Just about every Harry Potter™ fan has imagined what it would be like to be able to cast some of the spells that are taught at Hogwarts. If only you’d received that acceptance letter! Well, now you can learn spell casting when you visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ –no letter necessary!
| WHERE CAN I |
| PURCHASE A WAND? |
Like all first years on their way to Hogwarts™, you’re going to need a wand!
There are two locations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where visitors can purchase these special interactive wands. Interactive wands can be purchased at Olivanders or at the Wand Cart on that can be found along the path to Hogwarts™ Castle. Perhaps you’ll choose the walnut and dragon heartstring wand that is a special edition only available at the wand shops at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Wands are also available for purchase at the Universal Stores at the entrance to each park and CityWalk. Pricing is the same at all locations where wands are sold.
Olivanders, Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C., has a wand for every aspiring witch or wizard. Enter the store and wander through the corridors, stacked floor to ceiling with boxes of wands. A small group of visitors will enter the Wandkeeper’s chamber where one witch or wizard (usually a child) will be chosen to be part of the show. The Wandkeeper will ask some questions about the wand shopper and then allow them to try a few wands out by casting various spells. The Wandkeeper is always able to match a wizard to a wand. The wand that is used in the show will be available for purchase, but there are many other wands available.
Olivanders sells an extensive selection of wands. Some of them are collectible and do not interact with the Wizarding World environment. But many wands are interactive and can be used to cast spells throughout Hogsmeade™. Some of the interactive wands are replicas of the wands used by witches and wizards from the Harry Potter™ books and film. There are also interactive “unclaimed” wands. The designs of these wands are based on the Celtic tree calendar, and visitors can choose one based on their date of birth, if they wish. Other wands may be limited edition character wands. Finally, there is one special edition collector’s wand that is exclusive to the wand shops at Universal Studios Hollywood.
| HOW DO I |
| CAST SPELLS? |
Be sure you purchase an interactive wand. Collectible, non-interactive wands have a white label. Interactive wands will have a gold label on the box with either a character name or an intricate “O” on the box of an unclaimed wand. All interactive wands purchased at Olivanders will include a map of the spell locations found in Hogsmeade™ and its various corners. In addition, wands can be engraved with up to 11 characters (engraving is only available for wands purchased on the same day of your visit.) The interactive wands are passive devices, meaning they do not contain any electronics. If your wand starts to glitch, return to any of the wand shops and they will “repair” if for you if they are able.
Each spell location on the map has a corresponding brass marker on the ground near where the spell is to be cast. Both the map and the marker will have the name of the spell on it and the movements for casting the spell. Position yourself behind the marker with the arrow pointing away from you. Make sure your wand is facing your target and give it a wave using the directed movements. In addition to the spells on the map, there are also two secret spells in Hogsmeade™ if you’re clever enough to find their medallions.
If you need any assistance, there are plenty of witches and wizards close by who are ready to lend a helping wand. But, if you see a sign that says there is currently an “anti-jinx in place,” it will take a very powerful wizard to overcome such a thing, so you’ll need to check back later to see if the Ministry of Magic has removed it.
HAVE FUN!