Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic - General Discussion Thread

[GAcoaster]

Any insight as to when/if Patisserie Matagot is opening?

I don't think it's planned to be anything more than a facade based on the location. It does seem like a missed opportunity, thought the stuff in the window would be difficult/expensive to create in an edible form.

 

[Alicia]

TMs believe it will open someday, and sell Jacob’s magical beasts shaped pastries inside (as hinted at in the windows). But it is incredibly small in there according to permit images, so we shall see.

The robe shop on the hand, near the candy store, is definitely meant to be real and I’m surprised it never opened.

 

[GAcoaster]

The robe shop on the hand, near the candy store, is definitely meant to be real and I’m surprised it never opened.

They seemed to be using it as work space during previews-- we were standing by the door when TMs were scurrying in and out.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Be careful as some days the sign says “at capacity for last hour or so”. Depending on how full the queue is, (it could even be cut off sooner).

Right now queue is at two hours after initial rush. Personally, I’d line up an hour before park open, as they start filling the queue immediately. Plus they opened the ride early, so if you were in the first 1000 or so people in line the wait wasn’t too long (and the ride will be working the best it will all day).

My last two visits I tried to ride midday when line gets shorter but EVERY time I tried it broke down. So today I went for first thing in the morning to ensure better chance of success and it was a good quick moving line.

I'm taking family for one day with a stay at Helios, is hitting Ministry right at 9, being one of the first from Helios, a good strategy. I see it open sometimes for EPA and not others. Not sure if it is random or not since it is not officially listed as open and it just depends on ops that morning?
My other plan is to knock out Curse with no wait, hit Stardust a couple times, hoping it's running first thing, then line up for Hiccups.
Mario is to unreliable for me to try first thing and I'm not super excited about it anyway, plus it's actually a disadvantage starting at Helios I heard.

 

[JonsMovies]

I think you're better off with the second plan. With early entry I was able to do Monsters, Curse & Stardust and still be at the front of the Berk portal before opening at 10 to rope drop Hiccups. I think that's the most reliable strategy for early entry at the moment.

 

[Alicia]

I'm taking family for one day with a stay at Helios, is hitting Ministry right at 9, being one of the first from Helios, a good strategy. I see it open sometimes for EPA and not others. Not sure if it is random or not since it is not officially listed as open and it just depends on ops that morning?
My other plan is to knock out Curse with no wait, hit Stardust a couple times, hoping it's running first thing, then line up for Hiccups.
Mario is to unreliable for me to try first thing and I'm not super excited about it anyway, plus it's actually a disadvantage starting at Helios I heard.

They let people line up for Ministry at early entry and usually letting people on the ride about a half hour before park opens. I suggest doing it first as it can break down later, and if you’ve only waited 30 mins to ride (vs two hours) and it breaks down it’s not such a big time suck of your day.

They purposely do not dump the queue for most breakdowns, which means you will have to stay in line and wait it out, or you wasted time in queue and when you come back to ride again later, you’ll have to wait again. For me, it’s not worth the risk (because I’ve waited HOURS just waiting in that line just to never ride that day, and that’s not a good use of your time). Ride first, ride early, no more stress to get on all day.

Nearly all of the Unofficial Guide touring plans suggest riding Ministry first, for many reasons. But for me, it’s to ensure I get it done first and relieve the stress of worrying later. Plus, it’s a great way to start the day! Extremely impressive queue and ride to set the tone.

 

[Mad Dog]

They let people line up for Ministry at early entry and usually letting people on the ride about a half hour before park opens. I suggest doing it first as it can break down later, and if you’ve only waited 30 mins to ride (vs two hours) and it breaks down it’s not such a big time suck of your day.

They purposely do not dump the queue for most breakdowns, which means you will have to stay in line and wait it out, or you wasted time in queue and when you come back to ride again later, you’ll have to wait again. For me, it’s not worth the risk (because I’ve waited HOURS just waiting in that line just to never ride that day, and that’s not a good use of your time). Ride first, ride early, no more stress to get on all day.

Nearly all of the Unofficial Guide touring plans suggest riding Ministry first, for many reasons. But for me, it’s to ensure I get it done first and relieve the stress of worrying later. Plus, it’s a great way to start the day! Extremely impressive queue and ride to set the tone.

And surprisingly, the Ministry lines were not super long this morning as is usually the case. Like 30 to 60 minutes, which you only see late evenings, if even then. Sunday mornings are generally a good time to visit Universal and WDW. Lines are among the best for the week Sunday mornings..