Wands are not just wooden sticks. They’re so much more. As any potterhead will tell you – wands help you to focus and channel your magic spells and perform all kinds of fantastic feats. From the simple accio to the slightly more complicated confundus charm and wingardium leviosa, every witch and wizard has a favorite charm and a special connection with their wand. There’s a ton of fun to be had with these popular wizarding accessories. So, what wands can you get at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
As Mr. Ollivander has said on more than one occasion, “The wand chooses the wizard.” But at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, wizards and witches can choose their very own wands with variations in the core (phoenix feather, unicorn hair, or dragon heartstring) and wood (sycamore, laurel, alder, and more).
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of wands you can get at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and find out what special skills each wand imparts to its owner. Here’s how you can make your own unique wand at Universal Orlando.
Choose the core for your wizarding wand
Wandcores are made of three substances – phoenix feather, unicorn hair, or dragon heartstring, and each of these illustrious core materials has special qualities.
Phoenix feather wands: This is the rarest type of wand core. Characters who use this core include Harry Potter, Silvanus Kettleburn, and Lord Voldemort. Wands with phoenix feather cores are the most versatile. You can use them to do all kinds of magic. These wand cores show initiative and are known to occasionally act on their own (something that doesn’t go down well with many wizards and witches). And while wands with phoenix feather cores are the hardest to tame and the pickiest when it comes to choosing owners, once they’re yours, you will have allegiance for life.
Unicorn hair wands: The most trustworthy core, the unicorn hair, is the preferred wand core for the likes of Ron Weasley, Cedric Diggory, and Neville Longbottom. If you want consistency, dependability, and faithfulness, then unicorn hair wands are the right pick for you. However, they are the most challenging when it comes to performing the Dark Arts and do not make the most powerful wands. If you choose a unicorn hair core, then be sure to compensate with a wood that makes up for any shortcomings. And keep in mind, these wands need careful handling or they will “die” and need replacement of the hair.
Dragon heartstring wands: Join the likes of Hermione Granger, Viktor Krum, and Bellatrix Lestrange when you choose a wand with a dragon heartstring core. Capable of magnificent power and flamboyant spells, these wands are quick learners. But don’t expect undying allegiance from these wands with dragon heartstring cores for they can change allegiance in the blink of an eye. They are easier to perform the Dark Arts with and unlikely to act on their own, but being temperamental, they are prone to accidents.
Choose the wood for your wizarding wand
Every wood used to make wizarding wands is special. It derives its character from the particular tree as well as the magical creatures from which its materials are derived. Here are 10 of the most popular woods for wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Sycamore: This popular wood loves new experiences and can burst into flames if exposed to the mundane. The ideal owner for a sycamore wood wizarding wand is curious and adventurous. When paired with such an owner, a sycamore wand learns and adapts and can quickly become one of the most prized wands in Potter universe.
Laurel: It is believed that laurel wands will never perform a dishonorable act, but Mr. Ollivander says they can sometimes be lethal in their quest for magical glory. One thing a laurel wood wand will not tolerate is laziness in its owner. And the best thing about this wand? If another witch or wizard tries to steal it, they’ll get zapped by a lightning strike.
Alder: Witches and wizards who are likeable, considerate, and love helping others can find their match in alder wood wands at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This loyal helper performs best with non-verbal spells and is therefore suitable for more advanced wizards and witches.
Hazel: This wand wood works best for an owner who is in control of their emotions. In the hands of a skilled witch or wizard, a hazel wood wand is capable of fantastic magical spells. This devoted wand often dies along with its owner, especially if coupled with a unicorn hair core. A unique ability of hazel wood wands is their ability to detect underground water!
Vine: If you’re a witch or wizard with a vision and hidden depths in your personality, then a vine wood wand could be your ideal magical companion. Capable of emitting magical effects when a suitable owner merely enters the same room, these wands can frequently astound even wizards who think they know everything.
Redwood: This wand wood is believed to bring fortune to its owners. Although Mr. Ollivander would disagree – he thinks redwood wands are strongly attracted to those who have the admirable qualities to emerge undefeated from catastrophes. Exciting things can happen when a redwood wand is paired with its ideal owner.
Beech: Young and wise beyond your years? Old and understanding with rich experience? A beech wood wand is ideal for both. What these wands will not tolerate are weak, intolerant, or narrow-minded owners. When paired with the right owner, they can perform some of the most majestic magic ever seen in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Maple: Explorers, adventurers, and travelers will naturally gravitate towards maple wood wands. Keep them at home, let them get bored, and their magic will fade. These wands love a fresh challenge and bestow a special status on their owners because historically they have belonged to top magicians.
Rowan: Wizards and witches who want a wand that will protect them with charms that are difficult to break should choose rowan wood. No dark wizard has ever owned one because rowan wood wands are for the pure-hearted and clear-headed. But don’t be fooled by the reputation for virtue. When it comes to duels, rowan wood wands can outperform many competitors.
Cypress: When Ollivander matches a cypress wand to a witch or wizard, he is sure of one thing – they will die a heroic death. This wand wood, commonly associated with nobility, is ideal for brave, bold, and self-sacrificing wizarding enthusiasts who would gladly lay down their lives for the common good.
Cast spells throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Once you’ve picked your core and wood and got your ideal wand, you’re ready to cast spells throughout the magical lands of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Gently flick your wrist or wave your wand with a flourish, recite the proper spell, and watch the magic unfold. If you speak slowly and practice a few times, you’re sure to get amazing, fun results with your wand and wizarding powers.
Keep in mind that to experience the interactive wands in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the same day, you will need a park-to-park ticket that allows access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Can’t wait to practice your magic as soon as you enter Hogsmeade Village or Diagon Alley? Purchase your wand before your trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and start the magic immediately at the various interactive wand zones around Universal Orlando.