Yer a wizard, Harry ⚡.
Even if you haven’t received your letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (yet), you can still feel like you’re a part of the book and film series by visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. While there are many things you can do to make you feel like a wizard (such as drinking Butterbeer and taking a ride on the Hogwarts Express), one thing stands out above the rest: buying a wand! And as luck (or magic) would have it, we just so happen to have the complete guide to Harry Potter wands at Universal Orlando:
Wands to the ready!
Just like in the book and film, you’ll be able to purchase your first wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. Guests will find a large selection of wands (all of which have been handcrafted since 382 BC, by the way) at this famous wizarding shop. There are two Ollivanders Wand Shops in Universal Orlando – one on the Universal side and the other on the Islands of Adventure side. This is because guests who only purchase a ticket for one park and not the other, will not be able to experience the other side – i.e. guests of Islands of Adventure will only be able to access Hogsmeade and everything that side of the park has to offer.
Guests who enter the theme park on the Universal Studios side (and not Islands of Adventure) will be able to access Diagon Alley by walking back and to the right. Look out for the Knight Bus, which is across the way from the entrance to Diagon Alley.
If you entered the park on the Islands of Adventure side, walk straight back and to your right to reach Hogsmede. If you have a park-to-park ticket and enter on the Islands of Adventure side, you’ll have to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express at the Hogsmeade station to get to Diagon Alley. The same applies if you enter the Universal side.
Guests may also be able to purchase a wand at select carts scattered throughout the parks, however, the selection won’t be as big as it would be in the shop themselves. Though I have to admit these days with them trying to space out guests as much as possible most things appear on the carts. The same applies to the gift shops on property in the CityWalk section.
How Does Getting a Wand at Ollivanders Work?
Once inside Ollivanders Wand Shop, one of the wizards working at the shop will select members of your group to have a wand “pick them.” This interactive experience allows guests to “try out” different wands until the right one selects them. This process usually involves 1-2 wands per person.
At the end of the interactive experience, guests have the option to purchase their selected wand. Or, if you prefer to skip the interactive experience, you can just go in the shop and purchase a wand of your choosing.
How Much Do Harry Potter Wands Cost?
Wands at Harry Potter World in Universal Orlando cost between $55 for standard wands and $59 for interactive ones. Guests also have the option of purchasing the Interactive Collector’s Edition Wand for $75. This is a price increase from previous years, so only time will tell if 2022 will see another uptick. Most wands range in sizes between 14-16” and are sculpted from resin and hand-painted.
What’s the Difference Between Standard and Interactive Wands at Universal?
The standard wands are just for show, while the interactive wands will allow you to interact with different magical walls and spots around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to cast spells. Interactive wands have a hidden tip that allows them to interact with different sensors at these locations.
Note: at the end of 2021 Universal discontinued the sale of standard wizarding wands.
Types of Interactive Harry Potter Wands
There are currently 38 different types of interactive Harry Potter wands that can be used at the parks. These include:
- Harry Potter wand
- Draco Malfoy wand
- Hermoine Granger wand
- Dumbledore wand
- Luna Lovegood wand
- Sirius Black wand
- Lord Voldemort wand
- Ginny Weasley wand
- Professor Snape wand
- Professor McGonagall wand
- Narcissa Malfoy wand
- Fleur Delacour wand
- Ron Weasley wand
- Bellatrix Lestrange wand
- Death Eater snake wand
- Nymphadora Tonks wand
- Neville Longbottom wand
- Mad-Eye Moody wand
- Cho Chang wand
- Professor Lupin wand
- Yaxley wand
- Death Eater swirl wand
- Peter Pettigrew wand
- Gregorovitch wand
- Cedric Diggory wand
- Alder wand
- Birch wand
- Ash wand
- Hawthorn wand
- Elder wand
- Holly wand
- Hazel wand
- Rowan wand
- Reed wand
- Ivy wand
- Oak wand
- Willow wand
- Vine wand
In addition to these wands, guests can also purchase a wand stand to go with them to put them out on display for an additional $35 (plus tax).
