Olivander's

[bumbershoot]

This is an old thread, but I hadn't seen it before.

Sure enough she was chosen, barely cracked a smile and it was a realllly boring show. She had the energy of a sloth. I hope that they are changing the way they choose kids.

Wowza. The people picked are having their OWN experience. They aren't aware that they are supposed to put on a show for others.

My son was surprisingly chosen (in retrospect maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised...after all these strangers we'd met and chatted with in line weren't surprised, they said he'd be picked the moment they saw him), and he was so stunned that he was up there, having this experience, that you could barely hear him. He wasn't aware that he was suddenly the entertainment for others...he was having an amazing time causing interesting things to happen in the shop!

I guess maybe to others he was like a sloth, and no, he wasn't smiling, he was taking it *seriously*, and was having the time of his life, even if the people 2 rows back couldn't hear him saying the spells.

Then to find out the kid has to buy the wand - lol.

Well yes if you want the wand you do need to buy it...but you don't have to buy the wand if you don't want it.

I have to say I'm shocked by people who want there "almost or adult children" or themselves picked for something ahead of an actual child at an amusement park for something like this.

We're all just children in adult bodies... Adults are allowed to be excited for things, too.

Im 16 and im afraid, from all the posts here, that ill get overlooked for either a little kid or a college age person.

Would it be less disappointing if you were overlooked for another 16 year old? There's no need to worry about others based on their age... Just go in ready to have fun in the room, looking around, even if you aren't picked. Maybe you'll be picked, maybe not. If not, get in line again...maybe you'll be picked, maybe not.

Those who are college age have just as much a right as you do to be picked (same with little kids). Remember, kids who were 11 (wizarding school age) when the first book was released are now 25! To me, those are the kids who truly 100% "grew up with" Harry Potter...and I say that as a parent of a 7 year old who is growing up with HP...but he wasn't around (or aware) for when the books were being released, etc. College-age kids could be younger siblings of those who were Harry's age as the books came out.

So just go prepared to enjoy yourself no matter what, and if you aren't picked, just be happy for that person (even if they aren't smiling or "entertaining" the others in the room). Good luck!

 

[dtum]

GS was just picked. He was standing in the front row just waiting for the show. I think it was his glasses that caught Olivander's eye. Of course DD had to buy the want that chose him (and he had already gotten a wand the previous night from the outstide stand) so he ended up with two wands!

 

[dlberney]

We just got back and when we went to Olivander's, DS was chosen. It was his 11th birthday and he could not have been more excited. We were by the stairs (the line for the show before ours cut off right at us, so we were the first ones in the next show and were told to move all the way over to the stairs) and he had his "it's my birthday" button on, so that may have helped, but I don't know. All I know is that he was THRILLED- told everyone he had a wand "pick" him on his 11th b'day, just like HP! He did end up buying the wand that "picked" him (along with a Sirius Black wand, a Hedwig, a chocolate frog, and two books)! It was a wonderful birthday.

 

[damo]

We just got back and when we went to Olivander's, DS was chosen. It was his 11th birthday and he could not have been more excited. We were by the stairs (the line for the show before ours cut off right at us, so we were the first ones in the next show and were told to move all the way over to the stairs) and he had his "it's my birthday" button on, so that may have helped, but I don't know. All I know is that he was THRILLED- told everyone he had a wand "pick" him on his 11th b'day, just like HP! He did end up buying the wand that "picked" him (along with a Sirius Black wand, a Hedwig, a chocolate frog, and two books)! It was a wonderful birthday.

What a great memory for him!

 

[SharonK0527]

Wow, I am shocked when I read all these posts about parents out at the parks who are complaining because their kids didn't get picked. Where in the park is it posted that the attractions and entertainment are only for children?? I am 42 years old and our family goes to Orlando every year because we love it. My husband and I enjoy ourselves just as much as kids do. Theme parks like Universal and Disney are MADE for people of ALL ages to enjoy. There is no rule that says Ollivander's show HAS to pick a child. Should someone push a child out of the way to get further ahead? No, of course not. Should someone who is not a child turn down an opportunity to participate in an activity at the parks if they are picked by a cast member to do so? No, of course not. People of any age have every right to enjoy themselves. Theme parks are not just for children. To me, theme parks continue the magic that children already believe and help adults recapture the magic we lose over the years.

