fbpx
Travel

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

On my trip to London in February, I got the chance to visit The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour at the Warner Bros. film studio just outside of London. I’ve spilled the beans on my love for Harry Potter before, but this experience was one that I was super excited to finally check off my bucket list. It was everything I hoped it would be and more, so if you’re a Harry Potter fanatic like me or care to see more behind-the-scenes photos, then click through as I share them with you!

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

I’ve watched the entire Harry Potter film series through from start to finish at least 5 times.

If you don’t believe me, ask my boyfriend and he’ll tell you. Seriously, I’m not ashamed to admit the Harry Potter movies are my favorite ever. Any rainy day is an excuse to snuggle up on the couch and have a Harry Potter marathon.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

When the books were released, I would wait in line to get them and read each one from start to finish right away. The books were such page turners. As a little girl, I dreamed of the day my letter to Hogwarts would arrive in the mail. I always thought I looked like Hermione when I was young and even dressed up as her for Halloween. Clearly, I was a little bit obsessed with Harry Potter!

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

Naturally, I couldn’t wait to see all the Harry Potter sets, props, and costumes in real life.

After being ushered past the cupboard under the stairs and watching an intro movie, we were escorted into the Great Hall which was set up just how it was in the movies minus the CGI floating candles. They had a lot of the iconic costumes out and even the sorting hat, which I wished they would let us try on to see what house we’d be in. I’ve always wanted to be a Gryffindor.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

I’ll try not to go into too many nerdy details, but you can see by my face that I was in pure bliss. I took my time, reading every plaque that had behind-the-scenes stories and information on it. From the boy’s dormitory to Dumbledore’s office to the potions classroom to the Gryffindor common room, the sets looked just like they did in the movies which was really cool to see.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

I noticed a lot of little details that I’d never noticed before!

After making it through the main set area, I got to ride a broomstick in front of a green screen. They turned it into the funniest video, because you’re sitting there on the broomstick and someone’s directing you. They’re telling you what to do and how to react, but you have no idea how silly you look until you see the finished product. 

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

We ended up actually buying the video as a keepsake because it was so funny.

Plus we got some more photos of me on the broomstick too. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I went all out. The most elaborate set we saw was Dumbledore’s office with the Pensieve and spiral staircase leading up to it. It definitely tops my list as my favorite out of all the permanent sets. 

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

As for my favorite film, it’s a tough call but I’d have to pick Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I’ve seen it the most out of all of them! I just can’t get enough of the Yule Ball. From the ice sculptures to the snowy decorations to the live music and dancing, it was everything I wished high school prom would’ve been like: truly magical. I also really like all the trials they have to go through in the Triwizard Cup: dragons, mermaids, and an enchanted maze.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

After riding the broomstick, we ended up on Platform 9 3/4.

I took a ton of photos with the suitcases disappearing through the wall. If you’ve seen Harry Potter, you’ll know what I’m talking about. We actually got to go inside the Hogwarts Express too which was surreal. Then, you make it to the food area, where they have snacks inspired by the movies and even Butterbeer if you’re in the mood.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

After a quick snack break, we headed outside to see the Knight Bus, the Dudley’s house on Number 4 Privet Drive, Harry’s house in Godrick’s Hollow, and the big Hogwarts bridge. Plus, they had the Weasley’s car and Hagrid’s motorbike that you could take pictures in. As you can see from the first photo, I happily hopped on and took Hagrid’s bike for a spin.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

These massive chess pieces from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were awesome.

They’re actually so much bigger in person that I imagined. We were nearing the end of the tour, where you got to see how some of the magical creatures were brought to life. Then, we actually got to walk down the streets of Diagon Alley past the iconic Ollivander’s Wand Shop and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

At the very end, there’s a gigantic studio dedicated to a miniature model of Hogwarts.

Even though it’s miniature in scale, it’s actually so massive with twinkling lights and all sorts of tricks that come to life thanks to movie magic. It’s how they filmed a bunch of the external shots and then edited in the characters via green screen. It exits out into the gift shop where I picked myself up a Gryffindor sweatshirt and a Christmas ornament in addition to the souvenir guide book I’d already bought.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London

I’d definitely recommend the Harry Potter studio tour for anyone who’s a Harry Potter fan!

If you like the books or the movies or both, you’ll really enjoy this truly one-of-a-kind experience because it really gives you an in-depth behind-the-scenes look. I’d say it even beats the theme park! And no, I was not in any way paid to say this. I’m just a true Harry Potter fan who had a magical time.

The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour #London
Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply