Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicHarry Potter fans aren’t happy with Universal’s decision to update the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hogwarts Castle has towered over Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort since 2010, serving as both the land’s centerpiece and the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Its queue takes guests through familiar locations, including Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room, with cameos from Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and more.
The Florida castle has been joined by other versions of Hogwarts and Forbidden Journey over the years. Another castle opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2014, Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016, and Universal Studios Beijing in 2021. Judging by recently filed permits, there’s every chance that Universal United Kingdom will also receive its own version when it finally opens in 2031.
But in the meantime, guests aren’t happy with Universal’s decision to make drastic changes to the castle in Orlando.
New Version of Hogwarts Castle Sparks Backlash
Earlier this year, Hogwarts was temporarily removed from Islands of Adventure when Universal conducted a renovation of the castle’s exterior.
The exterior refurbishment of Hogwarts Castle is expected to be completed by May 21. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/auSYqMmj2T
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 10, 2026
Hogwarts Castle was covered by scrim and scaffolding for months, upsetting some guests who planned on taking pictures with the fixture during their visit.
While the castle was back in full view by early June, not all guests are happy with the finished results today.
A recent TikTok showed the before-and-after of the castle’s refurbishment. Guests have complained that Universal has replaced the castle’s exterior with an inaccurate and unattractive color scheme.
@sarahisinthestars Glow up or down? I didn’t think it would look much different but what a change! #hogwarts #harrypotter #universalstudios @Harry Potter @Universal Orlando Resort @Warner Bros. UK
The castle is no longer made up of several noticeably different gray, beige, and weathered tones. The repaint gives the structure a much more uniform cool gray finish, particularly across the main walls and towers, while the rockwork beneath Hogwarts has also been darkened and made more consistent.
“What the hell have they done?” wrote one TikTok user.
Another said, “Now it looks like the battle of hogwarts version and not in a good way,” referring to the gloomier castle seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).
“No it needs to be the first one so it looks like the original broooo,” said one fan.
And one wrote, “It just reminds me of 3d printed plastic now.”
Other ‘Harry Potter’ Changes
The castle is the latest in a string of changes for Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Recent reports suggest that over at Epic Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic may already be expanding less than two years after it first opened. Permits tied to the land indicate work on a roughly 150,000-square-foot project behind its existing facades, although Universal has not confirmed exactly what is being built.
Back at Universal Orlando Resort’s original Wizarding World, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle also returned earlier this month for the first time since 2022. The nighttime show runs on select dates through November 1, while Death Eaters have also returned to roam Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Both changes are part of Harry Potter’s 25 Years of Magic, marking 25 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) hit theaters.
It’s unclear whether fans can expect more changes at the parks when HBO debuts its fresh adaptation of Harry Potter on December 25. The series introduces new versions of Hogwarts, costumes, props, and other familiar locations, potentially giving Universal a second visual blueprint for the franchise.
What do you think of the updated Hogwarts Castle?
