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One of the more fun experiences we have had at Universal Studios is with the interactive wands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. These engaging items keep us in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade longer than other areas of the parks. Essentially, the interactive wands make things move or appear in different windows and areas of the Wizarding World with a few swishes and flicks.
Over time, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make our magic better and the experience more enjoyable. While these have all been tested at Universal Studios Orlando, I’m sure it holds true for Hollywood and Japan as well. Here’s everything you need to know about the interactive wands and how to use them in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Where to Buy Interactive Wands
To begin with, there are two types of wands, interactive and non. It’s a difference in price of only $6, so be sure to double check. Currently, the regular wands are $43.95 and interactive wands are $49.95. If you are an annual passholder, your merchandise discount applies.
To choose your wand (or let it choose you) you can go to Ollivanders, of course, makes of fine wands since 382 B.C. Ollivanders has a main shop in Diagon Alley with an additional shop in Hogsmeade. You can choose to stand in a short line to witness Ollivander himself help a young witch or wizard find their wand. A fun experience, even if you don’t buy. Or you can wander directly into the shop.
It does get a bit congested in both shops. If you’re only looking for a character wand, around the corner find Gregorovitch’s shop in Diagon Alley. This is an open-air shop, nearly hidden and less crowded.
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Wand Types
Both interactive wands and regular wands come in character and wood-based wands. By wood based, I mean they are modeled after the tree, ivy, rowan, oak and so forth. There are 12 different kinds of wood to choose from and nearly every character you can imagine. Most come in regular and interactive wands.
Spell Casting
When you receive your interactive wand, you have a map, (pictured here) that shows you the different locations you can do magic. The spell and a circle number notate each location on the map. Popular locations are in a diamond number. One of the first mistakes we made was going to the diamond numbered areas thinking we could do something. Additionally, medallions are in the ground notating a magical location.
There are 11 magical locations in Diagon Alley, 5 in Knockturn Alley and 9 in Hogsmeade. Each location is activated by a different wand movement notated on the map and on the medallion.
There are also a few “hidden” locations, that doesn’t require a specific spell. Look for the eyes near Gringotts, the skeleton in Knockturn Alley and the parchment near Wingardium Leviosa feather, to name a few.
Swish and Flick
Professor Flitwick would tell you that casting spells are more in the movement than in the words. Your swish and flick are more important than saying Wingardium LeviOsa, not LevioSA. Be patient and use smaller moves than you think you should. Often, the location doesn’t easily detect the grandiose swishes. Stand straight, point your wand directly ahead of you. There are witches and wizards placed around the Wizarding World that can help you. If you’re having trouble, get a witch or wizard to help.
Wand Repair
Should you find casting spells a bit difficult, your wand may be in need of repair. A helpful witch or wizard may suggest you bring your wand in for repair. This happened to us after a witch tried to do spells with my daughter’s wand and it did not work. She inspected it and suggested a repair.
Simply return to any of the wand shops and tell them your wand is broken. They will take it and repair it. We had this done and it was a relatively quick process.
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Do you have any different experiences with your interactive wands? I’d love to hear them! Please comment below.
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