Universal Studios Japan] Wand Magic. Wand Waving Strategies and Usable Locations [Harry Potter Area].

2024年11月3日USJ

The Popular Area at Universal Studios Japan: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This area faithfully recreates the magical world of the beloved Harry Potter series, offering various spots where you can experience magic firsthand.
We’d like to introduce the basic information and tips for wand magic where you can actually use magic!♪

Basic Information About 'Wand Magic’

Location: Inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (approximately an 8-minute walk from the entrance)
Magic spots: 8 locations (seasonal spots may also appear)

To try 'Wand Magic’, you’ll need a 'Magical Wand’ sold in the park (5,500 yen including tax).
Note that a non-magic type called 'Original Wand’ (4,600 yen including tax) is also available, so be careful when purchasing.

Can a 'Magical Wand’ be shared within a group?

The 'Magical Wand’ needed for wand magic is priced at 5,500 yen (including tax), which isn’t exactly cheap.
As a wizard, it’s nice to have your own personal wand, but buying one for each family or group member can be quite an expense…

So, can you share one wand within a group?
Actually, the 'Magical Wand’ can be shared within a group.

However, only the person holding the wand can line up for the wand magic challenge.
Therefore, after one person finishes, they can pass the wand to the next person and line up again, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience with just one wand.
That said, there is a wide variety of wands available, and sometimes the wand keeper recommends the perfect one, so why not get your own wand that you love?♪

How Many Types of Wands Are There? Where Can You Buy Them?

Wands sold in USJ include the 'Magical Wand’ and the 'Original Wand’.
Let’s explore the differences and find out what types of wands are available…!

'Magical Wand’
Price: 5,500 yen (including tax)
This is a magic-enabled wand, and non-character models are also available.
Since the tip contains parts necessary for casting spells, be careful not to damage it.
The character’s name is labeled in gold on the box, and the wand comes with a map detailing spell-casting locations.

Where Can You Buy Wands?

There are three places where you can buy wands in the park: 'Ollivander’s Shop’ inside the Harry Potter area, the 'Wand Cart’ located in front of Ollivander’s Shop, and 'Beverly Hills Gifts’ in the Hollywood area.

Among these, the recommended spot is definitely 'Ollivander’s Shop’!
The shop, which also appears in the movies, offers all types of wands.
Some wands are only available here, so be sure to check out 'Ollivander’s Shop’!

A Guide to Wand Types: Character Models

Let’s introduce the character model wands available in the park.

From left to right:
Harry Potter
Hermione Granger
Ron Weasley
Draco Malfoy (Original Only)
Albus Dumbledore
Ginny Weasley (Original Only)
Arthur Weasley (Original Only)
Molly Weasley (Original Only)
Minerva McGonagall (Original Only)
Neville Longbottom (Original Only)
Remus Lupin (Original Only)

From left to right:
Sirius Black
Severus Snape
Mad-Eye Moody (Original Only)
Horace Slughorn (Original Only)
Fleur Delacour (Original Only)
Viktor Krum (Original Only)
Luna Lovegood (Original Only)
Narcissa Malfoy (Original Only)
Cedric Diggory (Original Only)
Bellatrix Lestrange (Original Only)
Voldemort

There are also wands for George Weasley (Original Only) and Fred Weasley (Original Only), making a total of 24 character models available.
Since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, new models have been gradually added, so you might see more in the future!

A Guide to Wand Types: Original Models

Besides wands appearing in Harry Potter, original model wands are also available in the park.
These wands are only available at 'Ollivander’s Shop’ and come as magic-enabled 'Magical Wands’.
They are based on the 13 guardian trees of the Celtic calendar, so it’s a lovely idea to choose one that matches your birthday!♪

BIRCH: 12/23–1/20
ROWAN: 1/21–2/17
ASH: 2/18–3/17
ALDER: 3/18–4/14
WILLOW: 4/15–5/12

HAWTHORN: 5/13–6/9
OAK: 6/10–7/7
HOLLY: 7/8–8/4
HAZEL: 8/5–9/1

VINE: 9/2–9/29
IVY: 9/30–10/27
REED: 10/28–11/24
ELDER: 11/25–12/22

Magic Spots: Spells and Tips for Success!

