In preparation for the opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort has announced a new generation of Harry Potter wands will be available for sale, for use around all three Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the newly-opening Universal Epic Universe.
These new wands will be available for purchase starting March 1st, and come with a variety of new designs and features to enhance your magical experience as a Witch or Wizard within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With four new designs, this new generation of wand makes it easier than ever before to cast spells at an expanded number of locations around Universal Orlando Resort. With illumination effects and built-in haptic vibrations unique to each spell, guests will be able to hone their spellcasting talents with ease.
In addition to new physical features to these second-generation interactive wands, Universal will also be debuting a Universal Play function that will allow guests to experience their interactive wands in a brand-new way from right within the Universal Orlando app.
Through this app feature, guests can choose their name, their house, their avatar, and their patronus to display on their interactive wizard profile, creating a totally unique, personalized, and customizable experience for each guest playing. This app also allows guests to explore and engage in exclusive adventures in varying levels of skill not found anywhere else; from high-skill spells to time challenges, guests can play across Universal Orlando Resort with their new wands in a way never before experienced.
Guests can earn points for their Hogwarts house by completing adventures and challenges, and follow other witches and wizards to see how their magical skills stack up against other students! House points, Level Progress and EXP, Achievements, and exclusive spellwork can be found within the Universal Orlando app, and a House Cup will be awarded to the house with the most points at the end of every day – so try to stay out of trouble (I’m looking at you, Gryffindors!).
With the release of this new wave of interactive wands, Universal Orlando has also expanded the number of interactive magic locations that guests will be able to find throughout the parks. In addition to the exciting new opportunities in Epic Universe, the number of spots in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have also expanded, now including thirty interactive locations through the two original Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands.
Guests can find interactive locations in new places, like the Dueling Club Tent in Hogsmeade, where they can bring a training dummy to life and test their spellwork in a wizard duel; or the Owl Post, where guests can help freeze pesky pixies who have been hiding in the Owlry.
Knockturn Alley also has new locations, where guests must use the patronus spell to protect themselves against a rogue Dementor lurking in the shadowy staircases around the dark alleyway – or for some more lighthearted fun, use a weather charm to cause a thunderstorm over the dreary skies above!
And once you find your way out of Knockturn Alley (what were you doing down there, anyway?) be sure to stop by Ariadne’s Spinners and use your magic to help the shopkeeper stop spiders of all sizes from taking over the storefront.
But these new spots aren’t the only perks that spellcasters can find around Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade! Many of the existing locations have been enhanced, featuring new casting effects and magical spellbooks that help guide new wizards.
When Epic Universe opens, the thirty locations at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley will be joined by an additional fourteen new wand magic locations that will give guests the opportunity to embark on adventures like discovering the Philosopher’s Stone, interacting with magical creatures, and more.
After the March 1st launch, guests will be able to purchase these new wands at their favorite wand shops across Universal Orlando Resort like Ollivander’s Wand Shop at Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley, or Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques, coming soon to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. These interactive wands will be the perfect way to start off your Epic Universe Adventure, so be sure to stop at one of the dedicated wand shops throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or various other wand locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort, to check out the newest wave of interactive magic!
