Where (and How!) to Use Wizarding Wands at Universal Orlando Resort

Hoppin’ news! Universal Epic Universe is now open — and you can save on your Universal Orlando tickets when you purchase through Undercover Tourist, up to $88 per ticket!

‘Sup! Tad here. One of my favorite parts of the entire "Harry Potter" series is when Harry Potter goes to Diagon Alley and experiences the magic of the Wizarding World for the first time. He gets his Hogwarts robes, school supplies and, of course, Hedwig! Lastly, but most importantly, he stops by the wand shop, Ollivanders. I doubt I’m the only one who gets chills when the wand chooses Harry! Luckily, you can experience the same scenario yourself at Universal Orlando Resort. Let the wand choose YOU at Ollivanders, which has two locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. But if you're in Wizarding Paris, you can stop by Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique for a luxurious selection of wands. There are different types of Wizarding World of Harry Potter wands, which I’ll explain in more detail below! Psst, if you get an interactive wand, you can cast spells along the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, snowy rooftops of Hogsmeade and towering buildings of Place Cachée.

Hop To

• Where to Buy a Wand
• Second Generation Interactive Wands
• Personalization
• Ollivanders Wand Show
• Spell Locations

Finding and Buying Wizarding Wands

Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida) 

If you want the full wand shopping experience, look no further than Ollivanders. This famous wandmaker and his descendants have been crafting wands since 382 B.C. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can find two Ollivanders stores — one in Diagon Alley and the other in Hogsmeade. Ollivanders carries 13 original wand designs as well as character wands. The original designs are made from birch, rowan, ash, alder, willow, hawthorn, oak, holly, hazel, vine, ivy, reed or elder woods. In December 2022, a collection apparated into Ollivanders, featuring wands made from larch, aspen, black walnut, chestnut, ebony, elm, English oak, hornbeam, laurel, maple, poplar, sycamore and yew. Additionally, the range of character wands is quite extensive. You can find the wands of major characters, such as Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore and Voldemort, as well as many supporting characters, including Mad-Eye Moody and Nymphadora Tonks.

The character wands are labeled by the character’s name, and the original Ollivanders designs have labels with an intricate "O." If you’re looking specifically for an interactive wand, look for the labels in gold. (A white label means it’s a non-interactive, decorative wand.) As far as pricing goes, make sure to set aside $65 for an interactive wand or $55 for a non-interactive wand. (Note: Universal is phasing out the non-interactive wands.)

You can also find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter wands at Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley (this outdoor stand only sells character wands and most of them are interactive models), as well as the main gift shops near each park’s entrance and the Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk.

Each wand comes with a double-sided map that shows the spell locations in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. If you hoppen to lose your map, you can ask for another one at Ollivanders for free. You can bring the same wand for future trips to any Universal theme park (yes, even at Universal Studios Hollywood) and it should still work! But if your wand is having any trouble with casting spells (likely that the tip of the wand is scratched), go to Ollivanders for a "wand repair" and they will gladly replace it for you.

Place Cachée (Universal Epic Universe)

If you thought Garrick Ollivander had a monopoly on wand-making, you would be mistaken. In 2025, your wand-finding experience is about to get a whole lot more elegant.

Meet Cosme Acajor, esteemed artisan wandmaker extraordinaire. She runs her own wand store, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques, in the 1920s in Place Cachée — the hidden, bustling pocket of Paris that caters to witches and wizards. If visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe, you can shop her refined inventory of couture-influenced wands.

Specializing in different wand cores than her British wand master counterparts, Acajor considers her wands works of art and only sells products of the highest caliber. Peruse the neatly stacked displays of her signature triangular packages and learn all about her unique approach to wand lore.

First Generation wands, which include character wands and Cosme's specialty designs, are $65, while Second Generation wands are $85. When checking out, you are asked if you want a gift bag — just note that it is an extra $3. Cosme Acajor's does not sell any non-interactive wands.

Second Generation Interactive Wands

In 2025, spell-casting got a little more magical. As of March 1, Universal Orlando Resort is selling all-new Second Generation Interactive Wands, which provide new wands, enhanced spell-casting and the opportunity to personalize your journey with Universal Play. This new era of spell-casting is available across all three wizarding world adventures: Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and Place Cachée (Ministry of Magic).

