Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle illuminates Hogwarts at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

Harry 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 Harry Potter Castle at Universal Orlando lit up at night.Credit: Universal

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

♬ orijinal ses – 𓍯𓂃

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.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle illuminates Hogwarts at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

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.

What do you think of the updated Hogwarts Castle?

 

Four vibrant sparkle icons in red, green, orange, and blue twinkle against a light gray backdrop, evoking the festive energy of a theme park celebration.

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