The Ultimate Guide To Harry Potter Wands (2023)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a highlight for Harry Potter fans visiting either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios in Hollywood theme parks. One fantastic thing about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the ability to buy a replica wand used by some of the most beloved characters from the franchise.

You can buy either an interactive, collectable or toy replica wand from Universal Studios. Interactive wands cost $59 plus tax, collectable wands cost $75 plus tax and toy replica wands cost $55 plus tax.

In our opinion, the best wand to purchase at Universal Studios is the interactive wand since you can use it to cast spells around the park while also using it as a display piece once you get home.

However, buying a wand inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredibly important business, especially for big fans of the franchise, as such there are some additional things you should know before you go!

How Much Do Harry Potter Wands Cost At Universal Studios?

The price you’ll pay for a wand at Universal Studios depends on the type of wand you’re looking to purchase.

Replica toy wands are the cheapest wands that can be purchased at Universal Studios and cost $55 plus tax. However, we recommend spending the additional $4 and purchasing an interactive wand for $59 plus tax.

Interactive wands are the most popular wands sold at Universal Studios and come in 26 different styles. These 26 different designs mirror those used by a beloved (or not-so-loved) character from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchise including;

1. Harry Potter
2. Hermione Granger
3. Ron Weasley
4. Ginny Weasley
5. Albus Dumbledore
6. Sirus Black
7. Professor Snape
8. Draco Malfoy
9. Professor McGonagall
10. Gregorovitch
11. Narcissa Malfoy
12. Fleur Delacour
13. Death Eater (Swirl)
14. Yusuf Kama
15. Seraphina Picquery
16. Grindelwald
17. Leta Lestrange
18. Newt Scamander
19. Theseus Scamander
20. Queenie Goldstein
21. Nicolas Flamel
22. Xeno Lovegood
23. Voldemort
24. Peter Pettigrew
25. Death Eater (Traditional)
26. Bellatrix Lestrange

If you or someone you’re travelling with is a big fan of Harry Potter then you may also want to consider purchasing a collectable wand for $75 plus tax.

These wands are made of higher-grade materials but are not interactive and as such can not be used to cast spells inside the parks.

Where Can You Buy Harry Potter Wands At Universal Studios?

You can purchase all three of the different wand types in multiple places across the Universal Studios Resort in both Orlando and Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood

At Universal Studios Hollywood you can purchase any of the different types of wands in the following locations;

• Universal Studios Store – CityWalk
• Universal Studios Store – Park Entrance
• Ollivanders – Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Wand Carts – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Orlando

At Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, you can purchase any of the different types of wands in the following locations;

• Universal Studios Store – Any on-site resort hotel
• Universal Studios Store – CityWalk
• Universal Studios Store – Universal Studios Florida
• Universal Studios Store – Islands of Adventure
• Ollivanders – Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure
• Wand Carts – Diagon Alley, Universal Studios Florida & Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure

In our opinion, the best place to purchase a Harry Potter wand is inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

However, more specifically at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure we’d recommend going to Ollivanders Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC and letting the wand choose the wizard.

Sadly, only one lucky wizard can be chosen for the wand experience in each performance, however, after the performance, you’ll be able to head next door to both browse and purchase all of the different wands available.

How Do You Get Picked At Ollivanders?

Inside Ollivanders wand shop a five-minute performance ‘wand ceremony’ sees a single person be selected from a crowd of roughly 20 (maximum capacity per show) to be chosen to have the wand choose them as shown in the first Harry Potter film.

Guests are welcome to experience this performance, regardless of whether they are looking to buy one of the standard wands, one of the interactive character wands, or in fact no wand at all.

It is in our experience one of the best things to do inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, however, despite this, the queue (located outside Ollivander’s wand shop) often only results in wait times of around 20 minutes – even during the peak hours of the day.

Being selected to have the wand choose you as part of the performance at Ollivander’s does not mean that you’ll get a free wand. Instead, Ollivander only recommends which wand is best suited for you the wizard.

