Harry Potters Wizarding World: All About the Magic Wands

Universal Studios is a huge draw to Harry Potter fans around the world. Finally, the stories that we read can come to life.

The difference with Harry Potter versus other fandoms is that with Harry Potter, it isn’t really about the characters, per say, it’s about the world they live in.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is nothing short of spectacular. It is like jumping right into the books! There is Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. You can see, taste, smell, and feel the magic in these two lands, but more than that… You can do magic!

You can purchase an interactive wand and finally become the wizard that you were meant to be!

These wands interact all around the park with marked magic spots, though there are some secret spots, but that’s an article for another day! All wands are sold with an authentic wand box, perfect for displaying, and a map of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade showing all of the magic spots.

Let’s Talk Wands

Interactive wands can be purchased in Universal Studios in various places in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The most obvious and largest location is Ollivander’s, and he has one location in Diagon Alley as well as Hogsmeade. Of course, there is the other famous wand maker, Gregorovitch, and then there are wand peddlers in the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade peddling their wares.

The Wand Experience

You can walk through the wand shop and purchase any wand you wish but…The wand chooses the wizard, remember. That gut feeling when you see “the one” is no gut feeling at all, it’s the wand calling to you. Don’t fight it. A wizard with the wrong wand can have disastrous consequences. Remember poor Neville Longbottom? It wasn’t until he got his own wand (book reference) that he could really succeed as a wizard.

Different Types

Wizards and witches can choose from two different selections of wands. The first set of wands are those to match your favorite characters. You will find a large selection from Fantastic Beasts and the Harry Potter series. While there are always Harry’s, Ron’s, and Hermoine’s wands, other characters available can vary by year.

Some wands are cult-like fan favorites and are near impossible to get because once they sell out so fast. This applies to Luna Lovegood, Snape, and Narcissa Malfoy. Luna’s wand has become the golden unicorn of the Universal Studios interactive wands.

Characters Available 2022

Harry Potter
Ron Weasley
Hermoine Granger
The Elderwand (Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore)
Fred Weasley
George Weasley
Ginny Weasley
Neville Longbottom
Cedric Diggory
Cho Chang
Professor McGonagall
Mad Eye Moody
Sirius Black
Draco Malfoy
Professor Snape
Peter Pettigrew
Tonks
Remus Lupin
Victor Krum
Fleur Delacour
Professor Sprout
Porpentina Goldstein
Queenie Goldstein
Newt Scamander
Seraphina Picquery
Nicholas Flamel
Generic Death Eater Wands
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

Ollivander’s Originals

Ollivander is famous for his classic wand making, and while most character wands can be found in any shop selling wands, Ollivander originals can only be purchased at Ollivanders. These wands are made to match the wizard who wields them. Think of them like a magical zodiac. There are 13 different Ollivander originals and they are different combinations of woods and cores.

Alder – Alder wood is well suited for making flutes and pipes, and for building bridges. Alder people are adventurous travelers and confident decision makers who trust their inner voices. Alder people should work hard to maintain a balance between work and play.

Ash – Tools, magical and ordinary, made from Ash are especially productive as Ash trees are known to attract energy. Ash people are kind and generous with a gift for seeing what is beautiful in the world and in others. Ash people should be careful that their romantic hearts do not lead them into danger.

Birch – This vigorous wood is associated with stored energy and renewal. Birch people are full of life, with seemingly endless reserves of energy to bestow on those around them. Birch people should always trust their ability to see straight through to the heart of any matter.

Elder – Elder wood is associated with death and renewal and protection from negative influence. Elder people are extremely perceptive and very sensitive; they are easily wounded, but quick to recover. Elder people should trust in their natural persistence and they will succeed where many others would give up.

Hawthorn – The Hawthorn tree makes excellent barriers with its beautiful flowers and big thorns. This wood is strong, yet flexible. Hawthorn people have intense family ties and are highly protective of those for whom they care. Hawthorn people should remember that it is relationships that connect us to the future and the past.

