WWHP: Ollivander's Wand Shop Preview

To quote Emma Watson, "there is a wand waiting for you..."

Thierry Coup, vice-president of creative development for Universal Creative who is heading the Wizarding World project gave an interview in which he discussed a much anticipated part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park, Ollivander's Wand shop. Except for the shop being in Hogsmade (which J.K. Rowling gave her approval on), the experience will be much like the books and films according to Coup.

"The questions that will be asked from the wand keeper to the wizard are very individual, very tailored to each person based on their birth date and other questions which will determine the kind of wood and kind of narrow down the choices of wands," Coup shared. From there, the wand keeper will offer the guest a series of wand options until the right match is found. Like in the "Harry Potter" story, a series of "magical mishaps" will occur before the right wand is found. 

Until your right wand is found a series of mishaps will occur. These include, flowers that you are supposed to be watering start to wilt, sound effects like lightning and thunder, and a whole series of effects. But according to Coup it will be obvious when the right wand is found.

...and then will have this mystical magical effect, very similar to the film where you have the light going on the desk and other things happening, whether it's music voices and things that make it very clear that this is the right wand for you."

All shoppers will not have to go through the wand choosing the wizard experience. You will also be able to look around for yourself and pick out a wand. Also there will be a make your own wand area for children. Coup also recognized that there will be a large number of people drawn to this attraction so there will only be 25 people allowed in the shop at a time. Also even though the wand choosing experience is described as "intimate" it will only be about 2-5 minutes long to keep traffic flowing. 

At the end of the article there is a video with some of the stars from the Harry Potter movies talking about there excitement regarding Ollivander's Wand Shop. Emma Watson says that "there is a wand waiting for you..." Michael Gambon who plays Albus Dumbledore expressed his desire to buy a new wand because he is tired of his after five years. If he read the books he might consider retracting that statement, because he would know that he has been using the Elder Wand.

Make sure to check back for more updates on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.