10 Reasons To Visit Universal Orlando's Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

8. Cast Spells

Although I never got my Hogwarts letter, I can cast a few spells and I've got the wand to prove it!

At both Hogsmede and Diagon Alley you can head into Ollivander's shop and treat yourself to a wand.

You can go in and pick your own wand or you can go into see the interactive experience. Here one lucky wizard will get to take part in a small show where the wand will truly pick them.

There is a choice between a character replica wand or a one that relates to your birthday. If you ask a team member in the store they will help you find the right birthday wand. For me that was a Vine wand.

There are two types of wands, either a standard replica one or an interactive wand. The interactive wands allow you to go around the Wizarding World and cast spells. Casting spells is great fun and trickier than it first appears. You have to get your swish and flick movements just right in order to see your spell come to life. In your wand box you will get a map telling you where the different spells are.

Some of my favourite spells to cast are those in Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley, including the magic umbrella and the dancing skeleton in the window.

For the bi-coastal Harry Potter fans, it's worth remembering that your wand will work at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.