My daughter is 10 years old and has been to WDW 11 times. Over the years she has been picked to participate in many shows/activities. I am thrilled for her when she is chosen but we never EXPECT her to be, nor do we complain or try to take away from the experience if someone else is chosen. These parents who are complaining are teaching their children the wrong life lessons, in my humble opinion. We love HP and are greatly looking forward to our first visit to WWoHP. We will enjoy Ollivander's whether any of us are chosen or not. I just hope there is not a parent in our show who behaves like the lady other people were posting about who complained the whole time because her child was not chosen. I am NOT the type to keep my mouth shut around people like that.

 

[AuroraWinchester]

Well, let's be honest HP most devote fans are the young adult and teen group as far as I'm concerned. They were the ones growing up with the HP books and movies. Standing in line at borders at midnight to get each new book and dressing up for movie premier night! Most of the kids that are coming in to HP now were not part of the growing phenomeon that is HP. Hate to say it but WWOHP is more of a dream come true for adults than it is for kids at this point. At least I know it is for my wife and I. Both 28 by the way.

Thank you! Glad to see someone feels the same way I do! Sure, I have absolutely no problem with kids being chosen, but I don't believe it should be ONLY children - the mix of kids and adults is how I feel it should be.

When I went a few weeks ago, both my BFF and I were decked out in Slytherin and Ravenclaw clothing (robes, collared shirts, ties, skirts, wands, bags, pins, badges - the works) and neither of us was chosen. Instead, the wand keeper picked a like 6 year old. Obviously, we were both disappointed, but it wasn't the end of the world. It just wasn't our lucky day. After all, you have what like a 1 in 20 shot of being chosen.

I'm not saying dressing up gives you a free pass or anything; just that I completely disagree with people who say only children should be chosen.

And I totally agree, being almost 22, I've done all the devote fan stuff you mentioned. So yeah, it was definitely a let down - obviously the wand maker has no way of knowing that you're a devote fan, but I think others need to realize that just because kids are younger, that shouldn't mean that the adults who grew up with HP are automatically left out. It's not our fault that the theme park just opened a year ago when we were not kids. Cause it is a dream come true for my BFF and I, as well!

As long as everyone waited in line, I believe everyone should have a fair shot at being chosen.

 

[AuroraWinchester]

Wow, I am shocked when I read all these posts about parents out at the parks who are complaining because their kids didn't get picked. Where in the park is it posted that the attractions and entertainment are only for children?? I am 42 years old and our family goes to Orlando every year because we love it. My husband and I enjoy ourselves just as much as kids do. Theme parks like Universal and Disney are MADE for people of ALL ages to enjoy. There is no rule that says Ollivander's show HAS to pick a child. Should someone push a child out of the way to get further ahead? No, of course not. Should someone who is not a child turn down an opportunity to participate in an activity at the parks if they are picked by a cast member to do so? No, of course not. People of any age have every right to enjoy themselves. Theme parks are not just for children. To me, theme parks continue the magic that children already believe and help adults recapture the magic we lose over the years.

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! CANNOT AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sammi the Chihuahua]

Do they have all of the same wands available in the stand outside Olivanders?

 

[Minnie]

I have to say I'm shocked by people who want there "almost or adult children" or themselves picked for something ahead of an actual child at an amusement park for something like this. I am shocked by how many times a Disney that rude adults have stepped in front of my 9 year old (younger then) to get there picture taken with a character. Is it really that important to you? I'm hoping at an older age you realize it isn't real but that child probably hasn't reached that point yet! I'm not the nicest person in the world by my own admission but when I'm in Orlando I will step a side for any child because it is about the kids. I'm also going to say that when I am in Las Vegas I am very irritated when anyone tries to push there kid to the front of anything because that is the adult world. Give me Vegas and give the kids Orlando.......I think that is a fair trade!

The only part I agree at all with in your post is that adults should not step in front of children to get to a character - but then again..... the children should be taught by their parents not to step in front of adults to get to a character or anything else for that matter without permission.

If an adult would ask if their child could step in front of me for a better view then I would likely have no problem whatsoever.... HOWEVER your post speaks volumes of entitlement for your snowflake and with that kind of attitude I can about guarantee what my answer would be

 

[cjnix29]

We were at Universal on Monday, June 27. Line for Ollivander's was an hour and a half at 8 am! But..we got in line, waited patiently. Turned out, it only was about an hour for us. My best friend and our two 8 year old sons were with me. We were first to go in, and we made our way to near the stairs. We weren't really sure what to expect. But once everyone was in...Ollivander came over to both boys, and chose them both! It was awesome!!! The boys were thrilled, although a little stunned at first, I think! Great marketing technique...there was no way we weren't buying those wands on top of the ones we planned to buy!

