Millions of Harry Potter fans have lived the wizarding fantasy by buying a wand at Ollivander's in Universal's Islands of Adventure. Universal had to cheat the Potter canon by creating an Ollivander's in Hogsmeade, as that iconic storefront stood in Diagon Alley in the Potter books and films. Now that Universal's building its own Diagon Alley, it should surprise no one that the park's put an expanded Ollivander's right in the middle of the new land. Let the Hogsmeade branch be the satellite that Universal's backstory claims it to be, the Diagon Alley Ollivander's will be the flagship store for all Potter fans' wand-wielding needs.
But Ollivander isn't the only wandmaker in the Wizarding World. Potter fans know that Gregorovitch is Ollivander's great rival, the one-time owner of the Elder Wand that plays such as prominent role in the final Harry Potter book and films. And plans call for Gregorovitch to have a presence with a storefront in Universal's Diagon Alley, as well.
In short, if you've ever wanted a magic wand from a Harry Potter character, Universal will have created plenty of places to sell you one.
The new Diagon Alley Ollivander's will feature three rooms for the "wand chooses the wizard" presentation that's been entertaining young Potter fans and their parents over at Islands of Adventure since the original Wizarding World opened in 2010, which should help reduce the often-long waits for that show. There will be some space inside the building for a queue, as well, to further help reduce the crowds in the intentionally cramped quarters of Diagon Alley. Have you bought a wand at Ollivander's? Did you (or someone in your family) get to be part of the show? Tell us about it, in the comments.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley opens this summer at Universal Studios Florida.
Previously:
We bought the 10-year old a Hermione wand back in 2012, but we got it from the street cart at the exit from Hogwart's rather than from inside Ollivander's. We still stood in line to see the "show" though (one of the longest lines all week, I might add), and even though our daughter didn't get picked, we enjoyed it very much. Later, near closing, when the line wasn't as long (and when there weren't any other youngsters in it so she stood a very good chance of being chosen), she wanted us to try again, but then it started to rain, so we took off and missed our chance. She might never forgive me for that.
I think that Gregoravitch's could just be a store, without the "wand chooses you" production. I think it would be great to have a place there to buy wands and things without having to get in line and see the show if you don't want to be a part of that. So maybe Gregoravitch's will fit that bill for people who just want a quick retail transaction but Ollivander's will be for those that want to see the "wand picks you" experience.
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