As of 2024, there are 8 permanent magic spots.
There are also seasonal spots that appear during special events, such as the Christmas season.

When the area first opened, there were 6 permanent spots, but 2 more were added in 2017, making a total of 8.
Let’s explore each location, the type of magic you can use, and tips for wand movements!

From now until November 4, 2024, you can battle Death Eaters.
(Or join the Dark Wizards and fight alongside them)

For more details, check out the next article:

1. 'Sistema Aperio’

Location: Next to the Hogwarts Express near the area entrance
This spell opens stacked trunks.

Draw a motion that connects C and V with the wand.
The key is to move slowly with a larger motion.

2. 'Alohomora’

Location: The wall in front of Hogsmeade Station
This spell unlocks the large door on the wall of Hogsmeade Village.

Move the wand in a large circular motion, then bring it straight down.

3. 'Incendio’

Location: Next to the large door on the wall of Hogsmeade Village
This spell makes flames emerge from the chimney.

Move the wand in a triangular motion, and at the end, make a slight upward arc.
Try to move the wand rhythmically with the spell.

4. 'Arresto Momentum’

Location: The display window of the magic equipment store 'Dervish and Banges’
This spell stops the moving music box.

The wand movement is like drawing the letter M.
Move the wand within the size of the window frame.

5. 'Aguamenti’

Location: In front of Dervish and Banges
This spell produces water from the water jug.

Move the wand in a gentle curve upward to the right.
The key is to move it slowly with a slightly larger motion without creating too much of an arc.

6. 'Meteolojinx’

Location: Behind Honeydukes
This spell makes it snow.

Move the wand in a small semicircle to the left and then a large semicircle to the right.
Aim for the display window in the back and swing the wand in a rhythmic and smooth semicircle according to the spell.

7. 'Wingardium Leviosa’

Location: The display window of the Quidditch specialty store 'Spintwitches’
This spell levitates the Quaffle ball.

The wand movement involves drawing a wavy line, lowering it once, and then raising it.
Be careful not to spread the wand too wide, and move it straight down and up while keeping the wavy pattern.

8. 'Ventus’

Location: Deep inside Hogwarts Castle
This spell creates wind to make the Quidditch flags flutter.

Move the wand in a V shape.
Aim for the flag near Hufflepuff while moving the wand.

Tips for Success!

First, pay attention to the 'medallion’ embedded in the ground.
The medallion shows the standing position, the direction to cast the spell, the wand movement, and the spell itself.
It’s essential to keep these basic points in mind.

When swinging the wand, use your arm.
Using just your wrist may cause the wand’s tip to point in various directions, and the spell may go off course.

Make sure the wand is aligned straight towards the target, and always keep the wand tip facing the target when casting.

Depending on the distance to the target, the wand movement may vary slightly. When the 'target detecting the spell’ is far away, try a larger motion, and when it’s close, use a smaller one. Give it a try!

At the magic spots, expert wizards provide lessons during the day.
They offer tips and advice to help you succeed, so don’t give up and keep trying!

Easier Magic Spots for Success

Can’t get the magic to work!?
Here are some recommended spots where magic is easier to succeed.

Spot 8: 'Ventus’ (Wind Spell)

When we went with 8 people, everyone succeeded in 1 or 2 tries.

Spot 5: 'Aguamenti’ (Water Spell)

About half of the people succeeded in a few tries. Some even achieved great success.

Spot 2: 'Alohomora’ (Door Unlocking Spell)

Most people can achieve minor success, but a great success is challenging.

Try practicing in the easier spots first, and gradually work your way up to the more difficult spells!♪

In Conclusion

'Wand Magic’ offers a magical experience that excites both children and adults alike.
Though you need to purchase a wand, it’s an experience that is worth every penny, so be sure to try it out!
Wand magic offers standard 'success’ and an advanced 'great success,’ so practice to achieve great success at all spots!♪

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