By: Jen Travis, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Anyone who is a huge Harry Potter fan knows how excited Harry Potter was to arrive at Diagon Alley and begin supply shopping for his first year at Hogwarts. Did you know that you too can enjoy that exact same experience including casting spells in the Wizarding World during your next trip to Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood? The average cost of an interactive wand is $63 plus tax per wand and there is such a wide variety of wands from all of the major characters from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
In these areas, you can purchase interactive wands known as “interactive wands” from Ollivanders Wand Shop. These wands are especially designed to work with interactive elements throughout the Wizarding World. With an interactive wand, you can visit designated spots in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley and cast spells to make magical things happen. One show I highly recommend is the “wand chooses the wizard show” that takes place at the main branch of Ollivanders. Once you have found your wand, you can start casting spells
throughout the Wizarding World.
To cast a spell you will need to find one of the designated interactive spell spots clearly marked with a medallion on the ground or a symbol on the wall. Each location corresponds to a specific spell. You can also find a list of the spells and their corresponding locations on the map/guide that is located in your wand box. When you approach a spell location you will want to mimic the proper wand movements and say the spell associated with that location. If you perform the correct wand movement, magical effects will occur, such as objects moving or water spraying. There are also Universal Team Members that will be wandering around to help assist budding witches and wizards in casting spells if you need help!
One of the big questions I always get as a travel planner is, "are the wands worth it?" My answer is always the same. 1000% yes! The interactive wands are a fun and immersive way to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and truly take the magic to another level.
Another Pro Tip: If you think you may have scratched the tip of the wand, stop by any Ollivanders wand shop and they can repair the wand at no cost!
Ready to book your next Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood vacation? Please reach out to Jen Travis with Marvelous Mouse Travels for more information or a quote!
