While I still haven’t gotten my Hogwarts letter, I figured I should be prepared for when it does come and have my wand.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have Hagrid taking us around Diagon Alley for the first time and things can get confusing.
So let’s chat about the Wands available at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Please keep in mind, this specifically for the Orlando location.
OK how complicated can be to get a wand?
It is not complicated, but there are a few things you should know to make your experience easier than a summoning charm.
Types of Wands
In order to get the full experience, you need an interactive wand. These wands are $63 plus tax (as of November 2023). There are cheaper wands, but you will not be able to cast the interactive spells with them, and that is part of the fun.
Well, you’ll want Ollivanders. There ain’t no place better.
Throughout the park you will see places to buy wands. In fact, you can even buy them at the airport if you change your mind on your way home.
But that isn’t fun. You want to stop at Ollivanders, which has shops in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. If you are traveling during a busy time, you may want to visit the Diagon Alley location as there are two showrooms so the line moves faster. But it is worth it to wait and not just go into the shop because there is a short but very fun, very magical show led by a wandkeeper (wizards employed by none other than Ollivander himself).
And maybe you are less impulsive than I am and are waiting for your letter before you buy a wand. That’s OK! You can watch the show and leave. You don’t have to buy a wand.
One lucky guests gets selected to be a part of it. A lot of the time, the wandkeeper selects someone in robes so keep that in mind if you are hoping to get selected. Please remember, it is not guaranteed! Also, if you are selected, please keep in mind, the wand that is your perfect match is not free- you will still have to purchase it.
The Wand Chooses the Wizard
After the show is over, the fun continues and your wand will choose you! Here is my bonus tip- consider looking at the wands beforehand on line. I was super overwhelmed my first time there and wish I had an idea of what I wanted before I got in.
I was torn between a few. I really liked Neville’s and Professor McGonagall’s but ultimately went with my fellow Hufflepuff- Tonks. If you want something a little more unique, you can pick an “unclaimed” wand, which is a wand that is not associated with a character.
If you super unoverwhelmed or unsure, feel free to ask a wandkeeper for advice. They will ask you a few questions to help your wand find you.
You can also get your wand engraved with your name, the name of the character or anything else 11 characers or less. It is an extra $30 to get your wand engraved and it has to be on a brand new, interactive wand. Unfortunately I can’t bring back my Tonk wand to get it engraved.
If you are in Diagon Alley, you can order the engraving at Ollivanders and pick it up in Borgin and Burkes, which is tucked away in Knockturn Alley. If you are in Hogsmeade, you will buy the personalization in Dervish and Banges and pick it up outside the Wizarding World, in Heraldry in The Lost Continent. It typically takes about an hour but the wandkeepers will tell you tell you when.
Casting Spells
OK now you are ready to do some magic. When you open your wand, you will find a map of all the areas where you can cast interactive spells. You will notice a gold plate on the ground that will help you find the exact place.
Unfortunately, maybe the reason I didn’t get my letter yet is I am very bad at casting spells. For most, you just need small wrist movements and I couldn’t seem to get them (if you know me, this wouldn’t surprise you). If you look closely, you will see an eye. That is the exact spot you want to aim your wand.
And often, their are helpful wizards who can guide you if you need it too.
Take your time
What I love about this activity is that it gives you time to explore and take in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Have a butterbeer, watch the Frog Choir and cast some spells.
Ready to book your vacation to the Wizarding World? Lets get started here.
