Universal’s Wizarding World Has a Secret Expansion—And It’s Bigger Than You Think
Inside Universal’s quiet decisions, rumored expansions, and long-term Wizarding World plans
Universal’s latest incarnation of the Wizarding World has been designed to fuse Fantastic Beasts era Paris with classic Harry Potter London in a way that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Guests step into Place Cachée through a recreated Porte Saint-Denis, entering a charming 1920s Parisian alley sprinkled with intricate architecture, wandering Beauxbatons and Ilvermorny students, cafes, boutiques, and the promise of live circus spectacle (Orlando Park Stop). The theatrical flair is undeniable—the street is alive with jazz bands, costumed performers, and the scent of French cuisine (People Magazine).
The crown jewel of the land is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a ground-breaking dark ride. Guests ride through Métro–Floo transport into the atrium of London’s Ministry of Magic, witness Umbridge’s trial, and endure a dramatic escape sequence with Death Eaters, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and a few surprise allies (Miss Wizarding World). The ride vehicle, resembling an elevator that moves omnidirectionally with precise simulation effects, is being hailed as among Universal’s most ambitious ever (Coaster101). The queue itself mimics the Ministry’s sprawling corridors, complete with offices and the Fountain of Magical Brethren, creating a nearly half-mile prelude to the ride (Inside Universal).
However, rumors point to another attraction originally planned for the land—a second major ride, separate from the Ministry, that was quietly shelved. Permit filings and early site plans revealed a second large show building in the northern part of the land, leading to speculation that Universal had initially intended to include a second thrill ride (ScreamScape). Some insiders believe it was meant to be a high-capacity, VR-enhanced broomstick coaster themed to a French magical transport or even the French Ministry itself (Theme Park Stop).
Curiously, early production rumors claimed that actor Eddie Redmayne had filmed new scenes for a second ride—presumably a Fantastic Beasts-themed experience (Reddit, IMDB, WDWMagic Forums). This detail has fueled speculation that a second ride featuring Newt was significantly altered or delayed. If the ride was scrapped, it may have involved Le Cirque Arcanus or an encounter with magical beasts in Paris, allowing Redmayne’s character to remain the emotional throughline between the two Wizarding Worlds.
But with an expansion pad still reserved behind Place Cachée, the future remains wide open. Could Universal bring in a Quidditch World Cup coaster, letting guests board flying brooms in a kinetic, outdoor dueling roller coaster similar in scale to VelociCoaster? Given the scale and thematic freedom of Quidditch arenas, it would allow for towering vertical elements and sharp dives over massive grandstands—perhaps with houses competing in real time. Another idea that’s long circulated among fans is a Flying Ford Anglia coaster, where guests could be seated in rows within a blue car that careens through the Forbidden Forest, tangled branches, Whomping Willow strikes, and perhaps even a run-in with Aragog’s family.
Alternatively, a walkthrough attraction could explore the French Ministry itself—offering political intrigue, artifact rooms, and magical legal trials with live performers. Such an experience would mirror the immersive success of Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, without the same pricing model. Add to that a rumored Wizarding World hotel concept—possibly a recreation of Hogwarts Castle as an immersive resort—and the picture starts to resemble something truly transformative.
This undeveloped zone behind Place Cachée spans over four acres and retains utility infill ready for future dispensation (Reddit). Fans have floated ideas ranging from VR-based broom flight over Paris to Beauxbatons school expansions or Azkaban-inspired dark rides. Trademark filings like “Tour en Floo” suggest continued investment in transport-based narratives and a layered, episodic approach to future stories (Wikipedia).
Despite minor quibbles—with some early reviewers concerned that the ride relies heavily on projection screens rather than full-scale sets (Reddit), and technical breakdowns marring early access (Washington Post)—the land is still a triumph in scenic design and theatrical immersion (Insider). The juxtaposition between vivid Parisian streets and dim, dramatic Ministry halls gives visitors a two-in-one cultural trip unlike anything Universal has previously offered.
The future feels wide open. Could the land expand to include multiple magical governments, schools, or coasters? Might Universal bridge the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter eras more directly through interactive quests or even narrative ARGs? The magic is in the architecture, but also in the unknown. What Epic Universe is building is not a finished story—it’s an invitation to imagine what’s next. And if there's one thing the Wizarding World thrives on, it's the knowledge that the story is never really over.