More often than not a young wizard is chosen over an adult. As such if you’re an adult and looking to be part of this fun experience then I highly recommend getting to Ollivander’s first thing wherever possible to increase your chances of being the only person inside the performance.

Best Wand To Get At Universal Studios?

In our opinion, the best wand to get at Universal Studios is the interactive wand since you’re able to use this to cast spells inside the park and still have it as a great souvenir to take home afterwards.

When it comes to the design of the wand, that’s really a personal preference based on your favourite character from the franchise or your favourite wand design on the day.

Buying A Wand Based On The Celtic Tree Calander

Harry Potter fanatics may want to purchase a wand based on the Celtic tree calendar which is referenced in both the Harry Potter books and films.

Harry’s wand is made from Holly, this decision was made on the arboreal properties of the wood alone. However, it was later discovered on the Celtic tree calendar that Harry was coincidentally given the correct wood for the day of his birth.

There are 13 different types of wood used in wands that represent both different time periods and attributes;

Wood	Dates	Attributes
Birch	Dec 24 – Jan 20	Vivacious, energetic, perspicacious
Rowan	Jan 21 – Feb 17	Imaginative, resourceful, therapeutic
Ash	Feb 18 – March 17	Kind, generous, romantic
Alder	March 18 – April 14	Adventurous, confident, industrious
Willow	April 15 – May 12	Resilient, confident, strong
Hawthorn	May 13 – June 9	Flexible, strong, family-oriented
Oak	June 10 – July 7	Steadfast, optimistic, intuitive
Holly	July 8 – Aug 4	Influential, unbiased, wise
Hazel	Aug 5 – Sept 1	Precocious, creative, practical
Vine	Sept 2 – Sept 29	Persistent, restless, energetic
Ivy	Sept 30 – Oct 27	Tenacious, patient, goal-oriented
Reed	Oct 28 – Nov 24	Articulate, steadfast, adaptable
Elder	Nov 25 – Dec 23	Perceptive, sensitive, resilient

Staff will be available at all wand purchase locations and will be able to assist you in finding the correct wand based on the Celtic calendar or provide you with a closer look at the wand(s) you’re intending to purchase.

What Can You Do With A Wand At Universal Studios?

Sadly, toy and collectable wands are non-interactive wands and therefore are not designed to be used inside the Universal Studios parks. Instead, these wands are great as props for photos or as souvenirs to take home.

This is why we prefer the interactive wands since they can be used for the unique experience of casting spells inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure) at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. These wands can then also be used as display pieces or souvenirs when you’re home.

Interactive wands use an IR tip that interacts with displays across the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The locations of each of the displays are marked on a map which is provided for free inside each Harry Potter wand box upon purchasing.

If you purchased your wand at Universal Studios Orlando then your map will be two-sided; one for Universal Studios Florida and another for Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

If you purchased your wand at Universal Studios Hollywood then your map will be single-sided and only show the locations for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Once you’ve arrived at the spell location you’ll notice brass medallions on the floor. These markers represent the same symbol shown on the map and are the way in which you should move your wand in order to cast the magical spells.

There may be a small wait around some of the markers across the parks (which you’ll often find in front of shop windows) so you’ll often have a chance to see other wizards perform the spell prior to you.

At more popular or difficult spell locations there may also be team members available to help you cast the spell to try and minimise the number of people waiting around the location.

Each of the sixteen displays across Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Orlando reacts differently to the spell which can make this a super fun experience over single or multiple days at the resort.

Secret Spell Locations – Universal Studios Hollywood

Here is the complete list of secret spell locations inside Universal Studios – including two hidden locations that won’t be found on the map inside the wand;

• Honeydukes
• Three Broomsticks
• Dogweed & Deathcap
• Madam Puddifoot’s
• Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop
• Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment
• Gladrags Wizardwear
• Dervish & Banges
• Spinwitches
• Ceridwen’s Cauldrons
• Dominic Maestro’s

There are also two hidden secret spells not found on the map inside your wand, however, there will be markers on the floor.