 

[Disneylvr1971]

I have to say I'm shocked by people who want there "almost or adult children" or themselves picked for something ahead of an actual child at an amusement park for something like this. I am shocked by how many times a Disney that rude adults have stepped in front of my 9 year old (younger then) to get there picture taken with a character. Is it really that important to you? I'm hoping at an older age you realize it isn't real but that child probably hasn't reached that point yet! I'm not the nicest person in the world by my own admission but when I'm in Orlando I will step a side for any child because it is about the kids. I'm also going to say that when I am in Las Vegas I am very irritated when anyone tries to push there kid to the front of anything because that is the adult world. Give me Vegas and give the kids Orlando.......I think that is a fair trade!

Really??? Orlando is for children and Las Vegas is for adults??? I don't recall seeing that on the signs heading into Orlando that it is for children. First of all, I would never push in front of a child, but IF I want a picture taken with a character and I have waited like everyone else, then I have that right. I don't see anywhere that it states in my tickets that it is for children only. Then I guess by all rights, that all of the rides geared towards adults should be discontinued. There are also alot of rude children that have stepped in front of me or my child over the years. And yes, my child is now an adult and I love my pictures with her and the characters.

 

[Howellsy]

It shocks me too that so many parents would be angry at adults getting picked over their children. I was 7 when I read the first book and was one of those psychos who queued for three hours to be the first one with the book, stayed up til 5am talking on HP forums and cracked the codes on JKR's site to find out anything I could about the next book. Nearly 15 years later I would loooove to get picked! And I'm the first to admit I'd probably be a little bit irritated if a child who hadn't even read the books got picked... but I accept that that's what happens

 

[Sehsun]

When I went to WWoHP a couple weeks ago, I did the wand "interactive experience" at Ollivanders for the first time. And I was chosen to participate!! I really wasn't expecting that, as I thought perhaps the younger boys I was in line with would have a better chance.

It was an unexpected but VERY exciting moment for me. I stood on the left side of the room, on the side where the stairs were. I actually said, "Me?" when he pointed at me, haha.

I was so, so thrilled. I ended up not buying the wand, but I was tempted to do so, esp. after I was "chosen" by it.

That moment at Ollivanders was on my mind all day - totally made my day.

Do they have all of the same wands available in the stand outside Olivanders?

They sell the HP characters' wands in the stand outside - the one near Filch's Emporium.

Inside Ollivanders they have the characters' wands as well as the birthday wands.

They also sell wands at the big gift shop (Islands of Adventure Trading Company) at the Port of Entry.

Hope this helps!

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

We were there in early June and went to Ollivander's many times as dd, almost 11, is a HUGE Potter fanatic (I'm talking she has read all the books multiple times, has a Potter room, was Potter characters for Halloween the last 3 years, has Potter bday parties, etc), and having a wand chose her was her number one hope for her time at WWOHP. I had prepped her for months about the possibility of not getting chosen, but also told her I would be willing to try multiple times, as long as she had a good attitude....

On our first try (early morning entry, first thing) a teenager was chosen, by the time we got out of that "show" the line was extremely long. We went back that night about 2-1 hour 1/2 before close and the line was about the same as it had been first thing in the morning (half an hour or so), so I told dd we could keep trying the rest of the night, while dh took ds, age 8, on some coasters. On our third try my youngest ds, age 6 (who could care less about Potter, and was standing directly next to dd decked out in her robe, Gryffindor shirt, etc) was chosen. He loved the experience, was in awe the entire time, did a great job doing the spells, and absolutely had to buy the wand that chose him. When we bought his wand the cast member said something to me about how lucky we were to be chosen and I did make a joking comment about the wrong kid being chosen nodding my head toward dd in all her gear, and said "oh well, we have a bit more time tonight and three more days to keep trying." After ds' turn, we immediately got back in line, making sure ds kept his wand showing so he wouldn't get chosen again. DD10 was soo jealous of her brother but was putting on a brave face and trying very hard not to let it show. She kept telling him she was so happy for him, oohing and awwing over his wand, and giving him lists of spells to try. We went around a few more times not getting chosen, chatting with the castmembers about Potter trivia, and WWOHP. Thankfully the line was getting shorter each time. During this time we also saw a woman throwing a hissy fit because her preteen age dd didn't get chosen. She was making a big scene and complaining about how Ollivander should really pay more attention (because her dd was wearing a bday button and so obviously should have been chosen). She was yelling loud enough for the whole line to hear about how her other dd was chosen on her bday, so this dd HAD to be chosen now that it was hers. She actually insulted the kid who had been chosen (and thankfully wasn't around to hear it). After she chewed out the guy working the line (a very nice guy by the way) and stomped away, I smiled and commented to him that he had a hard job, but was handling it great. He proceeded to tell us some crazy stories about people telling him he ruined their vacation, etc because their child wasn't chosen. After the last "showing" of that night, dd still had not been picked. She was still having a great attitude, although I could tell in her eyes she was super bummed, and we started to leave the shop with me saying "we'll try again first thing tomorrow." Just then Ollivander tapped dd on the shoulder and said "hold on young lady, I can tell you are in need of a wand." The workers cleared the shop so it was just me, dd, and youngest ds (clutching his wand that chose him, still beaming from his experience). Then dd got to do the whole thing, in an empty shop ("just like Harry" she said). I have no idea if Ollivander saw dd come in repeatedly, or if one of the castmembers who we chatted with going through the line multiple times said something, but I made sure to thank everyone! It was so magical for her that I almost hesitate to post it, because I know sometimes when things like this are posted people end up expecting them to happen and getting mad when it doesn't or trying to make it happen. FWIW, we never asked for any special treatment, and in fact made it clear we would happily wait in line the next 3 days if that's what it took, understanding we still might not get chosen.

