Take a Closer Look: Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes is a joke shop in Universal Studios Florida.  The shop is part of Diagon Alley, and if you didn’t already know, is owned and run by Ron Weasley’s older twin brothers, Fred and George.

It is one of the first shops you see as you enter Diagon Alley.  The first thing you may notice is one of the twins lifting his hat at you. This is a classic “now you see it, now you don’t” sight gag. The twin will lift his hat and you will see a rabbit sitting atop his head. He’ll place the hat back on his head, lift it again, and the rabbit will magically be gone.

The windows have a plethora of gags and merchandise. The window to the right of the front door is a place to perform spells with your interactive wand. If you know the right wand movement, you’ll be able to flush the toilet.

Once inside, you’ll most likely be overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds.  Well, Fred and George were never really quiet, subdued people, so no one should be surprised.

Don’t forget to look up! You’ll be able to see 2 more stories of merchandise. You might also be able to see Professor Umbridge traversing a tightrope on a unicycle. If you look even further up you’ll be able to see a demonstration on the ceiling of Weasleys’ Wildfire Whiz-bangs, or enchanted fireworks in muggle speak.

It’s hard to miss the Wonder Witch products, which are set up in a blindingly pink display.

Among other products, one can find love potions and pygmy puffs. Pygmy puffs are purple or pink puffball magical creatures. If you purchase one, you will get to participate in a naming ceremony, so be sure to have a great named picked out beforehand.

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes also sells more mundane products, such as muggle magic tricks. You can choose from card games and juggling balls.

The specialized sweets at this shop are always a hit. The Skiving Snackboxes are very popular with school aged children as they temporarily make the user ill. The kid could then beg off of class due to their sickness, then take the other half of the candy and be perfectly well to enjoy their free period. These include: Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge, Nosebleed Nougat and Puking Pastilles.

There are so many great, unique products in here that any Harry Potter fan could spend a long time browsing all the products.

Here is one of my personal favorites:  U-No-Poo. As the Weasley twins said “Why are you worrying about You-Know-Who? You should be worrying about U-No-Poo – the constipation sensation that’s gripping the nation!” Hint: it tastes like an M&M, but the jar is the gift that keeps on giving.

There are also a couple of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes t-shirts and magnets that are great designs.

Next time you visit Diagon Alley, be sure to set some time aside to explore Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes! What is your favorite product or gag inside the shop?