Things I Wish Universal Had
I love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Studios does a great job of bringing the magic to life. However, as much as I love the park, there are still a few things I wish Universal could add.
1. Quidditch Cloaks
Universal does sell some fantastic robes (I’ve bought a set myself). However, I’ve only seen one Quidditch robe for sale, and it wasn’t quite the same as the thick, embroidered cloaks we’ve seen in the films. Also, it was a Gryffindor cloak, which isn’t exactly fair to all the other Houses. I’d love to see Quidditch cloaks have the same availability as the normal Hogwarts robes, maybe even with the chance to get them customized with your name embroidered on the back.
2. Niffler Purses
This would just be adorable. I’d love to have a Niffler purse, especially one of those soft, plush purses that almost look like stuffed animals. The opening of the purse could be its pouch. Also, given that in the movie, the Niffler might as well be a purse with all the treasure it shoves into its pouch, the concept totally works. I was actually very surprised that Universal didn’t start selling these as soon as a Niffler appeared on-screen.
3. Jacob’s Pastries
The first time I saw those pastries at the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I desperately wanted to try them. That’s why I was so disappointed that they never showed up in any store in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’ve never understood why, because they looked amazing and I’m fairly certain they would sell well. I know I could eat at least five Niffler pastries.
4. Photochromic/Glow-in-the-Dark Shirts
For those of you who don’t know, a photochromic shirt will change color when exposed to sunlight. I have seen one shirt like that at Universal, a Marauder’s Map shirt, but I don’t think the park has explored the idea to its fullest extent. Imagine a shirt with a glow-in-the-dark Dark Mark, or a shirt that appears to have an empty carriage until you step into the sun and it reveals Thestrals, or in honor of Fred and George, a shirt that goes from “Head Boy” to “Big Head Boy.” I just think that shirts that can change color or glow seem magical.
5. Digital Picture Frames
Moving pictures definitely make up part of the Harry Potter aesthetic, so I’d love the chance to buy some. And it is possible to make them using digital picture frames showing a looped video, which makes it look like the picture is moving. Universal could have preset ones like the Weasley family waving or Sirius Black snapping and snarling down from his wanted poster. But there could also be a booth where you could make your own, maybe taking a video of yourself waving in front of a backdrop. That would be a cool souvenir.
6. A Spell-Casting Ride
There are a lot of theme parks that have some sort of 3D shooting ride, where your cart careens through the ride as you shoot at targets trying to get a high score. The Toy Story Midway Mania! ride at California Adventure is like this. I think it would be super fun to have a Harry Potter-themed ride where you try to aim your wand and shoot spells at different targets. The ride could go through different sections where you might have to fend off magical beasts or Death Eaters.
7. At-Home Wand Use
The chipped wands that Universal sells are really cool. I loved being able to cast spells within the park. However, once you bring that wand home, there’s not a lot you can do with it. I would love it if Universal could sell something linked to the wand’s sensors that you could take home. Examples of this could be a candle you could light up and turn off or a box that you could open and close. That way, even once you leave the park, you could still carry some of the magic with you.
