For enthusiasts of the Harry Potter series, nothing beats the thrill of a visit to Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida.
The Muggle world can be left behind and Harry Potter fans from all around the globe can immerse themselves in the magic that fills the theme park. The park offers food, drinks, shopping, and sights – all based on the fantastic world of Harry Potter.
One of the most popular items to acquire during any trip to Universal Studios Orlando is an authentic magic wand. Getting a Harry Potter wand can also be an entire experience, so keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Harry Potter Wands at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Cost
Part of the experience of getting a wand at Universal Studios is being able to carry it around and use it throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Typically, a traditional wand costs around fifty-five USD. There are also interactive wands that cost closer to sixty USD.
Interactive Wands vs. Traditional Wands
There are two types of wands to choose from when buying one at Universal Studios. While they may look similar, they differ in price range and what they have to offer visitors.
Traditional Wands
The wands that can be purchased at Universal Studios Orlando are authentic and mimic the look and feel of the wands in the films.
They are long and narrow, anything from fourteen to sixteen inches in length. While most wands are shades of black and brown, there are some with other elements and details in gold or silver. The designs can be carved into the length of the wand or the handle.
When bought, these wands come in boxes like those used in the films. There are over twenty different models.
Interactive Harry Potter Wands
Interactive wands at Universal Studios are nearly indistinguishable from traditional wands. The only differences are that they are a little thicker and contain sensors that allow visitors to interact with several things around the park.
Guests will receive a map in their wand box which has directions to all the interactive areas. Visitors can cast spells like “Aguamenti” to make the Mermaid Fountain work, or “Silencio” to silence the pets at Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley. There are staff members dressed as witches and wizards who can assist you in case you struggle to get the hang of it.
There are also hidden spots dotted throughout the park, which make for a fun time exploring.
Collector’s Edition Wands Cost
Universal Studios also occasionally release special edition wands at a higher price. Depending on how intricate their designs are, visitors can expect to pay around seventy-five USD for special edition wands.
These wands can usually be bought in Diagon Alley, in shops like Borgin and Burkes. If you are unsure whether they are available when you visit Universal Orlando, you can ask staff members.
Character Wands
Some wands are designed to resemble those used by characters in the Harry Potter books and films, and many fans of the franchise are looking for a specific wand. The Harry Potter characters whose wands are available include:
- Professor Dumbledore
- Lord Voldemort
- Harry Potter
- Hermione Granger
- Ron Weasley
- Draco Malfoy
- Professor McGonagall
- Professor Snape
- Sirius Black
- Remus Lupin
- Neville Longbottom
- Luna Lovegood
- Ginny Weasley
- Mad-Eye Moody
- Nymphadora Tonks
- Bellatrix LeStrange
- Cedric Diggory
- Fleur Delacour
- Cho Chang
- Narcissa Malfoy
- Yaxley
There are also thirteen different signature wands available at Ollivander’s, ideal for any Harry Potter Fan.
If you buy one of these wands, the type of wood your wand is made from will correspond to your birth date and astrological sign. The wands were made based on the same Celtic Tree Calendar that J.K. Rowling used when she wrote the Harry Potter books. There are various types of wood they can be made from, including oak, ivy, hawthorn, reed, and alder.
The wand boxes also include a page on wand lore, which is a fascinating read.
Where To Buy Wands at Universal Studios
You can purchase wands from several places in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The magic shops at Universal parks are designed to resemble those used in the films, and two of the shops in Diagon Alley sell wands – Ollivanders and Wands by Gregorovich. There is also a second Ollivanders shop in Hogsmeade.
Another place to buy your own wand in Hogsmeade is the wand cart.
Best Place to Buy a Wand
The first magical item that Harry Potter buys in the books and films is his wand. For this reason, many fans of the franchise want their first Universal wand to come with an equally immersive and meaningful experience.
If you’re one of these fans, be sure to check out the Ollivanders wand ceremony while you’re in Diagon Alley. While you may not be chosen for the ceremony, it can still be a magical experience to witness.
If you’re looking for the shortest lines and fastest service, we recommend buying your wand from the cart.
Wand Ceremony
Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley is the only place that provides a wand-choosing ceremony when purchasing your wand. You will have to wait in line, which means that it may take up to an hour and a half on a busy day, and the ceremony itself takes under ten minutes.
A small group of visitors enters a special room, and one lucky wizard or witch from the crowd will be selected by the wand keeper to take part in the ceremony. The chosen guest can then try out several different ones until they find their ideal match – much like the characters in the books and films.