The first location is just to the right of Dominic Maestro’s and the second is just a couple of steps from there at the large doors.

Secret Spell Locations – Universal Studios Orlando (Diagon Alley)

Here’s a complete list of the secret spell locations within the Diagon Alley area (and Knockturn Alley) of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando;

• Pilliwinkle’s Playthings
• Flimflam’s Lanterns
• Restrooms at Horizont Alley
• Magical Menagerie
• Wiseacres (window facing Gringotts)
• Wiseacres (window next to the front door)
• Scribbulus
• Brown E. Wright’s (x2)
• Mermaid Fountain
• Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
• Locomotor Chimney Sweep
• Window opposite Borgin and Burkes
• Courtyard at the back of Borgin and Burkes (x2)
• Dynasty Phaelanges

Much like at Universal Studios Hollywood, there are also two hidden spell locations inside Diagon Alley.

These locations are not shown on the map included with your wand purchase but do have markers on the floor the same as other spell locations. These locations are; Scribbulus in the window to the right of the window with the feather quill (don’t get this confused with the other marked spell location) and Slug and Jiggers Apothecary.

Secret Spell Location – Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade)

Here’s a complete list of the secret spell locations within the Hogsmeade area of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure at the Universal Studios Resort in Orlando.

• Zonko’s Joke Shop
• McHavelock’s
• Honeydukes
• Dogweed and Deathcap
• Gladrags Wizardwear
• Madam Puddifoot’s
• Dervish and Banges
• Tomes and Scrolls Specialist Bookshop
• Spintwiches

Sadly there are no secret spell locations inside Hogsmeade.

How Long Do Harry Potter Interactive Wands Last?

Given the IR technology used in the interactive Harry Potter wands no batteries are required. It’s, therefore, no surprise that these wands are designed to last for upwards of five years provided they are well looked after.

If however, you find that your wand is no longer working as expected then you should take it to Ollivander’s where either Ollivander himself or a team member will be able to help you (even if you’ve owned it for multiple years).

Are The Wands At Universal Studios Worth It?

Despite the recent price increases of the wands at Universal Studios (interactive wands from $55 to $59 and collectable wands from $70 to $79) we still believe that interactive wands are one of the best souvenirs you can purchase when visiting the parks.

That being said, if you or your child isn’t interested in Harry Potter then purchasing a wand may not be the right decision for you and instead, your money may be better spent on other items within the park.

Can You Bring Your Own Wand To Universal Studios?

Provided that your wand meets the health and safety requirements outlined by Universal Studios then you are permitted to bring one you made at home with you into the parks.

This can be a great way to save money on souvenirs and is particularly fun for younger kids to do in the run-up to their trip to the Universal Studios resort.

Can You Take Harry Potter Wands On A Plane?

We have purchased multiple wands from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter both in Hollywood, Los Angeles and Orlando, Florida.

During our flights home back to the UK, we have never been questioned both with the wands inside our hand luggage or our hold luggage. That being said, it’s always best to check with the airline you’re travelling with if you’re unsure prior to your purchase and travel.

How Do You Carry Your Wand Around Universal?

Once you purchase your wand, you’ll need to carry it with you around the park. In this case, you may opt to purchase a dedicated Ollivanders wand bag which has been specially designed for a wand.

Alternatively, there is a wand pocket inside the Hogwarts Robe. However, in the height of summer, it’s unlikely you’ll be wearing the robe outside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter given the heat and humidity.

If you’re bringing a backpack to Universal Studios with you then you’ll be pleased to know a wand is small enough to comfortably fit inside most designs. Alternatively, if you’re travelling with fewer belongings such as a fanny pack then you’ll be glad to know a wand fits inside the free lockers for when you’re required to stow your personal belongings to go on a ride inside the park.

Do Wands Work At All Parks?

We have had the pleasure of personally ensuring that an interactive wand purchased at Universal Studios Florida works not only at the adjoining park within the Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure but also over at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Therefore regardless of where you purchase an interactive wand, you can use it at any Universal park in which there is a Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Wand Frequently Asked Questions