Hazel – Hazel wood is associated with wisdom, protection and magical skills. Hazel people are often wise beyond their years. They make inspiring teachers, combining creative talent and practical knowledge. Hazel people should be sure they take the time to share their gifts with others.

Holly – Wood from Holly trees has magical healing properties and is thought to repel evil. Holly people make good leaders and thoughtful, loving and effective counselors. Holly people should use their understanding of the dark, hidden side of humanity to guide others in their time of need.

Ivy – Ivy wood is associated with tenacity, stamina and endless patience. Ivy people are strong and determined; they set goals and achieve them. Ivy people should take care that their ability to easily overcome obstacles does not lead them unwittingly into ever more challenging situations.

Oak – Wood from these huge, steadfast trees is associated with truth and wisdom. Oak people are confident and optimistic, with great inner strength and a deep well of knowledge. Oak people should trust in their natural intuition and understanding, using it for the benefit of all.

Reed – Reed wood is associated with scholarship and knowledge. Reed people are good with words, and steadfast in their beliefs. They are deeply rooted and extremely flexible. Reed people should trust in their ability to adapt to new situations without ever losing sense of who they are.

Rowan – The wood is revered for its powers of protection. Rowan people are full of healing energy and they delight in helping others. Rowan people should use their powerful imagination and resourceful nature to make their dreams come true.

Vine – Vine wood is associated with persistence and renewal. Vine people have restless spirits and seemingly limitless energy. They are also prone to burn the candle at both ends. Vine people should learn to pace themselves and their achievements will know no bounds.

Willow – Willow wood has powers of protection, especially against natural disasters. Willow people are strong and flexible; they recover quickly from the unexpected. Willow people should face new challenges confident that each encounter only makes them stronger.

Ollivander Experience

If you are any sort of Harry Potter fan you know the famous scene where Harry Potter was in Ollivanders and the wand chose him.

You can have that experience for yourself…

There is no guarantee that Ollivander will choose you or someone in your party. He is a very old man. Remember, Mr. Ollivander is 113 years old, he only has the energy to help 1 witch or wizard select their wand per group.

To have a chance at being selected, find the wizard outside of Ollivanders to get on a list. They will allow around 10 – 12 people to come into this section of the shop at a time, and he will choose just one.

The chosen witch or wizard will be given a series of wands for them to try. If the wrong wand is selected for the new wizard, things might happen! Perhaps a mess will ensue, or lights will break. (Don’t worry, Reparo is one of Ollivander’s most practiced spells.)

When the wand has chosen the wizard, the whole crowd will know…

A light will shine from above and mysterious music will crescendo signaling a match!

After the selection, the entire crowd will filter into the main shop. The chosen witch or wizard may of course purchase the wand that selected them, but of course, they can choose any other wand instead. The wands in this ceremony are always Ollivander originals.

PLEASE NOTE: The main shop is open to all who can fit before, during, and after the wand ceremonies.

Collector’s Edition Wand

It is easy to become addicted to these wands! There are so many different types of collections you could make – the golden trio, dark wizards, professors collection, the marauders, etc., or maybe you just want to collect them all!

Or maybe, you’re after something a little more rare than that of Mr. Harry Potter. Every year the Wizarding World of Harry Potter releases a collector’s edition specialty wand.

This year’s wand is available for $75 and features hand painted gold accents. The wand is classic and neutral for any wizard. It seems that on the even years the wands are more austere and classic, and on the odd years they have more detail and flourish.

Buy The Wand!

You absolutely need to buy the interactive wand if you are visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Whether you are a fan or not, you can’t help but get sucked into the fun of magic! These lands are designed for you to lose yourself and just jump into the pages of the books.

You will not regret getting the wand. There are so many places to explore your new magic. And when you come home you can display it to remind yourself of a great memory. Don’t let the muggles get you down! Buy the wand!

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Links to Associated Wizarding World Content:

This Universal Orlando Guide Post By: Erin Schreiver

Erin loves going to Universal with her family and all things Harry Potter! Check out her bio.

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