This brand-new wand collection includes four new designs and gives guests an enhanced wand magic experience. Prepare to see and feel the results of your spell-casting in an entirely new way with new features, such as illumination effects and haptic vibrations custom to each spell! Like its predecessors, each wand includes a spell map that outlines where you can practice magic ... as well as information on how to up your wand magic to a new level with Universal Play.

Universal Play

Your Second Generation Interactive Wand gives you the opportunity to customize your magical journey. Unlock more magic with Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter through the Universal Orlando Resort app. Second Generation Interactive Wands will take you on thrilling quests throughout all three parks. With Universal Play, you can unlock exclusive adventures that will further develop your aptitude as a wizard!

Achievements

As you cast spells and fine-tune your spell-work, you'll earn Achievements to commemorate these frogtastic feats. Whether you made it into the top 10 wizards in the daily leaderboard or successfully froze the pixies in the Owl Post or even failed to defeat the Dementor on the Knockturn Alley staircase, your Achievements will be documented in "Collections," along with all the spells you've mastered. As you grow more powerful throughout your spell-casting journey, your skill will be reflected by your Wizard level. (Psst ... be on the lookout for secret spells!)

Digital Map

In Universal Play, you'll have access to a digital map of the wizarding world that will help you navigate all three parks to find both spell-casting and Adventure locations.

Wizard Profile & Personalization

Through Universal Play, you can customize your identity in the wizarding world by choosing your Wizard Name, an avatar and your Hogwarts House to earn points for your house. You'll also be able to select your very own Patronus (a Dementor-shielding guardian produced by a charm that takes the form of an animal, for you Muggles)! Each animal represents something different, so be sure to choose one that represents you.

Community

You'll be able to see the progress of your House in real-time and show off your Wizard Score to witches and wizards are you. You can also follow other wizards' profiles and keep each other motivated. Plus, the House Cup is virtually awarded daily, so you and your fellow housemates can crush the competition!

For more on these epic new wands, Universal Play and the new spell locations, check out our spellbinding guide!

Personalizing Your Wand

We're hopping with joy because frogs in Orlando are finally able to personalize their wand with a special engraving! These engravings are eligible on all wands except old Ollivanders originals, non-interactive wands and poplar wands AND can only be done on wands purchased that same day. That unfortunately means you can't bring a wand from home and have it engraved on your trip. Additionally, if you purchase a wand early in the day and decide a few hours later you want to come back and have it engraved, you must retain and present the box and the receipt.

All engravings have a maximum limit of 11 characters, can only have letters (so no numbers or special characters) and must be of your name (first, last or nickname) or any Harry Potter character's name. (An exception to the rule is Harry Potter character names that go over 11 characters, such as "Albus Dumbledore.")

Engravings are priced at $30. If you're in Universal Studios Florida, you can purchase an engraving at Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley and pick up your wand 45 to 60 minutes later at Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley. If you're in Universal Islands of Adventure, you can purchase an engraving at Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade and pick up your wand 45 to 60 minutes later at the Heraldry in The Lost Continent.

Ollivanders Wand Show

At either Ollivanders location, be sure to check out the wand selection show! During the show, the wandkeeper randomly picks a witch or wizard from the group. There is no guaranteed way to be selected, but it may help if you stand near the front of the room so you can be easily seen. The wandkeeper will then give the participant a few different wands to test out with various spells before they find the perfect match. If you’re the lucky witch or wizard, you have the option to purchase the wand that chose you. You can also peruse the other wands in the shop as you exit the wand pairing room.

During our most recent visit, I just hoppened to be picked! How cool is that?!? It was truly a memorable experience that I'll cherish forever. After some failed attempts watering a bouquet of flowers and moving a ladder, a reed wand with a phoenix tail feather core picked me. Talk about a magical moment! Phoenix feathers are capable of the greatest range of magic, so I can't wait to test out its versatility and power on my next visit.

We’d definitely recommend the show to huge "Harry Potter" fans. Since the show runs short (it’s about five minutes in length), we’d advise you to skip it if there’s a long line out the door and you’d have to wait more than 15 minutes. If it’s a top priority for you, head to Ollivanders first thing in the morning or later at night when the crowds are lower. It's also important to know that the location in Diagon Alley has two showrooms (as opposed to Hogsmeade where there's only one), so the line moves much more quickly. On our most recent visit, we went to the Diagon Alley location just after lunch and only waited about 10 minutes to go in!

