Step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of magic and wonder. One of the most enchanting experiences available is the opportunity to wield your own interactive wand. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the realm of interactive wands, exploring their captivating features, answering common questions, and helping you decide if they’re worth adding to your magical adventure.
How Much are Wands at Universal?
Many aspiring witches and wizards wonder about the cost of these mystical tools. The interactive wands at Universal Orlando are priced at $63 plus tax (as of June 2023).
Are Wands at Universal Worth It?
The question of whether interactive wands are worth the investment is a common one. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Choosing a wand
You can find wand carts or wand shops within the park that offer a variety of options. In both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, you can do the interactive Ollivander’s experience where you may be selected and the wand chooses you. If you are not chosen, or if you decide that wand isn’t a good match, you can enter the Ollivander’s shops in each park where wands of every kind will be displayed. Diagon Alley also has Gregorovich Wand shop and Hogsmeade has a wand card. Each location has several display cases where you can handle interactive wands to get a feel for each wand.
Spell-Casting Experience
Interactive wands allow you to cast spells at various locations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can wave your wand, recite incantations, and witness magical effects happening right before your eyes. This immersive experience truly makes you feel like a part of the wizarding world.
When you purchase an interactive wand at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll receive a exclusive map that enhances your wand-owning experience. The map is designed to guide you through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and help you discover the various interactive spell locations scattered throughout the park. The map features designated spots marked with icons representing interactive spell locations. These locations are typically indicated by medallions embedded in the ground or on the walls of buildings. Each icon corresponds to a specific spell or magical effect that you can activate using your interactive wand.
As you explore the park with your wand and map in hand, you can follow the directions on the map to find the spell locations. Once you arrive at a designated spot, you can refer to the map for instructions on how to perform the correct wand movements and incantations to cast the spell. By following the guidelines, you can bring various magical elements to life, such as making objects move, causing water to flow, or illuminating hidden areas.
Authenticity and Quality:
The interactive wands at Universal Orlando are meticulously crafted replicas of the wands seen in the Harry Potter films. They are beautifully designed, capturing the essence and details of each wand.
- Character Wands: These wands are replicas of the ones used by characters in the Harry Potter series. You can find wands modeled after the iconic characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and many more. Each character wand reflects the unique personality and design of the respective character.
- Unique interactive wands: You can find a range of interactive wands made from materials like oak, ash, reed, birch, vine, hazel, holly, rowan, alder, willow,hawthorne, and ivy.
- Limited Collector’s Edition Wands: These wands only appear for a limited time and feature intricate details and craftsmanship.
Unique Souvenir
Owning an interactive wand serves as a cherished keepsake from your visit to Universal Orlando. It’s a tangible reminder of the magical moments you experienced and can be displayed proudly as a memento of your journey into the wizarding world. I know of some guests who have purchased multiple wands and display them proudly in their homes.
Personalized Experience
With interactive wands, you have the freedom to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at your own pace, discovering hidden spell-casting locations and engaging in delightful interactions. There are team members known as “Wizarding Assistants” stationed at various spell locations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. These knowledgeable and friendly team members are there to assist guests in casting spells with their interactive wands. They can offer tips, demonstrate the correct techniques, and assist you in getting the desired magical effects.
Wand repair
If you find that your wand is not responding properly, you can head to any wand shop locations within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Simply approach a team member and present your wand to see if it is in need of repair. If your wand tip is scratched or your wand is broken, you may be offered a replacement wand if they have that same wand available. We have used the “wand repair” on a few occasions after having a wand for several years and the tip became dull or after accidently snapping one in half while exiting a ride. It makes the expense upfront seem worth it.
The wands that chose us
Both my husband and I have interactive character wands from Universal Orlando. I initially did research and thought I would like Luna Lovegood’s wand (as I’m a Ravenclaw), but upon holding it, I did not care for it. I tested several in hand and was drawn to Fleur Delacour’s wand. My husband tried many wands and was leaning towards a Dark wizard’s wand (he’s a Slytherin), he ultimately decided on Mad-Eye Moody’s wand. Our family rule is that you cannot have a wand until 11 (as in the books) so neither of our girls (6 & 9) have wands yet and borrow ours whenever we visit the parks.
Would you try an interactive wand?
Interactive wands at Universal Orlando offer a magical and interactive experience that brings the world of Harry Potter to life. The enchanting spell-casting opportunities and immersive encounters make them a worthy investment for many visitors such as ourselves. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series and want to feel like a true witch or wizard, an interactive wand will unlock a world of extraordinary moments and create unforgettable memories during your visit to Universal Orlando.
So, whether you choose to wield the wand of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, or any other beloved character, prepare to embark on a spellbinding journey filled with wonder and enchantment at Universal Orlando Resort.
