Hey Thrill Seekers,
If you’re one of these people who think that the appeal of Harry Potter is waning then with all respect, get yourself to Azkaban. HBO are already working on a series reboot pencilled in to hit our screens in 2027 and strong rumours suggest that a film adaptation of the hugely successful stage production; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is in the works.
So it’s safe to say we have not seen the end of Potter (said in Malfoys voice) at Universal Parks, and as if to back up my prophecy Universal have recent filed permits for what looks like an expansion near the Ministry of Magic at Universal’s Epic Universe.
The permit (above) states work will take place on utilities and foundation work at are P905 which is the project number assigned to the Wizarding World. The permit is for an area of approximately 150,000 square feet, which is the same size as the existing land. Universal have not commented on what the permit relates too however they have previously confirmed that expansion of Epic Universe has already been planned out and will happen.
So this got us thinking… they’ve already covered Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and now the Ministry of Magic.. what else could they have planned?
Here’s our 5 most wanted Wizarding World of Harry Potter Lands
What: Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (North America’s Hogwarts)
Why it works: Orlando could add an entirely different school, giving a fresh identity and expanding the global wizarding lore. Leading to more immersive storytelling and exciting unique in park experiences. Plus from a business point of view, a totally new spectrum of merch opportunities.
Signature Attraction: “Thunderbird Flight over Mount Greylock”
A high-speed flying coaster/dark ride hybrid:
- Riders join Thunderbird spirits
- Outdoor swoops + indoor storm magic illusions
- A magical creature chase finale through cloud vortices
Supporting Attraction — “Trials of the Four Houses”
Four mini-adventures based on Ilvermorny houses:
- Thunderbird: storm-flight simulator
- Horned Serpent: enchanted-water mystic dark ride
- Wampus: creature-battle effects show
- Pukwudgie: herbology adventure walk-through with interactives
Dining & Shops
- Salem Witch Kitchens – American magical cuisine
- Pukwudgie Remedies – potion-themed crafts
- Thunderbird Windworks – magical weather merch
What: Azkaban
Why it works: Azkaban is iconic, the dark Wizard prison housed in the North Sea and guarded by soul-sucking Dementors. Delivered correctly, it could almost be like a permanent Halloween Horror Night type area.
Signature ride: “Escape from Azkaban”
Large-scale indoor boat/coaster hybrid.
Guests experience:
- A terrifying Dementor storm
- Massive fortress caverns
- Magical jailbreak illusions
- A high-speed water coaster exit into a raging sea tunnel
Walkthrough — “Dementor Encounter Chambers”
Controlled scares with cold air, swirling shadows, and Patronus light effects.
Retail
- Auror Containment Armory – Azkaban-themed merch
- Sea of Souls Snacks – dark-room quick service
What: Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
Why it works: Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is a prestigious French wizarding school in the Harry Potter universe, known for its beauty, elegance, and high standards, located in a château in the Pyrenees. Picturesque, elegant, and distinct — a visual showpiece like a fantasy château, it also allows Universal to extend the lore into Europe, almost like a Wizarding equivalent of Epcot.
Signature ride: “Pegasus Sky Ballet”
Suspended glider coaster with scenic French cliffs and magical Pegasus effects.
Stage Show — “The Beauxbatons Display”
Live wand-dance performance, spell choreography, and audience participation.
Dining
Academy Boutique – fashion-focused magical merch
Château Enchanté – French pastries, enchanted éclairs, enchanted tea service
What: The Burrow & Ottery St. Catchpole
Why it works: Home to the Weasleys (The Burrows) and to the Lovegoods and Diggorys. The theming would be the absolute opposite to Azkaban, light, humours and fun plus super family orientated.
Signature ride: “The Burrow: A Magical Day Gone Wrong”
A comedic dark ride through the Weasleys’ chaotic home as spells malfunction.
Additional Experience
- Ottery Village Fair – interactive games (magical ring toss, pygmy puff chase)
- Flying Ford Anglia Photo-op Ride
- Mrs. Weasley’s Kitchen Show – live cooking magic demos
Dining
- Molly’s Table – home-style feasts
The Enchanted Shed – rustic magical snacks
What: Godric’s Hollow
Why it works: A place dripping in Harry Potter folklore. It’s atmospheric and allows for great visuals and use of elements such as cold to create an eerie feeling. In my mind Godric’s Hollow is always set at Christmas time.
Signature ride: “Battle for the Potters’ Cottage”
Trackless dark ride set the night Voldemort arrives.
- Guests view events as witnesses, not participants (avoids rewriting canon)
- Spectacular effects: collapsing house, Lily’s sacrifice glow, Voldemort’s curse backfiring
- Emotional but not terrifying; optional “lighter” family version
Walkthrough — “The Church & Cemetery of Legends”
Guests explore:
- The Potter memorial
- Godric Gryffindor history
- Magical “spirit shimmer” effects on gravestones
- Quiet snowfall illusions year-round
Retail & Food
- Hallowe’en Fair Treats – candied apples, pumpkin pasties
- Gryffindor Forge – themed artifacts inspired by Godric Gryffindor
- Village Carols Show – seasonal live choir
These are obviously just speculation and really the only one that makes sense in that area is Beauxbatons Academy of Magic but if you could have your pick of a Wizarding World expansion what would you choose?
Smiles included…
Jamie
