Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
timately, a wand chooses you, with all the attendant special effects. It's great fun, but
the tiny shop can accommodate only about 24 guests at a time. Usually just one per-
sonineachgroupgetstobechosenbyawand,andthenthewholegroupisdispatched
to the Owl Post and Dervish and Banges to make purchases. Wand prices range from
$25 for a no-frills model to $45 for an interactive gizmo that triggers special effects
hidden inside shop windows throughout Hogsmeade. The wand experience is second
in popularity only to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—lines build quickly
after opening, and there's little to no shade. If Ollivanders is a priority, go there first
thing in the morning or after 7:30 p.m. The average wait time during summer and oth-
er busy periods is 45-85 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. If you're just look-
ing to buy a wand without the interactive experience, a cart is usually set up between
Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods and the Flight of the Hippogriff exit, with
little to no wait.
Picking out my own wand was great, and I liked the show even though the
wand did not pick me.
At the far end of the village, the massive
Hogwarts
castle comes into view, set
atop a rock face and towering over Hogsmeade and the entire Wizarding World. Fol-
low the path through the castle's massive gates to the entrance of Harry Potter and the
Forbidden Journey. Below the castle and to the right, at the base of the cliff, are the
Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's Hut,
and the
Flight of the Hippogriff
children's roller
coaster. In the village, near the gate to Hogwarts Castle, is
Filch's Emporium of
