellbinding entertainment and the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created.
Universal, as all Potterheads know, is as good as its promise having given us 14 years of Potter thrills and spills.
Since debuting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure.
And continued with the 2014 launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Window to the Ministry
Beyond the world’s ornate portal, guests will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into 1920’s Place Cachée.
Which is a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés.
And historic Parisian domes rising in the distance.
Not that you saw any of that or any of our other Gallic-related amis in the Rain in the Seine Olympics curtain-raiser.
In Place Cachée, wizards and non-magiques alike will be enamoured with the grandeur of the city.
As they cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets using interactive wands and encounter fantastic beasts at a travelling circus.
A ride of two cities
And, for the first time within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, travel across countries and time.
To 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.
Of course, you’ll be accompanied by Harry, Ron, Hermione and house-elf Higgledy in a thrilling chase ride.
That will propel you up, down, forward, backwards, sideways and more throughout the Ministry to try to capture Umbridge.
All while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.
If you prefer to sit quietly in your seat then the show, Le Cirque Arcanus, may be more your thing.
The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more reside.
To try and bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory.
It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.
It’s a kinda magic
Of course you’re best off with your own wand which you can acquire from the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique.
In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find a selection of exquisite wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes.
Each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells.
Use your interactive wands to create magical experiences and cast spells at various locations.
Interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise.
Now Potter’s Paris is just as much a culinary delight as is alter ego.
Food for thought
And Universal offers us…
Café L’Air De La Sirène – where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts in a charming edifice adorned with fabulous carved marble and details of fantastic beasts hidden in the tile and mosaic designs.
Le Gobelet Noir – a mysterious timeworn auberge in the shadowy corners of Place Cachée, where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry and sample soups and salads as well as a variety of entrées and desserts.
Bar Moonshine – American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine, where they’ll find exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
Bièraubeurre Cart – Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre cart during their visit to Place Cachée for a frosty, delicious mug of Butterbeer.
Merch of time
Satisfy their sweet tooth at the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle.
Or make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.
Guests can get a jump by purchasing a variety of new merchandise inspired by the upcoming themed environment.
Including apparel, accessories, drinkware and more.
The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on shop.universalorlando.com.