The world that I was most excited to visit in Universal Epic Universe when it opened was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. I couldn’t wait to roam around in what would feel like the streets of Paris, albeit with Orlando’s weather, of course.
As I entered, one of the first things I saw was a “streetmosphere” character. I listened to him chatting with another guest and felt like I was actually in France. Hearing the team member use familiar French words like Bonjour was cool.
Each portal entrance at Epic Universe is uniquely themed around the world you’re about to enter, just as you’d expect. I loved seeing the Morris column on the other side of the portal, just as you do in the France pavilion at EPCOT in Walt Disney World.
A Morris column, also called an advertising column, is a cylindrical, outdoor structure commonly found on the streets of Paris, used to display posters and ads. These ornate columns are classic and a recognizable part of the Paris cityscape. And I think they’re so pretty!
After soaking in that first street lined with Parisian shops and cafés, including Café L’air De La Sirène, I headed straight to the red circus tent in the middle of the intersection ahead to see my first Universal show – Le Cirque Arcanus. I was excited to see the show, even though I’ve never watched any of the Fantastic Beasts movies and don’t know anything about them, really. While I realize I’m admitting this out here in the open where some of you might not believe it, I couldn’t figure out what Fantastic Beasts had to do with Harry Potter. Of course, after the tiniest bit of research, I figured it out and have added the Fantastic Beasts films to my watch list. I did watch the first three Harry Potter films in their entirety, but I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the other five.
Let’s talk about the show now! Le Cirque Arcanus is a French phrase that translates to “The Mysterious Circus” or “The Arcane Circus” in English. It refers to a traveling circus and freak show associated with the wizarding world, notably featured in the Fantastic Beasts series. The name “Arcanus” implies something hidden, secret, or magical, perfectly fitting the circus’s unique blend of human oddities and mythical creatures.
Seeing the beautiful entrance with the large displays out front tells guests something special is happening inside, and almost lures them in.
On a busier day, you might find the outdoor queue full, and it’s important to note that some of the lines will have you waiting out in the hot sun.
There are also double-sided benches, or “banc-double,” which are typically found in parks and boulevards throughout Paris, offering a unique way for people to sit and interact. I’m such a huge fan of these authentic touches!
If you read my article about how accessible the attractions are at Epic Universe, you know that I was able to see the entire queue of the show as I walked through it the first time, and I’m so glad I did! Once you step into the tent, you are surrounded by the most beautiful props and circus posters – there is so much to see!
If you’re not honed in on every detail as I was, or if the queue is full of guests, you might miss this u-shaped spot I had to stop and get a shot of. Thank goodness the guests behind me understood, as I was so enamored by it. It’s incredible to see so many details.
The image below is so dark, but I have to show it to you anyway because I love how it looks like there is a ticket booth just before you enter the next area of the queue. It’s so impressive!
After heading through the highly themed, indoor, and air-conditioned part of the queue, you end up in a large and open “tent” area where the first part of the performance happens. Guests should be prepared to stand for this portion, which lasts around 10 minutes. This is where we see ringmaster Skender who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase containing fantastic beasts from around the globe. We also get to see circus employee Gwenlyn Jenkins, who assumes the responsibility of rescuing the creatures in this spectacular mix of live performers, remarkable puppetry, dazzling special effects, and so much more.
This is also where we get our first glimpse of a Demiguise!
Photos and video were not allowed during the duration of the show, so you will have to trust me when I tell you that it cannot be missed!
Once the first portion of the show finishes, the curtain opens and leads guests into a large theatre with open bench seating. The first time I saw the show, I sat pretty far over to the right (as you’re seated looking at the stage), and the second time, I was right in the middle in the back. While the views were different, they both allowed for a great view of the show, which was fantastic – did I mention that?
When you exit the theatre, you end up in a beautiful off-the-beaten-path space with gorgeous trees and a merchandise kiosk featuring some of the mythical creatures from the show.
If you’re fortunate, as I was, you might find a streetmosphere character to visit with here! I didn’t get to visit with her for longer than a quick hello and a photo because I could hear live music coming from further up the street and wanted to see what it was all about before it disappeared. I’ll be sharing more about that in an upcoming article, so stay tuned!
There was quite a bit of merchandise available for purchase. They had Niffler, Demiguise, and Fwooper plush – with a few other characters that I’m not certain of what they’re called. The Niffler is the one who appears alongside Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, or “Newt,” wherever he goes in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, mostly making trouble and stealing valuable things. While typically harmless, they are attracted by shiny things and use a pouch on their bellies to hold their findings.
Demiguise are gentle, ape-like herbivores known for being incredibly hard to catch, not just because they’re quick and agile, but because they can see the future. The trick to catching one? You have to be completely unpredictable. Or you can step up to the merchandise kiosk near the show’s exit and purchase your own plush version to take home!
Here is more of a look at the queue – some areas are shaded while other parts of it are out in the sun.
Something else that I am a big fan of is all the posters you see, not only around the circus tent, but all over the sides of buildings around the area. Even though I couldn’t read any of them as they’re written in French, I couldn’t get enough. The artwork is so detailed and beautiful.
Whatever you do, please don’t miss this fantastic show when you visit the Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe! I already can’t wait to go again – next time with my family in tow!
