J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise spawned not just millions of adoring fans but also a world wherein magic is real and can bring lots of wonders for those lucky, curious, and willing enough to try. As such, there is no surprise that many of the franchise's fans try their best to get as close to the wizarding world as possible through clothing, wands, and even choosing the houses they would join when given a chance.
Those fans won't have to imagine anymore as Universal Studios' theme parks now feature attractions exclusively made for those who wish to briefly experience the wizarding world through their attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The theme park has everything a would-be wizard or witch would want. It has clothing similar to the movie portrayal of the books, an attempt at Quidditch, Frog Choir, and of course, Ollivanders — the place where a witch or wizard can get their wands.
But how exactly do these wands function in the theme park other than for roleplaying?
Interactive Wands
According to The Park Prodigy, a Universal Interactive Wand at Ollivanders allows its wielders to cast spells throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. A user who wants to "cast a spell" should be on the lookout for brass medallions in the ground as they indicate where users can use their wands.
Additionally, the wands do not have any electronics in them. Instead, the theme park uses a sensor that tracks the movement of the light reflected by the wand. When a spell is detected, the park's system activates the display, which shows the outcome of the caster's spell.
Thankfully, these wands come with a map for would-be wizards and witches to help them learn new spells. The map shows where they can find a "spell-caster" who can teach the would-be wizard or witch the spell of their choosing. However, not all spells can be learned on a bad day as a spell-casting location may be "jinxed" or not functioning properly.
The interactive wands can also be used to interact with the theme park's animatronics.
Wizarding World Wand Price
Would-be wizards or witches can purchase a wand for themselves before or during their visit to the theme park. There are many options to choose from, such as an original, regular wand that does not include interactive powers or Universal Interactive Wands. People can also choose to buy Universal Studios Harry Potter interactive wands can choose one based on their favorite character from the franchise.
In fact, Universal designed 13 types of wands for the theme park that are loosely based on the Celtic tree calendar Rowling used to know which wood would have been used in a specific period, per Pasta Pretzels and Passports.
Wizards and Witches who wish to get a wand on-site can do so at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade, the wand cart on the path to Hogwarts. Wads can also be purchased at Wands by Gregorovitch and Ollivanders at Diagon Alley.
The price for a wand starts at 55 dollars plus tax, while the Universal Studios Harry Potter interactive wand is at 59 dollars plus tax.
Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers visitors the option of buying a wand before a trip, which can be found on its website.