For anyone wondering why I would give up so much time to go round and round that crazy line on the off-chance dd would get chosen... dd is severely dyslexic and HATED reading, until she discovered Potter, at which point she discovered reading can be fun (and as a result her skills improved, her grades and confidence shot up, etc, she discovered a love for reading, etc, etc). And no, I didn't tell any of the employees that before she was chosen, to try and help her get picked. I did tell the employee who rang up her wand afterwards though, to try and explain away why I was a bit choked up from the experience. Seeing my dd grow as a student, as a reader, as a person because of those books has made me pretty much forever grateful to JK Rowling, and willing to do some crazy things, like wait in line for hours, when it comes to Potter. Plus I must admit, I read them to see what got dd so hooked and now I love them too, so I was having fun myself watching Ollivander and chatting about Potter the whole time! As a Potter fan that lines actually kind of a fun place to be. Great view of Hogwarts and lots of other Potter fans to geek out with!

We ended up back at Ollivanders a few more times over the trip as then middle ds wanted to try and get chosen, being the only kid in the family without a wand that chose him. Although this time we just went when we happened upon a shorter line, and didn't keep going and going. We chatted with the coworkers again (by this time they all knew us). He never did get chosen, and he was okay with that. At one of the line workers suggestions, he did ask a shop worker (in the cashier part of Ollivanders) for a wand recommendation and they took it very seriously asking him some questions (age, bday, wand arm, etc), and then came back recommending a specific wand that ds loves. Both of my boys entered the trip not caring about Harry Potter, but left WWOHP wanting more. Ds 6 is now fairly into Potter as a result of his Ollivander experience, and tremendous love of Butterbeer, and wants to watch the movies and act it out. Ds 8 is now reading the books for the first time as a result of the trip.

FWIW, all 3 of my kids wear glasses (since a pp said she thinks the glasses caught Ollivanders eye). The robe or Potter clothes didn't seem to help at all for any kids. As I said my dd was wearing hers when Ollivander chose my 6yo ds (who was dressed in Disney clothes). I never once saw a kid in a robe or Potter gear get picked actually, except my dd for the after show thing. The majority of the time the kid closest to the stairs got picked, but the workers told us where to stand and actually rearranged kids pushed to that spot. My ds was closest to the stairs when he got picked, he was also the first kid in the door that session and told to stand there. The majority of shows we saw, if there were siblings, both siblings were chosen. In our case, Ollivander may not have been able to tell my youngest and oldest were siblings as they are different races due to adoption. We saw everyone from very young kids to college age (but not older than that) get chosen. Wouldn't have bothered me to see an adult though. I know plenty of adults who are huge fans. This is all just what we saw, obviously it will be different for others. I'd say we probably went 11 times at least. We also came home with 11 wands. DD bought the Dubledore's Army set (actually a pretty decent value for a huge fan), plus the wand that chose her. Ds 8, bought Snape's and the wand the shop recommended. Ds 6, bought Cedric Diggory's and the wand that chose him. The kids saved for 18 months for this trip so it was all their own spending money, but it still makes me to think we bought 11 wands!! Universal definitely has a good racket going there!