Top 5 Ollivanders™ Wand Shop Tips & Tricks
“A wand? Well, you'll want Ollivanders. There ain't no place better!” -Hagrid
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, getting your very own wand is a must do while in the Wizarding World. If you’re lucky the wand may choose you! There are two Ollivanders™ locations in the Wizarding World, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade Village. Both offer a very magical and unforgettable experience. We like to get our wands in Diagon Alley to stay as true to the Harry Potter story as possible for the fully experience.
When Visiting Ollivanders™, there are a few tips that can make your experience even more magical. Let’s review!
Do the Ollivanders™ Wand Experience
Ollivanders features a Wand Experience(wand chooses the wizard) that lets one guest (out of a group of up to 25) receive a Harry Potter experience that is the most unforgettable theme park experience. The experiences are nearly identical to those in Hogsmeade, Ollivanders in Diagon Alley has two showrooms that run simultaneously, and it features a far bigger – and much more detailed – store in which to do your shopping afterward.
The individual selected to interact in the show will experience the same moment that Harry Potter did in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. In 2018 I was lucky enough to be chosen for a wand, the video shows the moment when the wand choose the wizard/witch. It was truly magical!
For the big Harry Potter fan, the chance to have a wand choose you is truly magical, but it’s important to note that only one person from each group of approximately 25 guests will be selected to participate in the show, the rest of the group views the show. If chosen, you will still need to purchase your wand in the shop immediately afterwards if you want to take it home with you.
For my fellow adult Harry Potter fans, know that they almost always choose a child for the experience. Even if your not chosen, the experience is truly magical and unforgettable. we highly recommend you do this while visiting.
2. Purchase an interactive Wand
If you decide to purchase a wand, you’ll want the opportunity to do magic with it! At each location, you’ll find all assortment of wands, from replicas of Harry, Ron, Hermione and other celebrated characters’ to more unique wands that are created for the witches and wizards visiting the Wizarding World. There are two types of wands, the collectable wands, and the interactive wand. The interactive wand will allow you to cast spells throughout both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village.
Where to Cast Your Spells
Each wand comes with a protective box, and a double-sided map of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade so you know where to practice your magic. On the map you’ll find numbered locations for you to follow to find the location to practice your spell casting abilities.
How to Cast Your Spells
You’ll know you’re in the right place to cast if you see a golden marker embedded in the ground pointing towards the location, usually a window display. All you have to do now is direct your wand toward where the marker is pointing and make the appropriate motions with your arm.
Some of the spells are easier to cast than others, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few wrist movements to get the hang of it, just like all the other Hogwarts students, you’ll just starting to learn how to use magic! You’ll know you’ve done it correctly, as items in the window will move or appear. If you need assistance, there’s usually a friendly master witch or wizarding will be nearby to assist.
3. Know which wand you want before you arrive
There are several wands to select from at Ollivanders™ Wand Shop. To help you save park time, browse the selection online before you arrive. The shop is often very crowded and helps if you know what you want when navigating the large crowds. There will be a helpful witch or wizard there to help you with your selection, you can ask them to help you find the wands that you’re interested in.
4. Arrive to Ollivanders™ Wand Shop at park opening
As previously mentioned, this shop can get very crowded especially in the afternoon. We recommend that if you arrive to Ollivanders™ during early park admission if you’re staying at an onsite hotel, or right at park opening. The lines are typically lower and it’s a great way to set the mood for your Wizarding World day. The free attraction lockers will be able to hold your wands, so you will not have to worry about storing the box.
If you’re unable to go early in the morning, the lines often do drop in the late afternoon. However this will limit your spell casting time for that day. And is a fun active to do as you explore the two immersive lands.
5. Plan a Trip with Wave of the Wand Travel
We truly want you to have the most magical experience possible. Our Travel Advisor Angel is a huge Harry Potter fan with extensive knowledge on the Wizarding World. She will help guide our clients along the way with personalized advice and tips to help you experience all the magic these lands have to offer, including wand experiences.
We are extremely committed in providing the best travel services, and we are always ready to go above and beyond in order to ensure the highest level of personalized service for you. Find out what magic we can bring to your vacation. Click here to contact us for more information.
