Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was my favorite ride in all of Universal and the queue itself is filled with interesting scenes from the books.
When we visited, we zipped right through the line with our Express Passes and were disappointed that we didnt see all the neat things leading up to the ride. We decided to ride a second time and went through the normal wait line. We didnt wait that long but we were able to take our time to inspect things like Professor Sprouts herbology greenhouse and Dumbledores office with his talking portrait and the Mirror of Erised.
I was a little worried that I might not be able to ride this attraction since Im heavyset. Universals park guide notes that certain body types might not comfortably fit in the seat, which has a safety bar that comes over your head and shoulders to lock into place at your waistline.
For that reason, there is a pair of seats in front of Hogwarts Castle at the entrance for this ride. If youre not sure the seat will work for you, you can try it out before getting in line. If your waist is larger than 40 inches, you might not be able to ride.
There is another set of test seats about halfway through the queue and I did see two people turned away after an attendant tested them. If theres any doubt that you may not fit comfortably in the seat, try it out before waiting in line.
When To Visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
There is no bad time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, just times of the year when it may be more crowded or pretty darn hot. Dont overly stress over the choice of dates. Just check expected crowd levels at calendars like the ones from Undercover Tourist and TouringPlans.com and then use some strategies like skip-the-line passes, VIP tours and early starts to evade crowds if you need to .
How Much Does Harry Potter Studio Tour London Cost In 2022
- Adult ticket : £49.95
- Child : £39.95
- Family : £159.00
- 0-4 years: FREE
- Adult Complete Studio Tour Package: £59.90. This package includes a Studio Tour Ticket, Digital Guide & Paperback Souvenir Guidebook.
- Child Complete Studio Tour Package: £54.90. This package includes a Studio Tour Ticket, Digital Guide & Paperback Souvenir Guidebook.
- Deluxe Package Tour: £225.00. The Deluxe tickets include entry to the Studio Tour with a complimentary two hour guided tour, designated parking, a souvenir guidebook, a Butterbeer, four free photographs and a video at one of our photo opportunities and a choice of hot meal and drink. If you are travelling by train, your Deluxe ticket will also include a return shuttle bus transportation between Watford Junction and Warner Bros.
You May Like: When Was Lord Voldemort Born
Visiting The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Tickets & Hours
Adult ticket: 1 day 1 park = $115, 1 day 2 parks = $170
Child ticket: 1 day 1 park = $110, 1 day 2 parks = $165
Parks hours vary depending on the day and month. They open either at 8am or 9am and close anywhere between 5pm and 10pm
For more information on tickets, attractions and exact hours, visit the Universal Orlando website.
*TIP FOR VISITING WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER* We found that the cheapest accommodation for visiting Universal was to stay at the Days Inn Universal Maingate. It was very basic and we had 5 million pizza delivery leaflets shoved under the door each night, but when you are at the park all day, which is only a 20 minute walk away, we were able to overlook all the leaflets!
Is The Harry Potter Studio Tour Accessible
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is accessible, and visitors can bring one carer free of charge with proof of entitlement.
For the studio itself, the majority of it is level and accessible for wheelchair users. There are some exceptions, such as the Hogwarts Bridge and the Knights Bus. Diagon Alley also includes an incline and cobbled streets.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted but mobility scooters cannot be wider than 86cm.
Visitors with assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls can be provided. Theres also a dedicated toilet area for assistance dogs.
For visitors with a hearing impairment, induction loops can be provided. A portable iPad is also available , which can provide a subtitled version of some of the films. Its also possible to book a BSL tour in advance.
For more information on accessibility and any other needs you have, please visit the accessibility section of the official website.
Recommended Reading: How Many Pages In Harry Potter
Is The Harry Potter Studio Tour And Its Tickets Worth Its Costs
Definitely. This article gave you a good overview of what you can expect from the Making of Harry Potter tour in London and which ticket options are around. Its a great opportunity for Harry Potter fans to dive again into the world of Harry and his friends.
But also, for people that dont care too much about Harry Potter the studio tour is an amazing adventure with all its detailed scenery and information about how special effects were made.
Book your cheap Harry Potter Studio Tickets today and save your guaranteed participation. You wont regret it, like 6,000 other visitors per day.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley At Universal Studios Florida
Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley as you walk the familiar streets of London, passing buskers, red telephone booths and Kings Cross Station. You will know youre close to Diagon Alley once you see the Knight Bus. Just pass through the brick archway and catch your first glimpse of this hidden magical marketplace.
Once inside, grab a cup of Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice from iconic establishments like Leaky Cauldron, the Hopping Pot and other themed dining options, or even from a passing street vendor. Several Diagon Alley venues also have wizard-friendly eats.
Of course, its not the wizarding world without adventure, and youll find plenty of it at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Keep a watchful eye on the roof of Gringotts Money Exchange while youre there, though the 60-foot Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon is known to breathe fire!
