Universal Could Be Adding New Ride to The Wizarding World of 'Harry Potter'

Universal Orlando Resort has made a promise to its Guests to expand with at least one new attraction each year and it looks as if an addition could be coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

While it’s not expected in 2022, there is speculation that Universal Studios Florida could be in the planning stage of expanding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando Resort filed two new permits last month for the demolition of the Fear Factor Live stage. The show, which featured Guests from the Park competing for prizes in a live entertainment show through both physical stunts and psychological tests, has been closed since the pandemic and Universal recently confirmed that it would not be reopening this year.

Now, with these demolition permits in place, it looks fairly certain that the show will be closing permanently.

While Universal Orlando has not confirmed anything, there is speculation that the area where Fear Factor Live currently is will be used for expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, according to Theme Park Reporter Alicia Stella.

Specifically, there is speculation that the area will be used for a Broomstick Ride with virtual reality (VR) technology in which Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World, climb aboard a broom stick, and virtually fly just like we see Harry Potter and his friends do in the movies.

Currently, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is represented with two distinct areas. One is Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the other is Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Both are connected by the Hogwarts Express. If these speculations were true, this expansion would either be a part of Diagon Alley or another section added to the Wizarding World altogether.

Related: Guests Trapped Going “Back and Forth” on ‘Harry Potter’ Ride

Here is what Universal Orlando Resort says about Diagon Alley on its official website:

Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps as you walk through the streets of London, and enter Diagon Alley™ where you’ll find many of the wizarding world’s most famous establishments. Dine at the Leaky Cauldron™, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders™ wand shop, and get ready to travel deep below Gringotts™ bank for a multi-dimensional thrill ride.

It should be noted again that nothing has been confirmed by Universal Orlando Resort. If there were to be an expansion of this sort, the earliest it would likely come would be 2023.

In addition to speculation surrounding what will happen to the Fear Factor Live space, Universal is set to close Shrek 4-D permanently in January and there are many rumors for what might take the place of Shrek and Donkey in the future.

Universal Studios is also set for major refurbishments to Revenge of the Mummy, which will also close in January and won’t reopen until late summer 2022.

What do you think of a possible Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal expansion?