Finding the Interactive Spell Locations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

As you walk around Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, use your map to look for gold medallions on the ground. These markers indicate where you should stand, what spell to say and how to move your wand. Swish and flick!

When you cast a spell, extend your arm and flick your wand, mainly using your wrist. You do not need to make full-arm movements. Some spells are harder than others. It may take a few tries before you’re able to cast a spell properly, so do not fret and automatically assume that you’re a muggle or squib (a person who's born into a wizarding family but does not possess any magical abilities). There are helpful wizards and witches who walk around to assist you. And if you’re struggling, you can get your wand inspected and repaired at Ollivanders. If there's an anti-jinx sign, the spell location itself may be having some trouble.

We're so hoppy to report that along with the Second Generation Interactive Wands, Universal Orlando debuted five new interactive wand locations throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley — bringing the total number of wand magic locations to 30. They also debuted several enhancements to all existing wand magic locations in both lands with new visceral casting special effects, magical spell-books that provide guidance at select locations, and more!

Interactive Spots in Hogsmeade

1. Zonko’s Joke Shop — Cast “Incendio” to make Dr. Filibuster’s fireworks burst into action.
2. McHavelocks — Use “Arresto Momentum” to stop water from pouring into a cauldron, which tips over to reveal a mischievous creature inside.
3. Honeydukes — I might be biased, but this is one of my favorites. Say “Aberto” and wave your wand to open a giant chocolate frog box for a ribbeting surprise. You can also cast "Revelio" to reveal a Hogwarts founder on the chocolate frog card. Cast "Finite" to finish off strong and fight for what's right with a secret spell!
4. Dogweed and Deathcap — A proper “Herbivicus” spell may cause some plants to flourish. Cast "Lumos Solem" to shine a light and "Stupefy" to stun your target.
5. Gladrags Wizardwear — It’s double the fun! This spot requires two spells to raise an object (“Ascendio”) and lower it down (“Descendo”).
6. Madam Puddifoots — Use “Locomotor” to make the snowman cake topper come to life. Then, aim your wand toward the teacups sitting on the cupboard in the back of the shop and cast "Circumrota" to make them spin. You can also use Hermione's famous "Wingardium Leviosa" here!
7. Dervish and Banges — Start and stop the music box in the window with the spells “Locomotor” and “Arresto Momentum.” The music playing isn’t the only thing that happens!
8. Tomes and Scrolls — “Alohomora” unlocks a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard.
9. Spintwitches — Say it with me now, “Wingardium LeviOsa” (not “levioSA”). If you pronounce it properly, pay attention to the Quidditch bludgers and quaffles. You can also test your skills with "Accio" and "Evanesco."
10. The Dueling Club Tent — Bring a dueling dummy to life with "Rennervate" and prepare to spar! Use "Stupefy" to stun your opponent, "Expelliarmus" to disarm him and "Finite" to finish him off. (New location; Second Generation Interactive Wands only)
11. The Owl Post — Freeze pixies darting across the window and hiding behind packages with "Immobulus," make them vanish with "Evanesco" and disarm them with "Expelliarmus." (New location)

Interactive Spots in Diagon Alley

1. Pilliwinkle’s Playthings — Cast "Aberto" to open the curtain and then “Tarantallegra” to make some rather unexpected dancers perform. Finish off strong with "Finite!"
2. Flimflams Lanterns — Light up the second-floor lanterns with “Incendio,” the Fire-Making spell.
3. Horizont Alley Umbrella Sign — Make it rain with the “Meteolojinx” spell.
4. Magical Menagerie — Cast "Cantis" to bewitch your targets to sing. Then point your wand to the left of the fwooper’s head and say “Silencio” to silence its squawking.
5. Wiseacres Dark Detectors —  Just direct your wand toward the bottom of the window and cast "Rennervate." You may feel some eyes watching your every move ...
6. Wiseacres Wizarding Equipment — Use the “Specialis Revelio” spell, and keep an eye on the star map! Then use "Expecto Patronum" to repel a Dementor! With powerful magic, even dark omens can be blown away with "Ventus."
7. Scribbulus Quill Display — Levitate a quill with “Wingardium Leviosa.”
8. Scribbulus Parchment Display — Concentrate carefully on the parchment and use "Aparecium" to reveal a secret message. Adventurous wizards may also discover a secret spell here ...
9. Bowman E. Wright Blacksmith — Cast three spells that affect different objects at this location. The first two, “Reparo” and "Reducto," repair a suit of armor and reduce it to pieces, respectively. The third spell, “Locomotor,” moves the blacksmith’s bellows to start the fireplace.
10. Carkitt Market Mermaid Fountain — When you cast “Aguamenti,” water from the small drinking fountain will spout out of the frog’s mouth. But then hop out of the way and watch out for water coming from other directions! You can also cast "Aqua Eructo" to make a splash near the Hopping Pot!
11. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes — In true trickster fashion (expect nothing less from the Weasley twins), let’s just say that “Descendo” helps out with advertising for their product, U-No-Poo!

