Calling all witches and wizards...

There's magical news for budding witches and wizards just launched at Universal Orlando Resort. If you love all things Harry Potter then you're in for a treat because March 1, 2025, paves the way for the launch of a brand new gadget for all mega fans around the world.

Ollivander's Wand shop

You can take it home and you can swish it until your heart's content - yes, it's a new magic wand. But not just any wand. All true witches or wizards will know, the real magic happens inside the gates of Universal Orlando where you'll find a selection of the best interactive wands, but since times and technologies move on, so has your wands abilities - ahem, powers - since Diagon Alley's grand opening back in 2014.

Introducing Second Generation Interactive Wands in all manner of designs and colours to suit any magical personalites. Little ones - and adults alike - will be able to get their hands on these keep-sakes exclusive to the Universal Orlando Resort.

'What makes them even more special?' we hear every parent with a tight holiday budget cry. 'It's just a plastic stick!' some dad's have proclaimed. I can actually confirm I've heard this very phrase shouted during a heated discussion by Ollivander's Wand Shop - I can confirm the dad did not win this battle.

Well move aside Moaning Myrtle's, these wands, that will undoubtedly set you back a pretty penny $85+tax to be exact), feature all sorts of new modcons and if you're a fan like I am, then you'll just factor the spend into your fortnight away - the hardest part will be deciding realistically as a parent if you're children can 'share' the magic.

From 'illumination effects, haptic vibrations, and connectivity to the Universal Orlando app' the new wands will offer an even more immersive spellcasting experience.First generation wands will still deem magical powers - provided you buy an interactive version - but will be limited to simpler spells and no app connections.

Families flock to Orlando each year, often with plans to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on more than one occasion so of course a wand is a perfectly acceptable purchase - available in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure next door.

Now for the back story. Universal first opened up discussions on purchasing the Harry Potter license in the late 90s before securing the theme park rights to the characters in 2007.The Wizarding World replaced the Merlin Woods portion of the Lost Continent region in Islands of Adventure, turning the area into the snow-capped Hogsmeade fans all know and love.

JK Rowling was involved in the design consultation to create the perfect landscapes and detail and fans then enjoyed the opening of Diagon Alley, set in a faux 'London', in the Studios under the hot Florida sun.

Similar lands and attractions have since opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing.

With these nifty new wands, little wizards will now be able to choose their Wizard Name, select their Patronus, score points for their Hogwarts House and more when they connect their new all-singing, all-dancing wand to the app.

Plus, excited Muggles may spill their Butterbeers with excitement with news that there will be five new spell locations debuting in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, with even more coming to Epic Universe in May.

Spell locations are exactly what they say on the tin. Dedicated areas around the lands where fans can stand and specifically recite a spell and with a flick of their wand following specific movements, magic will quite literally happen before their very eyes.

Epic Universe, the brand new theme park coming to Orlando opens it's portal doors on May 22 and will introduce theme park fans from around the world to the best, biggest and newest technologies, rides, food and show experiences ever seen before.

Are you heading out to Orlando for Epic adventures? If you're not quite at planning stage yet or wondering whether it's for you - then join me virtually.

I'll be heading out for an EPIC media visit ahead of the park officially opening, bringing you all the insider tips and hacks galore. I'll be trying the best foods, tastiest cocktails, riding the thrills and spills and soaking up all the new portal atmospheres to feed back to you. Expect all the videos over on our YouTube channel, too, and lots of live photos on our Instagram too.

Aaand we'll be heading back out as a family of five to check out everything as a family - so stay tuned guys, there's lots coming up.