My daughter and I first visited Universal Studios a couple of years ago. We went on a whim and because I did not do my usual research, we simply decided to enjoy whatever rides my daughter was allowed on. As we were strolling down Diagon Alley, butterbeer in hand, I couldn’t help but notice kids (and grown-ups!) waving wands at shop windows. I watched in utter amazement as their handiwork would produce different “magical” effects. Upon learning that they were using interactive wands, I vowed to look into these special wands before our next trip to the parks. I am sharing here everything I know about interactive wands and how to cast spells with them so you can decide if they are worth the splurge.
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What are interactive wands?
When Diagon Alley first opened in 2014, Universal wanted a completely immersive experience for the guests. And part of this new experience is the ability to “cast spells” throughout the parks. Guests will need an interactive wand to do so. The wand would produce various effects similar to those from the books/movies.
Interactive wands cost $55 (plus tax) only $6 more than non-interactive ones. For that price, it is definitely best to get the former. Plus you will get more out of it in the long run.
You can purchase a wand modeled from one of the characters of the Harry Potter series or get a generic one. With a large selection to choose from, do not hesitate to speak to one of the shops attendants to help you pick one. They may suggest using your birthday or other significant dates in selecting your wand.
Where to get your wand?
You can buy a wand at Ollivander’s (keep reading for more about this) in Diagon Alley, Dervish and Banges or the Owl Post in Hogsmeade. In addition, you can purchase one at Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley. There is also a cart that sells wands in Hogsmeade near the entrance to Hogwarts.
At each of these locations, you’ll find an assortment of wands, from replicas of Harry, Ron, Hermione and other characters’ wands to more generic wands shaped from various woods.
If you prefer to get a wand before heading to the parks, you can find some online on the Universal website.
What is the Ollivander’s experience?
If you are going to buy an interactive wand, I suggest getting it at Ollivander’s as part of the “the wand chooses the wizard/witch” experience. It doesn’t cost extra (just the cost of the wand which you have the option not to buy)
One wizard or witch will get chosen among the people attending the wand ceremony (our odds were 1 in 8). We were very lucky as my daughter was chosen. I’m not sure if it was because she wore a robe and was in character and I had a birthday pin. But if it can increase your chances, I would suggest to dress the part.
The wand ceremony is reminiscent of the part in the 1st book/movie when Harry Potter goes to Ollivander’s to get his wand. After a few attempts at casting spells with different wands have catastrophic results, he is finally “paired” with the right one. Same thing will happen here, the wandmaster will try to find the right wand for the chosen wizard/witch.
How does the wand work?
Once you have your wand, look for bronze medallions on the ground. They are usually located near shop windows, fountains and statues. The medallions will show you where to stand, which direction to point your wand, and how to perform the spell. It will also come with a verbal incantation which you don’t have to say for the spell to work (but it still fun to do!)
Interactive wands cast their magic by reflecting to an infrared camera at each spell site. To succeed in casting your spell, make sure to aim your wand in the right direction (which usually is where the camera is) You will want to keep your movement small and only move your wrist if possible.
Each wand comes with a double-sided map of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade detailing the locations of the spells which I will review below. Additionally there are 2 secret spell spots in Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley
Cast your spells at the following locations and enjoy!
- Pilliwinkle’s Playthings, make the troll puppets dance on the stage
- Flimflam’s Lanterns, light up the lanterns on the second-floor windows
- Umbrella Sign, make it rain
- Magical Menagerie, silence the squawking bird
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment (facing Gringotts bank), open the orbs to reveal eyes that follow the movement of your wand
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment (near the front door), illuminate the star map
- Scribbulus, levitate the feather quill
- Brown E Wright Blacksmith, there are 2 spells here. The first one will repair a suit of armor and the second one will make the the pump go up and down
- Mermaid Fountain, activate the frog spout (watch out for the occasional spray up top)
- Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, sink the U-NO-POO sign down into the toilet
- Scribbulus (secret spell #1), reveal hidden messages on the parchment
- Slugs and Jiggers (secret spell #2), double the size of the dragon poo
Knockturn Alley
In Knockturn Alley, check out your map under the blacklights. The spell locations will be highlighted under the light.
Here are the spells found in Knockturn Alley:
- Watch the chimney Sweep elf sign go up and down
- Dystyl Phaelanges, make the skeleton follow your movements
- Noggin and Bonce, perform the tongue-tying charm to silence the shrunken heads
- Tallow and Hemp Toxic Tapers, light a candle and see the effects on the bird
- Trackleshanks Lockssmith, unlock the door
Hogsmeade
The spells tend to be more difficult to perform here compared to Diagon Alley. You may need to practice your wand skills a few times. If you still need assistance, look for a Cask Member nearby who will gladly help you with your wand work.
- Zonko’s Joke Shop, set off the spinning wheels and rockets
- McHavelock’s, stop the water pouring and tip the cauldron
- Honeydukes, reveal a giant chocolate frog
- Dogweed and Deathcap, make the flower bloom
- Gladrags Wizardwear, there are 2 spells here that raises or lowers a measuring tape on the wizard robes
- Madam Puddifoot’s, make the snowman glide on the cake
- Dervish and Banges, 2 spells will start and stop the music box
- Tomes and Scrolls, open a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard
- Spintwitches, levitate the quidditch balls
I hope you find this guide useful and that you give the interactive wands a try. It is so much fun casting the spells and for a few moments, you will feel like you are transported into a magical word, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that is.
Thanks for reading XX