? regarding Olivaander's and wands

[SFRN97]

Hello can anyone tell me about the Olivander's show where the wand chosen it's owner. Can anyone participate and do you need to sign up somewhere. Also what exactly happens. DS is a big Harry fan and would love to have the wand chose him but then DD will also want a turn she always wants to participate in what big brother does. TIA

 

[JMSMommy]

When we did this back in 2012, there was no signing up pre-show. Our oldest was selected, and it was more like a pixie dust kind of thing. They only bring a set number of people into the shop, and one gets selected. It's similar to the scene in Sorcerer's Stone when Harry gets his wand.

That said, our oldest was 13. He was talking our ear off about all things Harry Potter while waiting in line (workers may or may not have overheard him, but he was excited and talking loudly with us like he does since he's sort of on the spectrum). He was wearing a Harry Potter themed shirt. It was early in the day. I think he was the only teen in our group.

He still talks about doing that.

 

[jlay68]

Nowhere to sign up. On our 2011 trip, they picked a lady with bright red hair (because he thought she may be a Weasley). On our trip last week I was picked. I am 39! There was a kid in our group but I definitely looked like a Harry Potter fan with my Ravenclaw tshirt and lanyard. I have heard that if you aren't picked during the Ollivander show, that the other areas that sell wands can do a mini-show wand choosing with you.

 

[HeddyRuth]

We were the first in line during EE and my daughter was really excited and couldn't stop talking about it in line. Another dad asked about getting his daughter chosen but he picked my daughter instead. Healing wand with unicorn hair as the core. I almost cried. The man of the other girl then spoke to the line attendant and I am guessing they went back through and were picked. Reminded me of Veruca Salt from willy wonka.

 

[HeddyRuth]

Thus was October 2013. Also, I have heard. If you have an it's my birthday pin this increases your chances.

 

[Princess Jes]

Hello can anyone tell me about the Olivander's show where the wand chosen it's owner. Can anyone participate and do you need to sign up somewhere. Also what exactly happens. DS is a big Harry fan and would love to have the wand chose him but then DD will also want a turn she always wants to participate in what big brother does. TIA

I was there in March this year on my honeymoon (im 27, Hubby 28 at the time) and we were probably the 3rd show for the day. We were second in line outside so maybe the lady heard me talking like an over excited school girl about it, and the fact it was my honeymoon, but she seemed pretty distracted by her conversation with the family in front of us.
Anyway, I was wearing a Gryffindor Quidditch top (like a basketball jersey) and there were certainly quite a few children (very small to mid teens) and I got picked!!
I was rapt! the Wizard (basically the Ollivander guy but not meant to be him) looked at me and said "well well well, we don't need to ask which team you play for, Gryffindor house I see, come come..." and I got to do the silly wand waving magic show.
It was one of the highlights of my honeymoon!!! (and we also went to WDW, WrestleMania in New Orleans, NYC and Vegas... we are from Australia) so that's saying something!!

 

[bumbershoot]

People are chosen in mysterious ways. There's no signing up. If you have a kid who REALLY wants to do it, go through the line multiple times to increase the chances. Doesn't sound like fun to me, but....

My son was chosen. Surprise to us, but then when I think about it we shouldn't have been surprised. Red-head wearing a Gryffindor shirt, being happy and excited.. But we had talked about how little chance there was of him being picked that he barely knew what to do, LOL. Wasn't the most exciting show for other people.

"but then DD will also want a turn she always wants to participate in what big brother does. TIA "

It's possible they'll have her come up with him, too, IF he is chosen. Is that OK with him? Some older sibs are OK, some aren't.

 

[psiprez]

DD16 and DD17 were chosen together in the same show. It was obvious to the adults int he group how it happened...

there were these two other girls about 13 or 14, who in the pre-show were trash talking my two girls very loudly, saying things like "get in front of those two b***ches, no way THEY deserve to be chosen". The parents were even encouraging them. The rest of us, including the TMs rolled our eyes.

As we entered, I saw the TM and the person giving the show exchange looks. She then made a very big and obvious production of skipping over the other girls and choosing mine to go together. She said "she could tell my girls had a very special connection, and they would be bonded by their wands forever". It was very sweet justice indeed.

