Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter Wands at Universal Orlando
If you’re heading to Universal Orlando, buying a wand in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most magical souvenirs you can bring home.
But wands here are more than just collectibles. They let you cast spells throughout Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe!
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about wands, including where to buy them, the different types available, details on the new second-generation interactive wands, and a full breakdown of interactive spellcasting locations in all three parks.
Where to Buy Wands at Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Florida (Diagon Alley)
- Ollivanders Wand Shop: the iconic wand shop where guests can witness a wand choose a wizard and browse a full selection of collectible and interactive wands.
- Wands by Gregorovitch: a smaller wand kiosk named after the rival wandmaker, offering alternative wand designs and unique lore-based options.
Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade)
- Ollivanders in Hogsmeade: Step inside the legendary wand shop for an interactive show where one guest is chosen as the wand chooses the wizard.
Epic Universe (Wizarding Paris/Ministry of Magic)
- Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique: A premier Parisian wand shop where guests can purchase exquisite wands designed by esteemed artisan Cosme Acajor. These wands come in unique three-sided boxes, each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells.
CityWalk
- Universal Studios Store
Types of Wands
- Non-Interactive Wands – Beautiful replicas of character or wood-type wands, great as souvenirs. But they do not perform “magic.” Currently, they cost $55.
- First-Generation Interactive Wands – Feature a special tip to activate magical window displays. Current price is $65.
- Second-Generation Interactive Wands – Light up, vibrate, and connect to the Universal Orlando app to track spells, unlock adventures, and enhance the experience. Cost is $85.
You can check current prices on Universal Orlando’s site.
What Makes Second-Generation Wands Special?
Second-generation wands are the latest upgrade, offering:
- Enhanced spell-casting precision!
- Light-up tips and haptic vibration when spells succeed.
- Integration with the Universal Play app (in the Universal Orlando app).
- A live interactive map showing spell locations.
- Spell tracking, achievements, and adventures.
- Family profiles so multiple users can track progress.
These extras make the new wands especially fun for kids (and adults who want the full experience).
How do you cast spells?
Here’s how spellcasting works when you buy an interactive wand in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando:
1. Get an Interactive Wand
Only interactive wands work at the spell locations in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the new Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Each wand comes with a map that marks official spellcasting spots.
2. Find the Spell Locations
Look down for brass medallions set in the ground—they mark where to stand and what movement to make with your wand. In Knockturn Alley, the map glows under blacklight to reveal hidden spots.
3. Trace the Motion (Not Big Swings!)
The key is precision. Point the tip of your wand at the target, then follow the outlined motion from the medallion (like a triangle for “Alohomora” or a swirl for “Wingardium Leviosa”).
- Keep your movements small, like writing in the air with a pen.
- Start and end with a flick, just like the wand motions you see in the movies.
4. Say the Spell (Optional but Fun)
You don’t have to say the words. Motions are what activate the effect, but who doesn’t love shouting “Incendio!” or “Aguamenti!” when casting.
5. Watch the Magic Happen
Windows light up, objects move, fountains spray water, fireworks go off, etc. Each spell has a unique interactive effect.
6. Ask for Help if Needed
Team Members are stationed near the trickier spots. They’ll happily demonstrate the right wrist movement or angle to make your spell work.
7. Second-Generation Wand Extras
If you have the new wands, they light up and vibrate when you cast correctly. They also sync with the Universal Play app, which shows your progress, unlocked spells, and adventures.
Interactive Wand Spell Locations
When you buy an interactive wand, you’ll get a paper map of spellcasting locations. Second-generation wand owners can also track them in the app. I did my best to find all the spots! The list of spells is always evolving. Leave a comment if I missed anything.
The spells below that are marked with an asterisk* are the easiest, beginner-friendly spells to try. Download a checklist of easy spells here!
Interactive Wand Spots in Hogsmeade
- Spintwitches Sporting Needs*: Try your hand at Quidditch magic. Cast Wingardium Leviosa to make the bludgers and quaffles stir inside their case, or practice summoning and vanishing charms like Accio and Evanesco.
- The Owl Post: Freeze the pesky pixies with Immobulus, banish them with Evanesco, or disarm them using Expelliarmus as they dart across the window.
- Tomes and Scrolls: A flick of Alohomora reveals a hidden copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard.
- Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop: Cast Locomotor to animate the snowman cake topper, spin the delicate teacups with Circumrota, or try your hand at Hermione’s iconic Wingardium Leviosa.
- Gladrags Wizardwear: This spot uses two charms: Ascendio to lift a measuring tape high into the air, and Descendo to bring it back down.
- Zonko’s Joke Shop*: Light up the display with Incendio and watch the fireworks burst.
- Honeydukes*: With Aberto, open up a giant chocolate frog box, then use Revelio to uncover which Hogwarts founder appears on the frog card. Advanced wand-wielders may also find Finite hiding here.
- Dogweed and Deathcap: Cast Herbivicus to help plants grow, shine light with Lumos Solem, or even try Stupefy to knock your target back.
- Dervish and Banges: Control the whimsical music box in the window using Locomotor to start it up and Arresto Momentum to bring it to a stop.
- McHavelock’s: Arresto Momentum halts water spilling into a cauldron, revealing a mischievous creature.
- Dueling Club Tent (new): Use Rennervate to animate the dueling dummy, Expelliarmus to knock away its wand, Stupefy to stun it, and Finite to close the battle.
Interactive Wand Spots in Diagon Alley
- Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes: Use Descendo to trigger a bit of Weasley-style product advertising fun.
- Carkitt Market Fountain*: Cast Aguamenti to make water pour from the frog’s mouth, or try Aqua Eructo to create splashes near the Hopping Pot.
