If your little witch or wizard is anything like mine, stepping into the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando Resort is nothing short of magical. But nothing brings that magic to life more than holding an interactive wand in hand and casting real spells across Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and now, the brand-new Ministry of Magic at EPIC Universe.
Here’s everything parents need to know to help their young spellcasters make the most out of the interactive wand experience—from where to buy one to where the spells are hidden.
What are Interactive Wands, and How Do They Work?
Interactive wands are specially designed to let kids (and let’s be honest—grown-ups too!) cast spells that activate fun effects throughout the Wizarding World. These magical wands aren’t just souvenirs—they’re a hands-on, immersive way to bring the magic of Harry Potter to life. By standing on golden spell medallions embedded in the pavement and making a specific wand movement, your child can trigger things like floating quills, moving cauldrons, and singing suits of armor.
You can enjoy first-generation interactive wands, which come in many variations, or you can get non-interactive wands, which are replicas of your favorite Harry Potter wizards and witches.
New in 2025 are second-generation interactive wands, which now include light-up tips and haptic feedback—meaning they buzz and glow when you cast a successful spell!
My kids absolutely light up (pun intended) every time their wand reacts in their hands. Granted, my two-year-old is just excited to even be able to hold the wand, so doing anything is a bonus for her.
Where to Buy Wands at Universal
To make it extra magical, I recommend visiting Ollivanders Wand Shop in either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade for the full wand selection experience.
Other wand purchase locations include:
- Wands by Gregorovitch (Diagon Alley)
- Main gift shops (at each park entrance)
- CityWalk
- Online before your trip
You can also find interactive wands at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques in the new Ministry of Magic area of Epic Universe.
How Much Do Wands Cost?
- Non-interactive wands: $55 (plus tax)
- First Generation wands: $63 (plus tax)
- Second Generation wands: $85 (plus tax)
What’s New: The Universal Orlando App & Spell Tracking
One of the most exciting new features is the integration of the Universal Orlando App with the interactive wand experience. Parents can now track spells completed, earn magical achievements, and explore in-app clues for hidden spell locations. It’s a great way to keep the day organized and gamify the adventure for kids who love collecting milestones.
Just be sure to download the app ahead of your visit and link your wand to your Universal account once purchased.
Linking the wand is super easy – even my four-year-old was able to do it! Just scan your wand box and follow the app prompts.
Introducing Wand Adventures
Inside the app, you’ll find Wand Adventures, which turns spellcasting into a game. You’ll follow a magical map, complete timed spells, and unlock your next adventure. This feature is exclusive to second-generation wands and adds a whole new level of play-especially for little ones too small to ride the bigger attractions.
We enjoyed the adventures, and it opened up a new experience for us in the Wizarding World. As Floridians, we visit often, and this area of Universal is always a must, so having a new variety of activities to do makes it even more fun.
Leaderboards, House Points, and Collection
Once your child’s profile is set up, they can track their spellcasting score, earn house points, and even see where they rank. The app also tracks collected spells, achievements, and even magical beasts!
Still Have an Older Wand? No Problem!
Have a wand from a previous trip to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade? Don’t worry—those first-generation wands still work to cast spells! While they don’t have all the bells and whistles of the newer models, they’re fully compatible with spell locations throughout EPIC Universe’s Wizarding World zones. (Just make sure your wand’s tip isn’t cracked—sometimes older wands lose sensitivity and might need a quick replacement at Ollivanders or Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique.)
Note: Only second-generation wands are compatible with the app.
Where to Cast Spells: All the Spellcasting Locations
Each wand comes with a map of spell locations, but I’ll also be sharing a custom spellcasting map to help you plan your magical journey.
One of our favorite new additions in Epic Universe is the talking portrait courtyard in Le Goblet Noir near Quartier de Nicolas Flamel. Here, enchanted portraits interact with spellcasters and offer a new layer of fun!
Final Thoughts
Wands aren’t required to enjoy the Wizarding World—but they do add so much fun, especially for young fans! Whether it’s the wand choosing the wizard at Ollivanders or watching your little one’s face light up after a successful spell, the magic is real.
Just remember—the new app features only work with second-generation wands, so be sure to grab the right one if that’s on your list.If this guide was helpful, imagine having a Smart Moms Travel Agent helping every step of the way! If you’re already working with a Smart Moms agent, you’re in great hands. If not, I’d love to help your family plan a magical Universal trip. Just fill out my quick form here and let’s get started!
