Universal finally announced details of the second generation of interactive wands coming to Universal Orlando Resort next month. There will be new wands, new spells, and new features in the Universal Orlando Resort App.
Second Generation Interactive Wands
WDWNT has reported on rumors of new interactive wands since last spring. We also reported that new spell cameras were installed throughout the existing Wizarding Worlds this past summer.
We now know the launch of Second Generation Interactive Wands will include new wands, new spell locations, enhanced spell-casting, and connectivity with Universal Play in the Universal Orlando Resort App. The updated experience will launch at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley on March 1, and then at Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe when it opens on May 22.
New Wands
The all-new collection includes four new designs of Second Generation Interactive Wands. They will give guests “an enhanced wand magic experience” including features like illumination effects and haptic vibrations custom to each spell so you can actually see and feel the results of your spell-casting. As usual, each wand will include a spell map. It will also include information on how to connect to Universal Play.
Enhanced Spell Casting
There will also be five new interactive wand locations throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, bringing the total number of locations to 30. The existing locations will also be enhanced with new visceral casting special effects and magical spell-books that provide guidance at select locations.
Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With the Wizarding World features of Universal Play in the Universal Orlando Resort App, users can have more personal spell effects, earn points for their Hogwarts House, and even case their own Patronus.
Exclusive Adventures
With Universal Play and Second Generation Interactive Wands, guests can embark on “adventures” in all three Wizarding Worlds. Universal’s examples included Knockturn Alley encounters, perfecting elemental spells, and learning pranks. Users will unlock exclusive adventures to further develop their magic skills.
Unlock Achievements and Grow Your Collection
Users will also unlock achievements as they continue to master spell-casting. These include making it into the top 10 wizards of the daily leaderboard, successfully freezing pixies, and even failing at spell-casting. For example, a new interactive wand location in Knockturn Alley will have guests face off against a Dementor. If they fail, they get an achievement.
Achievements will be listed in users’ “Collections” with spells they’ve mastered. Universal also teased secret spells. As guests grow more powerful, their Wizard Level will increase.
Digital Map
Universal Play will provide a digital map of all three Wizarding Worlds to make finding spell and adventure locations easier.
Wizard Profile & Personalization
Guests can customize their Wizard Profile through Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They can choose a Wizard Name, avatar, Hogwarts House, and Patronus.
Community
Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also provides a community connection. You can earn Hogwarts House points and see your House’s progress. You can show off your Wizard Score and follow other wizards’ profiles. The House Cup is virtually awarded daily.
Set-Up
Here is how to purchase and set up your Second Generation Interactive Wand.
- Step One: Buy your very own Second Generation Interactive Wand at a variety of merchandise locations, including Ollivanders Wand Shop located in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley, or the soon-to-be-open Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
- Step Two: Download the Universal Orlando Resort App, pair your wand, and access Universal Play in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Step Three: Set up your Wizard Profile and embark on your first adventure!
Presumably, the new Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magiques wands revealed a week ago will all be Second Generation Interactive Wands.
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