How Long Do Interactive Harry Potter Wands Last?
A lot of parents will be asking this question, and the good news is that they have a pretty long shelf life. Since these wands are only interactive at the parks, they don’t have a battery that will drain the moment you return home.
In fact, if you return to Hogwarts at another time and discover that your wand isn’t working, the wand shop at Universal Orlando will be able to help you repair it.
How to Cast Spells at Harry Potter World Orlando
Once you purchase your interactive wand, be prepared to use it all over the Wizarding World. There are a ton of locations to cast spells, including:
- The birdcage in the window of Magical Menagerie. At this location, you’ll also be able to find the Fantastic Beasts hidden interactive spell.
- The second floor of Flimflam’s Lanterns at the end of Horizont Alley
- The umbrella above the bathroom entrance in Horizont Alley
- The red-curtain window in Pilliwinkle’s Playthings
- The shop window that faces Gringotts Wizarding Bank and near the front door at Wiseacres
- Brown E. Wright’s blacksmith shop
- In the right-hand Scribbulus window
- The shop window of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes with the yellow/orange toilet
- Window at Slug and Jiggers Apothecary
- Mermaid foundation in Carkitt Market
- In the window of Borgin and Burkes and the courtyard nearby. Also, lookout for a bird in a cage around the corner from the shop.
- The Chimney Sweep Elf sign to the right of Dystyl Phaelanges
- The shrunken heads in the window to the left of Dystyl Phaelanges
- The shop window of Spintwiches
- The window with the cakes at Madam Puddifott’s
- The shop window at Tomes and Scrolls Specialist Bookshop
- The shop window of Zonko’s Joke Shop
- The window display at Honeydukes with the chocolate frogs
- The wall-mounted cauldron at McHavelock’s
- The window to the right-hand side Gladrags Wizardwear and Dogweed and Deathcap
- The back of Dervish and Banges
How to Cast Spells
To cast a spell, all you have to do is look down at the pavement at your desired location and find a medallion. All the interactive “spell spots” will be marked with these, so you know where to stand when it comes time to cast your spell. Furthermore, these medallions will let you know which way to point your wand and what spell you need to cast. However, keep in mind that you don’t have to say these spells perfectly; in fact, since they’re all sensor-based, they’re not necessarily required, so saying them is completely up to you and your party. Silent spells are just as magical! Plus, they’re only reserved for the most talented wizards, after all.
The sensors at these locations are rather small, so it’s recommended that you limit your movement when casting a spell. Try to only use your wrist when you flick your wand.
If you need help casting a spell, most locations have an employee standing by to assist you with proper gestures. If a spell location isn’t working, an “anti-jinx sign” will be placed in the window, or a team member may be standing by to let you know that spells at this location are down.
How to Get Chosen for the Interactive Wand Experience
As with every kind of guest-involved interactive experience, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be chosen. However, there are a few tips for getting chosen to partake in the wand-selection process. In most cases, guests who are wearing Harry Potter gear such as wizarding robes tend to get selected at a higher rate – especially if they’re wearing Gryffindor colors.
Furthermore, if you enter Ollivanders with a wand in hand, you will probably not be selected as they want to provide this unique experience for those who haven’t already purchased a wand. If you have a wand but never experienced the interactive experience, put your wand in your bag so it’s out of sight to increase your chances.
Also, keep in mind that children will most often be selected to participate in the show. It doesn’t mean that adults young at heart can’t be chosen, just know that your chances might be slim if a child is in the group. Another good rule of thumb for getting picked for this experience is to look excited and stand near the front of the group.
The Harry Potter Wands at Universal Orlando Are Pretty Cool, Right?
Buying your own Harry Potter wand is part of the experience of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Even though it is one of the pricer souvenirs you can buy in the parks, it offers so much in terms of the experience it offers.
Did you buy a Harry Potter wand on your last visit to Universal Orlando? If so, let us know which type you got, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for all the latest Universal Orlando news, tips, and tricks.
As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.