Universal creative executive Thierry Coup discusses Ollivander's, theme park with Potter fansites

Earlier today, Vice President of Creative, Universal Parks and Resorts, Thierry Coup, spoke with members of the Harry Potter online community about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, specifically its authenticity. He talked about how Universal had the help of Potter movie set designer Stuart Craig and author J.K. Rowling while designing different parts of the park. One of those areas was Ollivander's wand shop, which Coup discussed in great detail.

The shop is very authentic: a bell rings when you walk in and the walls are roughly 30 feet tall. As this Ollivander's is located in Hogsmeade, it is an annex of the one from Diagon Alley.

There are 13 kinds of wands unique to Ollivander's shop. Mishaps occur if the wand does not fit the wizard (wilting flowers, lightening and thunder inside the shop, etc.) However, should you choose the right wand you will hear enchanted music, lamps will glow, as well as other magical happenings.

You will be asked specific questions by the wandkeeper to determine your wand and the process should take between 2-5 minutes. The experience is free, but you can choose to purchase your wand if you like. You may, of course, select a different wand if you don't like the wand that chooses you. And you can still purchase an Ollivander's wand without going through the experience. There will also be wands available from the Noble Collection.

A build-your-own wand station will be available for younger kids. Wand accessories will be available at Dervish and Banges, and Universal is looking into getting the wands to interact with other parts of Hogsmeade.

Coup also said that about 90% of the building interiors of Hogsmeade have been completed and there are many original props in the park, including the Ford Anglia. Those that are not authentic, have been replicated with the help of Stuart Craig, Alan Gilmore (art director) and others from the films. Finally, darker attractions such as Knockturn Alley and Azkaban aren't currently in the works, but stay tuned...

Posted by Andrew on Jan 28th | 9 Comments