Are the new 2nd generation wands at Universal Orlando worth the upgrade? From battling Dementors to earning House Points, here is a deep dive into the haptics, adventures, and “magic” of the newest wands.
Let’s address the elephant in the Room of Requirement: Yes, our family now owns four 2nd generation wands. My girls have their non-character ones, and I obviously had to buy both the Elder Wand and Hermione’s wand for myself.
If you’re still rocking a 1st generation wand, you might be wondering if it’s worth the upgrade.
If you are visiting Universal Orlando just for one day or just a weekend and don’t intend to return anytime soon, I would say no.
But if you’re a passholder like me or just person who loves a good side-quest, the answer is a resounding yes.
I’m so obsessed that I’ve actually completed every single achievement, spell, and beast quest on my 9-year-old’s wand because she decided she wasn’t “feeling it” after trying it for a while. Her loss, my glory.
It’s Not Just a Stick—It’s a Game Controller
The biggest draw for the 2nd generation interactive wands isn’t just that they light up and vibrate (the haptics are super satisfying, though). It’s the Universal Play integration in the app.
When you pair your wand in the Universal Orlando app (using the code on the back), you get to create a full Wizard Profile:
- Pick your House: Earn points for the House Cup throughout the day.
- Choose your Icon & Patronus: There are currently five Patronus options: Dog (St. Bernard), Cat, Dolphin, Phoenix, and Stag. *
- The “Adventures” Tab: This is where the addiction starts. You have to complete spells in specific orders to unlock “adventures,” like battling the Dementor in Diagon Alley or the dueling dummy at Hogwarts.
Insider Tip: Some achievements actually require you to fail a spell or change your House/Patronus to progress. It’s glorious!
Epic Universe & The “Muggle” Sensors
While I love the classics, the spells over at Epic Universe in Place Cachée are my absolute favorite. Just a warning, though: the potions spells are difficult. Mostly because the “sensors” (or what Muggles call infrared cameras) tend to get a little finicky as the day goes on and the Florida sun does its thing.
You’ll also find yourself having full-blown conversations with Trelawney, which is as chaotic as you’d expect. The hardest achievement for me? Losing to someone at the copper pots near the entrance to the French Ministry area. I actually had to find a Kind Wizard (a Team Member with the tablet) to help me figure out why it wasn’t registering. If a spell is down or glitching, just ask—they can usually “magically” advance your progress in the app. You’ll find one of these wizards in each park, just ask any TM where to find them.
The “Pro-Level” Wand Skills
I bought my fourth wand (don’t judge) during an impromptu trip because I forgot mine at home. It was a slammed weekend, so instead of riding rides, we just did spells. Here is what I always mention to other guests who are struggling to cast spells:
- Keep it Small: Most people fail because they wave their arms like they’re swatting a fly. These sensors are made for 11-year-olds. Keep your movements small, precise, and contained.
- The 2nd Gen Advantage: Don’t be the person trying to battle the Dementor with a 1st Gen wand. It won’t work. Those high-tier “battles” are exclusive to the new tech. But if you see me there, I’m happy to share as I already beat the dementor plenty of times (and still need the achievement for losing to the dementor)
- The “Reparo” Guarantee: If your wand tip starts glowing red, the battery is dying. Don’t panic and buy a new one (unless you’re me and forgot yours at home). You can take it back to Ollivanders or Cosme Acajor, and they will “repair” it for free.
Final Verdict?
If you just want a cool souvenir to put on a shelf or play around with for a weekend, buy the 1st Gen character wand you love. But if you want to be the person standing in front of a window for 20 minutes trying to unlock a secret potion while your 9-year-old rolls her eyes? Get the 2nd Gen.
