Master the Magic with Second Generation Interactive Wands in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

The first time I visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village, I made a beeline for Ollivanders Wand Shop. As a lifelong “Harry Potter” fan, I needed to find my perfect wand to begin my adventure as a young wizard (well… a nineteen-year-old wizard). During my visit to Ollivanders, my heart stopped when I realized I had been selected by the wand keeper to be paired with my wand in front of the entire group! After some swishing and flicking (and knocking over a couple shelves), I was finally chosen by my wand and I couldn’t have been happier.

Since then, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort has evolved to include even more magic than I had experienced that day back in 2011. With the addition of the breathtaking The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida in 2014 came more spells and opportunities to practice my spell-casting. With my wand, I could visit different spots across both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to move objects, unleash water, illuminate window displays and more!

With all this magic around you, it’s impossible to make spell-casting even more immersive… right?

Introducing Second Generation Interactive Wands

Have you ever wanted to feel the magic as you cast a spell? The all-new Second Generation Interactive Wands, coming to Universal Orlando Resort on March 1, provide new wands, enhanced spell-casting, and the opportunity to personalize your journey with Universal Play. This new era of spell-casting will be available across all three wizarding world adventures – Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic when Epic Universe opens on May 22. Let’s dive into it, shall we?

New Wands

The all-new collection — that includes four new designs of Second Generation Interactive Wands — will give guests an enhanced wand magic experience. There will be several new features like illumination effects and haptic vibrations custom to each spell so you can see and feel the results of your spell-casting in an entirely new way. Each wand will include a spell map that outlines locations where you can practice magic, as well as information on how to up your wand magic to a new level with Universal Play (more on that later!).

Enhanced Spell Casting

There will also be five new interactive wand locations throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley – bringing the total number of wand magic locations to 30! You can also expect to see 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. 

I plan to hone my magical abilities with some of the adventures accessible with the Second Generation Interactive Wands, like joining the Duelling Club.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Universal Play

Last but not least, your Second Generation Interactive Wand gives you the opportunity to customize your journey – you can have more personal spell effects, earn points for your Hogwarts House, and even cast your own Patronus… if the need arises. With Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter through your Universal Orlando Resort App, you can unlock more magic.

Exclusive Adventures

Second Generation Interactive Wands will take you on thrilling adventures throughout all three parks with Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can be prepared for chilling encounters in Knockturn Alley, perfect your elemental spells, and even learn a couple pranks if you’re feeling a little mischievous. With Universal Play, you can unlock exclusive adventures that will further develop your aptitude as a wizard — unlocking a variety of achievements (and earn bragging rights).

Unlock Achievements and Grow Your Collection

You deserve recognition for all that masterful spell-casting! As you cast spells and fine-tune your spell-work, you’ll earn Achievements to commemorate these feats. Did you make it into the top 10 wizards in the daily leaderboard? Achievement. Did you successfully freeze the pixies at the Owl Post? Another Achievement. Did you fail to defeat the Dementor on the Knockturn Alley staircase? Guess what – there’s an Achievement for that, too. You’ll find these Achievements in your “Collections”, along with all the spells you’ve mastered. There may even be secret spells… just saying. Plus, as you grow more powerful throughout your spell-casting journey, your skill will be reflected by your Wizard Level!

Digital Map

All great adventures start with a map to guide your way. In Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, 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. Whether you’re embarking on an Adventure or just showing off your magical prowess, your map is your guide to the excitement.

Wizard Profile & Personalization

You are a one-of-a-kind wizard, so your Wizard Profile should be as unique as you are. Through Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can customize your identity in the wizarding world by choosing your personal Wizard Name, an avatar and your Hogwarts House to earn points for your Hogwarts house! (I will be repping my cunning and ambitious comrades in Slytherin, of course). You will also be able to select your Patronus, a Dementor-shielding guardian produced by a charm that takes the form of an animal, so choose one that represents you.

Community

With the Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you get to experience the magic with your fellow wizards! Remember the part about earning House Points for your Hogwarts House? You’ll also get to see the progress of your House in real-time and show off your Wizard Score to those around you. While you’re at it, you can follow other wizards’ profiles and keep each other motivated. Plus, the House Cup is virtually awarded daily so you and your fellow Hogwarts House wizards can crush the competition.

Quick Recap

Second Generation Interactive Wands are available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort on March 1! Once you have yours, simply follow these steps to begin unlocking all the magic we discussed above:

• Step One: Buy your very own Second Generation Interactive Wand at a variety of merchandise locations, including Ollivanders Wand Shop located in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley, or the soon-to-be-open Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
• Step Two: Download the Universal Orlando Resort App, pair your wand, and access Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Step Three: Set up your Wizard Profile and embark on your first adventure!

Experience the magic of the wizarding world like never before and GET EXCITED! Your story is just beginning.

What house will you be repping on your Wizard Profile? Comment and let us know!