Bonus Episode - We Went to Epic Universe… and Here’s Everything That Blew Our Minds Part 1

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

Tiffany describes feeling the cobblestones underfoot and seeing MinaLima designs everywhere as they run into Wizarding World Paris.

This bonus episode of Swish and Flick features hosts Tiffany, Megan, Katie, and guest Carrie Thornton recounting their two-day visit to Epic Universe in June 2025. They stayed at the Helios Grand Hotel and entered the park from the back, first heading to Wizarding World Paris. The hosts describe their initial awe at seeing Celestial Park from the hotel and the detailed immersion of Paris, including sensory elements like smells and cobblestones. They discuss the Battle at the Ministry ride extensively, noting its queue with Easter eggs like Umbridge's office and animatronics of characters like Mad-Eye Moody. The ride itself impressed them with seamless screen-animatronic integration and realistic Death Eater figures. Accessibility features, such as a family bathroom in the queue, are highlighted. Interactions with character actors, including an auror and students from different wizarding schools, added depth to the experience. The hosts explain the new second-generation interactive wands that connect to an app for a Patronus spell feature in Diagon Alley. Food in Wizarding Paris receives high praise for quality and value compared to Disney. The episode shifts to Dark Universe, describing its creepy, Halloween-like vibe and the Monsters Unchained ride with advanced animatronics. They mention missing some attractions like Curse of the Werewolf but enjoyed snacks like garlic steak pretzels. The hosts note the park's manageable size and vegetable-rich food options that improved their digestion. The episode ends with plans for a follow-up, covering Celestial Park and other areas.

As heard by us

A lively Potter ride report where a feather duster and a cat steal the scene.

Swish and Flick's bonus episode is strongest when it stays with the tiny bits of story a Potter attraction can tuck into a queue. Umbridge's office being packed up because she is on trial gives the hosts plenty to notice, from a house elf carrying off her shoe and bow to a…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a Potter theme-park report where a cat, a feather duster, and one queue become genuine highlights.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Swish and Flick: A Harry Potter Podcast