Will Universal Orlando expand Harry Potter?

A Universal CEO has officially confirmed an expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A significant CEO is speaking out for the first time in a long time about the status and what guests can expect from Universal's newest theme park.



Yes, Universal Orlando is currently in a massive phase of Wizarding World expansion with the opening of Universal Epic Universe in 2025. This third "land," titled The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, allows guests to explore 1920s wizarding Paris and then take a "Metro-Floo" to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic. Furthermore, in December 2025, Universal filed new permits for "Site Utilities and Foundation Work" at the Epic Universe site, suggesting that an even further expansion or a new attraction is already breaking ground in 2026. This expansion is designed to solve guest-flow challenges and future-proof the most popular area of the resort. For 2026 visitors, this means there are now three distinct Harry Potter lands across three different parks (Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, and the Ministry at Epic Universe), all connected by immersive transit and storyline continuity.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida Universal Orlando Resort has the larger of the two Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations, spread out over two theme parks. Hogsmeade is located in Islands of Adventure.

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Universal Studios is focused on movies and television shows, while Islands of Adventure is themed around superheroes and magical creatures. Both parks include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offerings, but rides and experiences differ. Here is what you need to know before packing your bags and heading to Florida.

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If you're a thrill seeker, consider Hosgmeade. If you'd prefer to walk, eat and shop, head to Diagon Alley. In the end, both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are worth a visit — and with a ticket that allows you to hop between parks, a quick ride on the Hogwarts Express can ensure you experience both Harry Potter lands.

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And Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando has the most Harry Potter rides, home to four rides. These four rides are Flight of the Hippogriff, The Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

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Fans might be disappointed after Universal Orlando Resort closes a beloved attraction. Vacations for friends and family can take a lot of planning, and well not everything always goes as planned.

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The big beast left the park in 2012 to make room for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™.

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When it comes to which Harry Potter park is better at Universal, Diagon Alley in Islands of Adventure is the clear winner. They have more shops, more merchandise, and the fun of trading your money for Gringotts bank notes. Plus, the younger kids will love the stuffed animals at the Magical Menagerie!

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7, 2016, Replacing The Adventures of Curious George which closed on September 6, 2013.

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But instead, Disney lost out on the publication rights to the books and, years later, lost out on the chance to build their own Wizarding World. Instead, Universal bought the rights to Harry Potter and is overtaking Walt Disney World as America's most popular Park.

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Epic Universe: New Universal Orlando theme park on track to open in 2025. Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe, is starting to take shape like we've never seen before and is generating plenty of buzz. Executives confirmed they are on track to open the new park in 2025. ORLANDO, Fla.

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The concept is an expanded version of the Jaws miniature attraction featured in the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. In 2012, the attraction was removed from the Florida theme park to make room for the second phase of expansion for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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As Universal Studios Florida introduced newer 4D theateresque attractions, they included more movement, so Guests didn't feel as if they were simply sitting in a theater watching a short film. As a result, the reign of Shrek 4D was over, and the attraction closed permanently on January 10, 2022.

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All told, estimates by the Wall Street Journal place the value of the rights agreement at a quarter of a billion dollars. This represents one of the largest movie franchise rights deals of its kind and is sure to be a sign of increased Harry Potter presence throughout Universal parks and on television.

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You can only access this attraction if you have a park-to-park ticket, though! In my opinion, you can absolutely fit everything you want to do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day, even without Express Passes. You just need to be strategic about your itinerary!

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Escape from Gringotts does have some mild drops and coaster elements. As I mentioned before, these segments are made much more intense by the dark (think Space Mountain and Cosmic Rewind) but don't actually do anything crazy.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Orlando is the biggest park, with 2 zones across Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure. A beautiful replica of the scarlet Hogwarts Express shuttles guests between the 2 parks, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

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3) Which Harry Potter Park Should I Go to First? For the most authentic Harry Potter experience, head to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios first—just like Harry did in the first book.

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