Next, its time to gear up on everything youll need to make your time at Hogwarts a success. Find the perfect wand at Ollivanders, get sized for your school uniform at Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions, prepare for the big game at Quality Quidditch Supplies, or just stock up on side-splitting gags at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, among other shopping opportunities. And if you have the nerve to brave Knockturn Alley, Borgin and Burkes is your source for Death Eater masks and other merchandise coveted by members of House Slytherin.
Orlando’s Only Official Website
Recommended Reading: What Harry Potter House Are You Buzzfeed
Book The First Slot Available
When you buy your ticket, you will be asked to choose a time slot but in reality you can stay as long as you want at the studios.
The average visit lasts between 3 and 4 hours but if you want to stay until 10PM, you are more than welcome to do so.
To make sure you will have enough time ahead of you, make sure to book the first slot available.
This is particularly relevant if you book direct but also recommended if you book the tour.
With London Public Transport
If youve booked your ticket directly with the studios, you will need to make your way to the studios on your own.
It is entirely possible, there are just more steps to get there. You can use your Oyster card to get there however, please note that the fares are quite high as Watford is in Zone 7.
From Central London, take a train or Overground to Watford Junction.
It will take between 20 and 30 mins from London Euston. It is much quicker to take the train but you need to buy a ticket separately for that and it wont count towards your capping allowance on the tube. See prices here.
Once you arrive at Watford Junction, just walk out of the station and you will see the Harry Potter shuttle bus .
The shuttle is almost always there but if not, you can go to the bus stop, first one across the carpark.
The shuttle bus costs £3 return.
Dont forget to keep your ticket for the return.
It will bring you straight to the entrance of the studios. Very convenient! From there, you need to head to the reception desk, they will exchange your ticket and you can finally start your Harry Potter Studio tour in London!
Recommended Reading: Who Gave Hermione The Time Turner
The Backlot: Privet Drive And Magical Vehicles
Privett Drive
Before you enter Studio 2, you can explore some of the exterior sets from the films, including Number Four Privet Drive, the home of the Dursleys the iconic Hogwarts Bridge created for Prisoner of Azkaban and the purple double-decker Knight Bus.
Knight Bus
You can jump in the Ford Anglia and Hagrids Motorbike for some fun family photos!
Ford Anglia
Where To Buy Universal Tickets
You can purchase your tickets directly from Universal. Alternatively, you can buy from well-respected third-party vendors like Undercover Tourist. This can be an especially good idea right after a ticket price hike. Often, Undercover Tourist will have some tickets left over at the lower price for a few days or weeks after a ticket price increase.
Additionally, ticket purchases from Undercover Tourist typically code as travel for the purposes of earning or redeeming credit card points. Bookmark that site and comparison shop whenever you are buying tickets for Universal or other theme parks like Walt Disney World.
Related: Best credit cards to use for Universal Studios
Recommended Reading: Who Plays Ginny In Harry Potter
Harry Potter Studio And Oxford Tour
- Round trip transfer by coach
- Admission ticket to Warner Bros Studios
- Walking tour of Oxford with a knowledgeable guide
This full-day excursion includes the Harry Potter Studio Tour and a visit to the city of Oxford. Book this package and receive transport from London to the Harry Potter Studios, entrance to the Studio Tour, onward travel to Oxford, a guided city tour with entrance to Divinity School. All transfers are by coach. This is a fun day out that is perfect if you are short on time.
Casting The Roles Of Harry Ron And Hermione
In 2000, after a seven-month search, lead actor was discovered by producer David Heyman and writer Steve Kloves seated just behind them in a theatre. In Heyman’s own words, “There sitting behind me was this boy with these big blue eyes. It was Dan Radcliffe. I remember my first impressions: He was curious and funny and so energetic. There was real generosity too, and sweetness. But at the same time he was really voracious and with hunger for knowledge of whatever kind.”
Radcliffe had already established himself as an actor in the 1999 television production of in which he played the title role’s childhood years. Heyman persuaded Radcliffe’s parents to allow him to audition for the part of , which involved Radcliffe being filmed. Rowling was enthusiastic after viewing Radcliffe’s filmed test, saying she didn’t think there was a better choice for the part of Harry Potter.
Also in 2000, the then unknown British actors and were selected from thousands of auditioning children to play the roles of and , respectively. Their only previous acting experience was in school plays. Grint was eleven years old and Watson ten at the time they were cast.
You May Like: What Is The Third Harry Potter Book
Warner Bros Studio Tour: Making Of Harry Potter
Despite Harry Potter essentially being a British creation, theres actually no such thing as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Londonor even the UK! For now, its the USA and Japan that get the glory of that particular attraction. However, London does have the Making of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio Tour!
