New second-generation Harry Potter wands coming Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort is set to upgrade the interactive wand experience within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, launching its Second Generation Interactive Wands on March 1.
This update will extend across all three wizarding realms: Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, set to debut with Epic Universe on May 22.
The all-new collection includes four new designs and 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. Prices for the wands have not yet been announced.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Existing wand magic locations throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are receiving significant enhancements.
- The Duelling Club Tent – In Hogsmeade, guests can cast a spell to bring an abandoned dueling dummy to life and test their dueling spells ability;
- The Owl Post – In Hogsmeade, mischievous pixies dart across the window and hide behind packages as guests cast a spell to try and freeze them;
- Knockturn Alley Staircase – In Diagon Alley, guests must defend themselves by conjuring their patronus after a dementor emerges within the dimly lit staircase;
- Ariadne’s Spinners – In Diagon Alley, guests will need to cast a spell to repel spiders of all sizes before they take over the newspaper-covered glass windows;
- Knockturn Alley Sky – In Diagon Alley, guests can cast a spell into the nighttime sky to control a storm or counter-spell to calm the sky. Expect to see more visceral casting effects and magical spellbooks to guide your incantations. Several iconic locations are also getting exciting new spell effects, according to Universal Orlando.
Universal Play transforms the experience with the new Harry Potter wands into a personalized adventure. Guests can create a unique Wizard Profile, choosing their Wizard Name, avatar, Hogwarts House, and Patronus. A digital map within the app will guide them through the wizarding world, revealing spell-casting locations and exclusive adventures.
Every spell cast and challenge completed earns Achievements, which are collected and displayed in your profile alongside mastered spells and Wizard Level. Did you freeze the pixies or fail to defeat the Dementor? There’s an Achievement for that. The app fosters a sense of community, allowing guests to follow other wizards, track House Points in real-time, and participate in daily House Cup competitions.
