Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is size-inclusive

The wizarding world should be an inclusive one. Fans of the series have long found that message in Harry Potter books and films. McGonagall even says outright that "Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world." That is not always true, but it's good to read that Universal Orlando Resort is working on that very problem by making the Wizarding World at Universal a greater place to be for more people.

How are the changes to be implemented?

According to Alessia Dunn of Inside the Magic, ,"Theme parks are built to thrill and entertain...as the industry continues to push technological boundaries, questions around inclusivity and ride accessibility continue to grow louder." It's easy to overlook experiences that are not our own, but "for guests with different body sizes, mobility needs, or physical conditions, not every attraction is built with them in mind." I find myself agreeing with those who "view it as a barrier that needs addressing." Dunn highlights that "At Walt Disney Word.//Disney removed the seat dividers on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure to better accommodate larger guests and offered test seats for TRON/Lightcycle/Run so riders could check their fit ahead of time."

Dunn noted that "within Universal's own Wizarding World of Harry Potter...rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure often spark furstration to size-restrictive seats and lap pars." Continues the article, "Many guests...[feel] the disappointment of discovering they don't meet the size requirements after waiting in line."

It is here that I am happy to quote, "Enter Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry." The Epic Universe theme park, which opens on May 22, 2025, includes the aforementioned ride and "is being described as the most accessible Harry Potter ride yet - especially fo larger guests." The seats reportedly "are designed with enhanced flexibility" and "a lap seatbelt helps secure guess comfortably during the ride, and the minimum heigh requirement is 40", making it accessible to a wide range of guests." For those who aren't able to ride for various reasons, there is a "Rider Swap room...[where] families can wait together in line and still accommodate those who may not be able to ride."

The social media account Theme Park Express has observed it as "the most accommodating Potter ride to date."

I won't give away all the details, but will say that "the ride offers what's being described as an extraordinary experience both visually and narratively."