- Bowman E. Wright Blacksmith: Perform Reparo to fix up armor, smash it apart with Reducto, or pump the bellows with Locomotor to light the fire.
- Scribbulus Parchment Display*: Aparecium uncovers a secret message on parchment; observant wizards may find an additional hidden spell here.
- Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment: Cast Specialis Revelio to examine the star map, Ventus to blow away omens, or even Expecto Patronum to chase away a Dementor.
- Horizont Alley Umbrella Sign: Meteolojinx brings on the rain.
- Pilliwinkle’s Playthings: Open the curtain with Aberto, make dancers appear with Tarantallegra, and finish it all with Finite.
- Flimflam’s Lanterns*: Incendio lights the second-floor lanterns.
- Magical Menagerie: Cantis makes creatures sing, while Silencio quiets the noisy fwooper.
- Scribbulus Quill Display: Wingardium Leviosa makes the quill float.
- Wiseacres Dark Detectors: Point your wand and cast Rennervate to bring the mysterious detectors to life.
- Hidden Spell – Slug & Jiggers Apothecary: In the right-hand window, a swirling pile of brown potion bubbles up when you trace a circular motion.
Knockturn Alley:
Knockturn Alley is a special themed area in Diagon Alley.
- Knockturn Staircase (new): Cast Incendio to illuminate the steps, then summon your Patronus with Expecto Patronum to drive away a lurking Dementor.
- Trackleshanks Locksmith: Try Alohomora to unlock the door, but be ready for a twist.
- Chimney Sweep Elf Sign*: With Locomotor, a house-elf clambers up the chimney.
- Knockturn Alley Sky (new): Call forth a storm using Meteolojinx or calm it with Meteolojinx Recanto. Other spells here include Ventus and Expecto Patronum.
- Dystyl Phaelanges*: Cast Locomotor and the towering skeleton mirrors your movements.
- Ariadne’s Spinners (new): Use Arania Exumai to fend off spiders, Evanesco to vanish them, or experiment with Geminio to duplicate objects.
- Tallow & Hemp Toxic Tapers: Ignite the candle with Incendio and confront a Dementor with Expecto Patronum. You may also stumble across transfiguration charms like Lapifors, Draconifors, Snufflifors, and Flintifors.
Interactive Wand Spots in the Ministry of Magic (Epic Universe)
- Les Bijous de Jacqueline*: Shine a chandelier with Lumos, while a Niffler scurries to find treasure.
- Librairie Magillard: A multi-spell hotspot: Revelio to reveal secrets, Aberto to unlock, Expelliarmus to disarm, Incendio to ignite, and Wingardium Leviosa to levitate.
- Fontaine de la Rue Malabête*: Summon a hidden grindylow with Accio. Just watch out for splashes.
- Les Valises Maroquinerie: Cast Descendo to pop open suitcases; if you manage to close them in the right sequence, the center case reveals a surprise.
- Le Serpent Volant: Ventus whips up a gust of wind across from Bar Moonshine, especially striking at night.
- Chez Flamel: Specialis Revelio uncovers the legendary Sorcerer’s Stone in Nicolas Flamel’s home.
- Les Instruments Larusso*: Use Locomotor to make the instruments play themselves.
- Monsieur Sanfins: Cast Incendio to fire up the cauldrons.
- Les Lumières Maroquinerie: A well-timed Titillando hex tickles a Niffler into dropping its stash of gold.
- Mauricio Meurice, Tailleur: A quick Rennervate brings the tailor’s trousers to life, wiggling in the window.
- Chez Cosmé: Cast Lumos Maxima to set the wheel of wands glowing and spinning.
- Pharmacie Branchiflore: The simple charm Revelio uncovers magical details in the window.
Conclusion
Wands are more than souvenirs at Universal Orlando. They’re your ticket to a fully interactive Harry Potter experience. Whether you pick a replica of your favorite character’s wand or upgrade to the new second-generation wand, you’ll unlock hours of fun exploring every magical corner of Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend the second-generation wand for the lights, haptics, and app-based adventures. It’s one of the best ways to bring the magic of Harry Potter to life during your trip.
FAQ: Wands at Universal Orlando
What character wands can you buy?
Honestly, it’s hard to keep up with the current list. I’m sure I’m missing a few, but here is a list of the characters that should be available.
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Bellatrix Lestrange, Narcissa Malfoy, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Fleur Delacour, and Ginny Weasley.
Here’s a list of the wood-type interactive wands you can purchase. These are not tied to specific characters, but each has its own design and “personality” inspired by the wood type:
Acacia, Alder, Ash, Birch, Cedar, Chestnut, Cypress, Ebony, Elder, Elm, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Ivy, Laurel, Maple, Oak, Pine, Poplar, Redwood, Rowan, Spruce, Sycamore, Vine, Walnut, Willow, and Yew.
These wood-type wands are popular with fans who want something more personal or unique, rather than a replica of a character’s wand.
Do you have to buy a wand to enjoy the Wizarding World?
No, but owning an interactive wand lets you unlock dozens of hidden magical effects around the parks.
Are second-generation wands worth it?
For most people, they are absolutely worth it. They add lights, vibration feedback, and app-based adventures that make the experience more immersive.
Can old (first-generation) wands still be used?
Absolutely. First-gen interactive wands still work at all the spell locations.
Do you need to say the spells out loud?
No. The movements matter most, but saying the words can add to the fun.
What happens if your wand stops working?
Team Members can usually repair or replace malfunctioning wands at no extra cost in the park.
How much do wands cost?
- Non-Interactive Wands – $55.
- First-Generation Interactive Wands – $65.
- Second-Generation Interactive Wands – $85.
Prices subject to change and don’t include tax.
If you don’t care about buying a wand at the parks, consider checking out eBay to get one for a much cheaper price.