There are also some hidden spells that you can’t find on the map. They do not have the gold medallions to mark them:

1. Scribbulus — Wave your wand (a triangular motion worked best for me) in front of the blank parchment paper on display in the right window, and a message will appear. Cast this one multiple times for different messages.
2. Slug & Jiggers Apothecary — In the far-right window, a mysterious pile of brown stuff will bubble out of a crate if you move your wand in a circular motion.

Interactive Spots in Knockturn Alley

As you enter Knockturn Alley, look at your spells map under the blacklight and the spell locations will illuminate, as it’s quite dark in this dodgy area of the Wizarding World.

1. Chimney Sweep Elf Sign — This one is a bit difficult to locate, but look high up for a sign in the shape of a chimney to the right of Dystyl Phaelanges. Cast the “Locomotor” spell, and a house-elf will climb the chimney.
2. Dystyl Phaelanges — As the most popular interactive wand spot in Knockturn Alley, the “Locomotor” spell causes the large skeleton to mirror your movements.
3. Tallow and Hemp Toxic Tapers — Look for a bird in a cage in one of the windows around the corner from Borgin and Burkes. The “Incendio” spell will attract the attention of a Dementor, which you'll then use "Expecto Patronum" to repel. Other spells for other adventures here include "Flintifors," the animals-to-matchboxes spell; "Lapifors," the creature-to-rabbit spell; "Snufflifors," the object-to-mouse spell; "Duro," the object-to-stone spell and "Draconifors," the creature-to-dragon spell.
4. Trackleshanks Locksmith — Attempt to unlock a door with the “Alohomora” spell, but the locksmith has something else in store for those who try to break in.
5. Ariadne's Spinners — Repel spiders on newspaper-covered windows with "Arania Exumai" and exterminate them with "Evanesco." Other spells here include "Geminio," the Duplication charm and a secret spell in the Quidditch Trials adventure. (New location)
6. Knockturn Alley Sky — Control a storm with "Meteolojinx" or calm the sky with "Meteolojinx Recanto." Other spells here include "Ventus," the windy spell and "Expecto Patronum." (New location)
7. Knockturn Alley Staircase — Cast "Incendio" to light up the dark staircase. Then, use "Expecto Patronum" to conjure your Patronus to defeat a dangerous Dementor. (New location; Second Generation Interactive Wands only)

Interactive Spots in the Ministry of Magic

1. Fontaine de la Rue Malabête — "Accio," The Summoning Charm
2. Librairie Magillard — "Revelio," The Revealing Charm; "Aberto," The Opening Charm; "Expelliarmus," The Disarming Charm; "Incendio," The Fire-Making Charm; "Wingardium Leviosa," The Levitation Charm
3. Les Instruments Larusso — "Locomotor," The Locomotion Charm
4. Les Lumières Maroquinerie — "Titillando," The Tickling Hex
5. Les Bijous de Jacqueline — "Lumos," The Wand-lighting Charm
6. Monsieur Sanfins — "Incendio," The Fire-Making Spell
7. Chez Flamel — "Specialis Revelio," A Specialised Revealing Charm; "Aberto," The Opening Charm
8. Pharmacie Branchiflore — "Revelio," The Revealing Charm
9. Mauricio Meurice, Tailleur — "Rennervate," The Reviving Charm
10. Les Valises Maroquinerie — "Descendo," The Descending Charm
11. Le Serpent Volant — "Ventus," The Windy Spell
12. Chez Cosmé — "Lumos Maxima," The Wand-lighting Charm

We could practically spend an entire day using our interactive Wizarding World of Harry Potter wands around Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. What's your favorite spell to cast? Share in the comments below!

Related: Guide to Dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

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