 

[lazer]

DD16 and DD17 were chosen together in the same show. It was obvious to the adults int he group how it happened... there were these two other girls about 13 or 14, who in the pre-show were trash talking my two girls very loudly, saying things like "get in front of those two b***ches, no way THEY deserve to be chosen". The parents were even encouraging them. The rest of us, including the TMs rolled our eyes. As we entered, I saw the TM and the person giving the show exchange looks. She then made a very big and obvious production of skipping over the other girls and choosing mine to go together. She said "she could tell my girls had a very special connection, and they would be bonded by their wands forever". It was very sweet justice indeed.

This story glad your girls were chosen!

 

[carmelhp]

My DD, 8 at the time, was chosen, she was in heaven.

 

[hpriamson]

We did the show with our 3 daughters in 2011, when they were 11, 9, and 7, and again in 2013 when they were 12, 10, and 8. Both times I prayed none of them would be picked, because of the certain tears of the others (especially the youngest). Thankfully they weren't.

 

[soniam]

Is the show only at the Ollivanders in Hogsmeade, or do both locations do it?

 

[SAHMKC]

My DD (12 at that time) was picked and we were shocked! He brother (14 at the time) looks like Harry Potter down to the glasses and cowlick that causes his hair to stick up in the back. We are hoping that when we go back this year it will be his lucky day. I will be sure to have him wearing some Harry Potter gear. I think it is really a matter of luck combined with a good attitude.

 

[damo]

We were just there and my mom who is 87 and in a wheelchair got picked. I was the one pushing the wheelchair and got picked as well. It was pretty cool, I've got to admit!

 

[SFRN97]

DD16 and DD17 were chosen together in the same show. It was obvious to the adults int he group how it happened...

there were these two other girls about 13 or 14, who in the pre-show were trash talking my two girls very loudly, saying things like "get in front of those two b***ches, no way THEY deserve to be chosen". The parents were even encouraging them. The rest of us, including the TMs rolled our eyes.

As we entered, I saw the TM and the person giving the show exchange looks. She then made a very big and obvious production of skipping over the other girls and choosing mine to go together. She said "she could tell my girls had a very special connection, and they would be bonded by their wands forever". It was very sweet justice indeed.

So glad they were chosen I can't believe that the parents even encouraged that behavior.

 

[SFRN97]

People are chosen in mysterious ways. There's no signing up. If you have a kid who REALLY wants to do it, go through the line multiple times to increase the chances. Doesn't sound like fun to me, but....

My son was chosen. Surprise to us, but then when I think about it we shouldn't have been surprised. Red-head wearing a Gryffindor shirt, being happy and excited.. But we had talked about how little chance there was of him being picked that he barely knew what to do, LOL. Wasn't the most exciting show for other people.

"but then DD will also want a turn she always wants to participate in what big brother does. TIA "

It's possible they'll have her come up with him, too, IF he is chosen. Is that OK with him? Some older sibs are OK, some aren't.

DS would be OK with lil sis going up with him. When we went to Disneyland DS was chosen for Jedi Training and when DD also got chosen he was so excited. After the show he said mom wasn't it great that we both got picked! He really is a great big brother.

 

[SFRN97]

Well we will wish for for Universal's equivalent to Pixie Dust Thanks

 

[Asnell]

This is a really minor tip but I noticed when we went the first time that the boy that was chosen was the only child in our session not wearing a baseball cap. The next day we went again and I had my two boys hand me their caps before we entered. My younger son was chosen that time (to his everlasting delight). It could have been coincidence, or the fact that Olivander couldn't see the kids' faces as well with caps on to make eye contact, but if you wanted to stack your cards as best you can, I'd recommend removing any hats with brims before entering the shop.

 

[justwinnie]

My daughter loves Ravenclaw and wore her Ravenclaw robe and scarf when we went last year. She wanted to be chosen for the wand ceremony so badly, but we told her that there are many others who want to be chosen just as badly so she shouldn't be upset if she was not selected. We were in line early and she was the only Ravenclaw there. She was picked for the ceremony!

I think being Ravenclaw when most everyone else was Gryffindor helped!
She lent her robe to a friend who went in August. The friend was also chosen for the wand ceremony while wearing the robe!

She wore her robe and scarf each day we went to Hogsmeade and the CMs would all address her as if she were a student! The train conductor checked his watch and told her it was time to go to class, the cashier at Three Broomsticks commented about how it was lunchtime, and others just walking around would tell her to hurry for class or ask how her studies were going. She loved the extra attention.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

does this happen at the wand shop at Diagon alley?