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that you will be chosen by staff to participate in the ceremony. However, you may find your chances better if you come dressed in your finest Wizarding World garb – especially Hogwarts uniforms and house robes.
Typically, visitors to the park want to get their wands as soon as possible, which means that the wait for the wand-choosing ceremony is longest in the mornings. We recommend trying the ceremony in the afternoon when Ollivanders is less crowded.
Keep in mind that even if you are chosen for the wand-choosing ceremony, you will still need to purchase the wand afterward.
Using Interactive Wands
If you’re not on a tight budget when visiting the Universal Orlando Resort and theme park, we recommend purchasing one of the Harry Potter interactive wands. Since they can be used at different spots throughout the park, they make for a truly magical and immersive experience.
There are brass medallions dotted all over the park, containing symbols that correspond with the spells you can perform in that area. Visitors simply need to follow the motions, say the incantation, and watch as the magic happens before their eyes.
How They Work
Because the interactive wands don’t contain electronics, there’s no danger of new wands wearing out or the batteries dying. The wand tips are capable of reflecting light, which in turn is picked up by sensors scattered throughout the park. Once the sensors start detecting wand movement through the light, it makes the magic happen.
Where To Use
When you purchase a Harry Potter interactive wand, it includes a map of the Harry Potter Wizarding World at Universal Orlando, as well as the Harry Potter lands in Islands of Adventure. The map includes all the locations where your wand is capable of spell casting. There are sixteen locations in Knockturn Alley and Diagon Alley, and nine locations in Hogsmeade that include the interactive wand experience.
In Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley
In Diagon and Knockturn Alleys, the spell-casting locations are:
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
- Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes
- Magical Menagerie
- Mermaid Fountain
- Periwinkle’s Playthings
- Scribbulus
- Umbrella Sign
- Chimney Sweep Elf Sign
- Bowman E. Wright (Blacksmith Shop)
- Trackleshanks Locksmith
- Flimflams Lanterns
- Dystal Phaelanges
- Noggin and Bonce
- Tallow and Hemp Toxic Vapors
In Hogsmeade
In Hogsmeade, the spell-casting locations are:
- Honeydukes
- Madam Puddifoots
- Zonko’s Joke Shop
- Dervish and Banges
- Gladbags Wizardwear
- Dogweed and Deathcap
- Spintwitches
- McHavelock’s
- Tome and Scrolls
If you’d really like to practice your spell-casting technique, but buying an interactive wand is not within your budget, don’t worry! There are friendly staff members all over the park who are usually very willing to lend you their wand to use at a spell-casting location nearby.
Harry Potter Wands FAQs
Where are the Secret Spell Locations at the Universal Orlando Resort?
Part of the fun at Universal Park is discovering secret spells. However, if you simply can’t wait, there are a few secret spell locations in Diagon Alley.
If you visit the Scribbulus shop, you will find a secret location on the right side of the feather quill window. When you cast your spell, a hidden message appears on the parchment. There are sixteen different messages, which means visitors can do this multiple times with a different result each time.
Another secret spell location can be found at Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, on the far-right window where the dragon dung is displayed. When performing the spell, the dragon dung will move and a foul scent will fill the air.
Which other Universal Theme Parks have Harry Potter Areas?
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Beijing Resort in China all have their own Wizarding World, which includes massive replicas of Hogwarts Castle and attractions such as rollercoasters, Ollivanders, Hogsmeade, and Frog Choirs.
Do I need to make the correct spell movement for the magic spells to work at spell locations?
Because the wands work by reflecting infrared light to sensors throughout the Wizarding World, it is important to aim your wand in the right direction.
While the sensors don’t discriminate between different motions, meaning you don’t have to do the right wand motion for your spell to work, they have a limited range of reception. It’s best to use only your wrist and keep your movements small by not moving your arm.
The incantation itself does not have an effect on the success of your spell, but it makes for a truly immersive experience.
Which kinds of wands can be found in the Harry Potter World?
Some of the fine wands in the Wizarding World include:
- Cherry and Unicorn Hair
- Ebony and Unicorn Hair
- Elm and Phoenix Feather
- English Oak and Phoenix Feather
- Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring
- Laurel and Phoenix Feather
- Maple and Unicorn Hair
- Poplar and Dragon Heartstring
- Sycamore and Unicorn Hair Wand
- Aspen and Unicorn Hair
- Black Walnut and Dragon Heartstring
- Chestnut and Unicorn Hair
- Yew and Dragon Heartstring Wand
- Larch and Phoenix Feather Wand
