Prepare to be swept away on a captivating journey of enchantment at Universal Orlando Resort, where the world of Harry Potter comes to life in the most mesmerizing way. Central to this experience is the famed Wand Ceremony, a spellbinding show that grants visitors the chance to play the role of a wizard, just like their favorite characters. But, how do you get to be the special visitor chosen for the wand ceremony at Universal? We we were chosen, so here are our tips!
The Wand Ceremony at Universal Orlando
The Wand Ceremony in Ollivanders, held at both Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, recreates the iconic moment when a wand chooses its rightful wizard. Guests queue up outside of Ollivanders, known as “makers of fine wands since 382 BC,” and then are lead in groups into a room the wand shop. Diagon Alley has a larger indoor queue, while Hogsmeade queue is entirely outdoors.
The Enchanting Wand Experience
During the ceremony, visitors are treated to fascinating wand lore by talented actors portraying wandmakers. One lucky guest in the group is then selected, handed a wand and asked to perform a magic spell, leading to entertaining mishaps before the correct wand is found. With captivating lighting effects and enchanting music, the show delivers a truly magical and emotional experience, especially for ardent Potter fans (I definitely got teary-eyed when my 10-year-old was chosen on her birthday!).
How to be selected for the wand ceremony
While there’s no foolproof method to guarantee being selected, certain strategies may enhance your chances.
- Younger participants tend to have higher odds
- Wear wizarding attire
- Position yourself near the front
- Wear a birthday or celebration button
- Be talkative to the door Team Member
- Show your excitement
- Look at the shopkeeper in the eyes
- Try the experience in the afternoon or closer to park closing
- Try and try again
It’s crucial to note that the decision ultimately lies with the wandmaker, and the experience is meant to be spontaneous and organic. Keep returning and trying again if you don’t have success! I have heard of TM’s taking pity on returning guests who have been persistent and patient.
When we went for our daughter’s 10th birthday, we arrived mid-afternoon and went to the Diagon Alley location. She was wearing her Ravenclaw robes, her birthday button, and asking for me to take pictures throughout the waiting area for the ceremony. We were very very clear to her that she might not be chosen (there were several other kids and families entering the room as well). We told her to make good eye contact with the shopkeeper and she did her best. We were all beyond thrilled when she was chosen!!!!!!
The Wands
The wands produced by the shopkeepers during the ceremony are never character wands, only wands of specific types of wood, so know that if you have your heart set on a character wand. The shopkeepers will tell the attributes of the chosen wand when presented, and it sometimes matches a person exactly.
When we went with our adult friends, the wand chosen for my friend was for a healer (my friend is a surgeon), and she immediately decided it was the right wand for her. The wand chosen for my daughter was Chestnut and is for witches “gifted in nature and who work well with Magical Beasts” (my daughter doesn’t like animals). She ultimately decided it was not the wand for her.
Purchasing Your Wand
The Wand Ceremony itself is a complimentary attraction, and being chosen does NOT require you to purchase the wand that “chose you”. However, if you wish to take home your own authentic piece of magic, you have two options. You can buy the wand that chose you directly from the shop, just bring it to the cashier. Or you can explore the Ollivanders shop, Gregorovich Shop, or wand carts located in the park, offering a wide range of character replicas, each with its unique significance and purchase one of those instead after returning the chosen wand to a TM.
My daughter picked up all of the wands on display at Ollivanders and tried them out, finally deciding on Ginny Weasley’s wand. All of these wands come with a map of the Wizarding World in Universal Orlando and are designed to interact with magical displays throughout. These wands can cast spells at designated spots, bringing the enchantment of Harry Potter’s world to life.
The Price of Wands
The interactive wands are priced at around $63. Keep in mind that prices may change over time, special edition wands are more expensive, and additional options like engraving come with extra fees.
The Wand Chooses the Wizard
The process of wand selection at Ollivanders is in the hands of the wandmaker, who may use their discretion in choosing participants. Wands range from 12 to 14 inches in length, meticulously crafted to imitate various wood styles from the Potter universe, such as oak, ivy, and ash. Additionally, each wand contains a magical core, determining its unique power.
Here’s a list of some of the different character wands available at Universal Orlando:
- The Elder Wand
- Harry Potter’s Wand
- Hermione Granger’s Wand
- Ron Weasley’s Wand
- Dumbledore’s Wand
- Sirius Black’s Wand
- Voldemort’s Wand (Tom Riddle’s Wand)
- Bellatrix Lestrange’s Wand
- Professor McGonagall’s Wand
- Luna Lovegood’s Wand
- Fleur Delacour’s Wand
- Cedric Diggory’s Wand
- Newt Scamander’s Wand
- Tina Goldstein’s Wand
- Queenie Goldstein’s Wand
- Nymphadora Tonks’ Wand
- Kingsley Shacklebolt’s Wand
- Ginny Weasley’s Wand
- Cho Chang’s Wand
- Lucius Malfoy’s Wand
- Narcissa Malfoy’s Wand
- Fred and George Weasley’s Wands
These are just a few examples of the character wands available at Universal Orlando. Each wand is meticulously designed to resemble the wands used by the characters in the Harry Potter films, and they make for an excellent collectible or interactive souvenir during your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Unleash Your Magic during the Wand Ceremony
With this insider’s guide to the Wand Ceremony at Universal Orlando Resort, you’re equipped to embark on a truly enchanting adventure. Be captivated by the magical world of Harry Potter, become a wizard for a moment, and take home your very own wand to continue your spellbinding journey in the Wizarding World. Embrace the magic, embrace the mystery, and let your visit to Universal Orlando become an unforgettable experience of wonder and excitement!
