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Epic Universe Permit Reveals Huge Expansion for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Joshua
Written by Joshua Posted
Epic Universe Permit Reveals Huge Expansion for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The speculation was true. Epic Universe’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding.

Last month, Universal filed a permit with Orange County. At the time, the project description only listed “Site Utilities and Foundation Work.” Yesterday, that box received an update:

Located within Area P905. 

P905, or Project 905, refers to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hat tip to Behind the Thrills for alerting us to the update.

Permit for work at Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Theme park permits are an everyday occurrence. What makes this one so exciting can be found in a box further down the page. “Tenant Space” is listed at 150,000 square feet, a massive plot of land. A project of this size is most likely for a second Wizarding World attraction.

As always, Bioreconstruct’s aerial photography provides context.

Aerial shot of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe

By comparison, Battle at the Ministry and Le Cirque Arcanus together are roughly 170,000 square feet.

Screenshot from Google Earth showing the size of Battle at the Ministry and Le Cirque Arcanus
Screenshot of Epic’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter taken from Google Earth

For even more perspective, let’s look at another Bioreconstruct aerial: the Monstropolis coaster coming to Hollywood Studios. Its show building has a footprint just over 100,000 square feet.

Monsters Inc. coaster construction in the Hollywood Studios Cast Member parking lot.

We’re not saying Epic will use the entire 150,000 on a ride. In fact, the entire plot measures over 190,000 square feet. But we are betting that whatever fills it will aim for the same jaw-dropping scale as Battle at the Ministry. That attraction, and its queue, prove Universal isn’t afraid to think massive.

Entrance to Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Interior queue at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Golden statues inside the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry queue at Epic Universe
Dolores Umbridge trial banners inside the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry queue

So what could be coming?

For this question, we refer to Alicia Stella. Four years ago, she speculated about a possible broomstick virtual reality attraction coming to Epic Universe. It obviously didn’t pan out, but that type of immersion would be incredibly popular with Harry Potter fans. Check out her article for all the details.

Alicia also shared the following on social media last year:

“This land was designed to feature BOTH the British Ministry and French Ministry since at least 2018, before the 2nd FB film was released. British Ministry was NOT a last-minute change due to box office reception. (But maybe cutting the 2nd ride was?)”

Whatever ends up occupying this new space, we know that Epic Universe isn’t slowing down for a second. The Wizarding World may already have Battle at the Ministry and Le Cirque Arcanus, but it still needs a capacity boost. And honestly, if the next ride is even in the same universe as Battle, I’m ready.