Leavesden Studios in Watford is where the majority of filming for the Harry Potter movies took place. When filming finished, the studio opened its doors to visiting guests! It showcases some of the real sets and props used during the filming of the Harry Potter series.
Other than the first 10 minutes or so, the rest of the time at the Warner Bros Studio Tour is self guided or with the help of an audio guide for an extra charge. Ive been twice and both times it took around 3 hours to go around. It could easily take longer if you were to stop and look at every little prop on display.
You even get the opportunity to sit on a broomstick rig in front of a green screen background and watch as you fly through the streets of London or around the castle! It has recently expanded, they have now re-created Kings Cross train station complete with the Hogwarts Express and the Forbidden Forest! They also hold themed evening meals in The Great Hall for special occasions, such as: Christmas and Valentines Day
Book Direct On Warner Bros Website
You can buy your tickets directly through the official website. The prices start at £47 for adults and £38 for children. You can also buy extras and take the gift option.
If you buy a ticket for yourself, you will need to pick a date and a time.
Gift tickets do not require a date. They are valid for a year and can be sent directly to the person of your choice. Once they get their ticket, they can call the studios directly to book their tour.
Its best to plan your visit a couple of months in advance. The Harry Potter studios are a very popular attraction in London and can be fully booked very quickly.
To ensure you get the day and time of your choice wed recommend you to book at least 2 months in advance, especially if you are visiting in December. Hogwarts in the snow is even more popular!
If you cant plan that much in advance, opt for the tour with the transfer. Prices here.
READ MORE: 23 Festive Things to do for Christmas in London
Recommended Reading: Who Played Dumbledore In Harry Potter 1
The Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour Highlights
You know whos bedroom this was!
Okay, now lets start the magic! Youll begin by seeing the tiny cupboard under the stairs and a room full of posters for each of the movies, some life-sized figures of Hagrid and the other other characters, before moving into a small room for a special effects introduction.
Hanging with the crew!
In true Harry Potter style, the walls above will have moving figures of people sharing their stories and feelings about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guides will then take you to a theater to watch a small trailer about the movies.
Then the self-guided tour begins when the doors slide open, and the smoke slowly unveils the Great Hall.
Is The Harry Potter Studio Tour In London Worth It
The Harry Potter Studio tour at Warner Bros is expensive. BUT, I think its totally worth it, especially if you are visiting London with kids, or love the books and movies yourself.
If I compare it to other attractions Ive done around the world, the price is good for what you get. There is no price on magic!
Its one of Londons best attractions for a reason so I would allow room in your budget for it.
All of us LOVED it. Kalyra was thrilled when we told the girls we were going to London because it meant she could finally go to the studios a dream of hers for years.
Our kids at the entrance
Craig hasnt seen all of the movies, nor read any of the books, yet he thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Savannah has only read a few of the books and is starting to become more of a devoted fan. She decked herself out with Ravenclaw gear after visiting the Studios.
Harry Potter World London is a fantastic way to allow muggle children to feel magic and help them discover what can happen when you dream big. That alone is worth the ticket price.
Next, Ill share a few Harry Potter World tour extras that may enhance the magic.
You May Like: When Did Harry Potter 7 Come Out
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
During Harry’s fourth year, Hogwarts plays host to the . Three European schools participate in the tournament, with three ‘champions’ representing each school in the deadly tasks. The chooses , , and to compete against each other. However, Harry’s name is also produced from the Goblet thus making him a fourth champion, which leads to a terrifying encounter with a reborn Lord Voldemort.
Coronavirus Update For Harry Potter Studio And Onboard Golden Tours Buses
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter has now re-opened after the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to the attraction being mainly indoors, there are various changes to the tour aimed at keeping all staff and visitors as safe as possible, whilst still enjoying all the magic of the studios.
You can now cancel your bookings and receive a full refund if you do so up to 72 hours before your time of travel.
Recommended Reading: Who Harry Potter Character Are You
Dine At The Leaky Cauldron
If you didnt eat breakfast before heading to Diagon Alley, now may be the right time to grab a table at the atmospheric Leaky Cauldron. Breakfast is pricey, but where else can you dine among witches and wizards? Breakfast plates for adults all ring in at $17.99 and include a small beverage .
- Traditional Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage links, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sauteed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes.
- American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, potatoes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
- Pancake Breakfast: Three buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon, sausage link and a croissant.
- Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty: Pastry-wrapped scrambled eggs, mushrooms and leeks served with potatoes and fruit.
- Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit.
The kids breakfast plate traditional, pancake or American is $12.99. Pumpkin juice will set you back $4.99.
If youre not a breakfast eater, leave this stop for lunchtime instead where you can order things like fish n chips , a ploughmans lunch for two , bangers and mash or a beef, lamb and Guinness stew . Kids entrees include things like mac n cheese and fish n chips for $7.29. Desserts sticky toffee pudding, Butterbeer potted cream or chocolate potted cream shouldnt be missed.