A Complete Guide to Wands in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

December 20, 2021
By: Discover Universal Blog

Have you ever dreamed of casting spells with Hogwarts in the background, or throughout the whimsical streets of Diagon Alley? Of course you have! The magic in Harry Potter is awe-inspiring. And in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort being able to cast your own spells is just one of the many magical experiences possible. 

However, there is a lot to know that isn’t necessarily in your textbooks before conjuring up a spell like Revelio or Incendio. Here is the complete guide to everything you need to know about where to get wands and how to cast spells in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Wand Offerings

As we all know, a wand is an essential item for every aspiring witch and wizard. Here, you can find the wand replicas of favorite characters from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, plus interactive versions of those character wands as well as interactive Ollivanders wands, both of which allow you to cast spells throughout both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

NOTE: In order to be able to cast spells in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you must use an interactive wand.

My favorite wand is my interactive replica of Hermione Granger’s wand. She has always been my favorite character and using her wand to cast spells makes me feel even closer to her.

You can find the interactive wand versions of characters like Albus Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, the Weasley twins, and so many more, including Harry Potter himself.

In addition, there are wands that aren’t interactive, but are a certain complement for any collection. Maybe not the familiar wand shape, but I’ve been eyeing that replica of Hagrid’s pink umbrella (wink wink).

AND… always keep an eye out for new Collector’s Edition Wands. You heard it here first folks!

Where to Find Wands

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley (in Universal Studios Florida), you can find any wand you’re looking for at Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C and Wands by Gregorovitch.

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade (in Universal’s Islands of Adventure), wands are located at Ollivanders, Owl Post  and the wand cart on the path to Hogwarts castle.

Wands can also be found at the Universal Studios Stores in Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk and at the Trading Company in Islands of Adventure.

The Ollivanders Experience

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk into Ollivanders and be paired with your own wand? Now you can with the interactive wand experience at Ollivanders wand shop.

Step into the front of the cozy store, filled floor to ceiling with wands, and you’ll soon be greeted by the Ollivanders’s wandkeeper. If you’re lucky, you may be selected to be chosen by your unique wand!

Once the wand chooses the wizard, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase that same wand, or any other wand you like available in the shop.

Tips on Casting Spells

Inside your interactive wand box, you’ll find a double-sided map that comes with everything you need to know about locating wand magic locations within both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

In total, there are 16 spells you can cast using your interactive wand in Diagon Alley and 9 in Hogsmeade. Keep exploring on your own though, you may come across some that aren’t located on your map…

Once you arrive at the proper location, a gold medallion shows wizards and witches where to stand as well as the name and correct wand movement for each spell.

Here are some tips to ensure that you cast your spells in a way that would make Hermione Granger proud.

• Ensure you’re facing the proper direction that the gold medallion directs and your wand is pointed that direction, too.
• Keep your motion short and concise, and try to keep it all in the wrist, rather than using your entire arm and making big gestures.
• Make sure to proudly and precisely say the spell out loud.
• Don’t fret if you don’t get the spell down on your first try. With a little practice and determination, you’ll get it in no time. There are also witches and wizards throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade available if you need help.

PRO TIP:  If you ever end up having issues with or breaking your wand, make sure to take it to Ollivanders in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and they’ll be able to help you out, free of charge!

Originally posted by Discover Universal Blog on December 14, 2021