Hogwarts Castle has been a beloved centerpiece of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort since 2010, towering over Hogsmeade and serving as the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Its queue takes guests through iconic locations like Dumbledore's office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room, complete with appearances from Harry, Ron, Hermione, and more. But a recent exterior renovation has sparked quite a bit of debate among fans.
A Castle Makeover That's Dividing Fans
Earlier this year, Hogwarts Castle was temporarily covered in scrim and scaffolding while Universal conducted a renovation of its exterior at Islands of Adventure. The refurbishment was expected to be completed by May 21, according to a tweet from Inside Universal posted on April 10, 2026, and the castle was back in full view by early June. However, not everyone is thrilled with the finished results.
A recent TikTok showing a before-and-after comparison of the castle's new look has gone viral, with guests voicing their disappointment. The main point of contention? The castle's exterior has been repainted with a much more uniform cool gray finish, replacing the varied gray, beige, and weathered tones that gave the structure its layered, aged appearance. The rockwork beneath Hogwarts has also been darkened and made more consistent.
Reactions in the comments were swift and pointed:
"What the hell have they done?" — TikTok user
"Now it looks like the battle of Hogwarts version and not in a good way" — TikTok user, referencing 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" — TikTok user
"It just reminds me of 3D printed plastic now." — TikTok user
Other Changes Coming to the Wizarding World
The castle's new look is just one of several recent developments for Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Over at Epic Universe, reports suggest that 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, though Universal has not confirmed exactly what is being built.
Back at the original Wizarding World in Universal Orlando Resort, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle returned earlier this month for the first time since 2022. The nighttime show runs on select dates through November 1, and Death Eaters have also returned to roam Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Both additions are part of Harry Potter's 25 Years of Magic celebration, marking 25 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) hit theaters.
Looking further ahead, Hogwarts Castle versions already exist at Universal Studios Japan (opened 2014), Universal Studios Hollywood (2016), and Universal Studios Beijing (2021). Recently filed permits also suggest that Universal United Kingdom may receive its own version when it opens in 2031.
It's also unclear whether fans can expect more park changes when HBO debuts its new 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? Is the new look a glow-up or a step in the wrong direction?