Harry Potter Fans Will Be Able To Cast New Magic With Next-gen Universal Orlando Feature

Epic Universe reveals plans for new wizarding Harry Potter world

Universal revealed plans for a new Harry Potter themed land at Epic Universe, billing them as their "most impressive" attraction yet.

Universal Orlando Resort is getting a little more magical for Harry Potter fans. 

The Florida resort will debut a new generation of wands Saturday that look and feel closer to the real thing when casting spells throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a popular activity in the parks. Guests will also be able to use the wands in new ways in conjunction with the resort’s free app. 

There will also be new places for guests to practice magic in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and eventually the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic when Universal Epic Universe opens this May.  

Here’s what Harry Potter fans should know before their next visit. 

There are certain marked places throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure where guests can wave an interactive wand to illicit a touch of magic in their surroundings. It may be a fountain spitting water or lanterns lighting up. The exact spell and wand motion are indicated at each location. 

The first generation of interactive wands will continue to work as they have previously. 

“The all-new Second Generation Interactive Wands will give guests an enhanced and exhilarating wand magic experience that includes several new features such as illumination effects and haptic vibrations custom to each spell so they can see and feel the results of their spellcasting like never before,” Universal Orlando shared Wednesday. 

The new wands will come in four different designs. For now, they are specific to the Florida resort. 

Connecting the new wands to Universal Play within Universal Orlando’s app will unlock additional experiences. 

“Guests can personalize their wizarding story by customizing their very own Wizard Profile where they can select their Wizard Name, Hogwarts House, Avatar and Patronus,” Universal Orlando said. “While casting spells throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, their select attributes will be integrated into the effects of their spellcasting – creating a personalized experience for each guest.” 

Guests using Universal Play will also be able to earn points for their Hogwarts house and tackle exclusive adventures with the new wands. 

Five new spell locations will premiere this weekend, bringing the total to 30 across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Existing locations will also debut new enhancements. 

New magic locations: 

• Hogsmeade: The Dueling Club Tent – Guests will try to bring a dueling dummy to life 

• Hogsmeade: The Owl Post – Guests will try to freeze pixies darting across the window and hiding behind packages 

• Diagon Alley: Ariadne’s Spinners – Guests will try to repel spiders on newspaper-covered windows 

• Diagon Alley: Knockturn Alley Sky – Guests will try to control a storm or calm the sky 

• Diagon Alley: Knockturn Alley Staircase – Guests will try to conjur their patronus to dodge a dementor 

When Epic Universe opens, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will add 14 more interactive wand locations, bringing the new total to 44 across Universal Orlando Resort.