I love Harry Potter.
There aren’t many things that I believe in, in which I am not willing accept other opinions about. With the exception of Harry Potter. I was one of those kids that would spend hours laying awake wondering if maybe, just maybe, all of this magic stuff was true. And maybe,
just maybe,
my letter from Hogwarts would arrive at my door. Or through my window via owl.
Well, my letter never arrived.
But it didn’t stop me from living out my dream of becoming a wizard. Or at least attempting to.
Which lead me here, to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter!
All my dreams came true this day.
This was the original studio in which many of the scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent hours, days, and years of their lives filming in London. So although there are other ‘Harry Potter Studio Tours’ around the world {like the one that just opened in Los Angeles, California}, this was the original. The O.G. set. And that makes it even more spectacular.
For example, this is the one and only Hogwarts Express that was used in every movie! I definitely climbed aboard which was surreal in itself.
Dumbledores’ office was also a highlight for me. It was incredible how much detail goes into each and every set. The things you are seeing in the movies are usually the actual props that are originally in the shot.
For instance, these cauldrons are actually being stirred using a mechanical contraption, rather than special effects on a computer after the shot is taken. It was amazing to see things around the sets moving so effortless. These were details I had assumed would be digitized later on in the process. But realistic details like this bring the movies even more so to life for me.
And then there was platform 9 3/4.
I think this sums up my entire day at the studio tour. But taking a picture with the trolly on my way onto the platform has always been on my bucket list. I was feeling more and more like a wizard with every turn, around every corner.
Diagon Alley was spectacular as well. They do a great job making it look realistic in the movies, but again, the set had just as much detail.
I also got to conjure up some spells with famous wizards wands.
We took a visit to Privet Drive.
‘Rode’ the night bus. Aka stood in a corner of it and looked inside.
And tasted butter beer!
I can’t explain how magical this experience was for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting London for an extended period of time. I purchased a transfer + ticket package through the Warner Bros. official website. This allows for pick up in London central, three hours to tour the studio, and a return shuttle back to central London. This was a great option seeing that I had no access to a car, but trust me when I tell you I could have spent at least six hours on the studio tour. If you have the option to drive, do it! Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or deranged, you will enjoy this tour. I promise.
So now that I am basically a wizard, I’m going to drink my cuppa, and say goodnight to the muggle world.