About The Harry Potter Studios
It was in the year 2000 that the first Harry Potter film — Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone — was shot at a studio in Leavesden. On completion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Warner Bros. announced that they would be purchasing the site as a permanent attraction dedicated to the wizarding world. It was officially launched as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter in 2010. Props, costumes and sets from all eight films have been preserved and maintained to date.
Harry Potter Studios opening times vary based on the day you choose to visit:Typically during the week, the tours take place between 09:30 AM to 08:00 PM on short days, tours take place between 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM.
Typically, a Harry Potter Studio tour takes about 3.5 hours. If you choose to attend an experience, shop or dine, your time at the studios would increase accordingly.
Owing to its popularity, a Harry Potter Studios tour is always bustling with fans. However, since their intake capacity is limited, you would be able to comfortably explore. Comparatively lesser crowds can be found outside of the summer season . A highly recommended experience is visiting during Christmas, owing to the magical decoration and atmosphere.
The closest train station to the Harry Potter Studios is Watford Junction. From here, you can take one of many shuttle buses to reach the studios within 15 minutes.
But Dont Buy A Gillywater
Bottled Gillywater is available throughout the park. Despite its fun, themed name, its just regular bottled water that costs more than $4 a pop. You can add some flavor by throwing in one of the magical elixirs like Fire Protection Potion and Draught of Peace, but you really should just bring your own reusable bottle and take advantage of the parks free water fountains.
Dont Eat Meals In The Parks
With the exception of Butterbeer of course and the ice cream from Florean Fortescues, the food in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expensive and really just not good enough to justify the cost. True, it is food and it will hold you over, but youre better off eating outside of the Parks. Youll get better food for a lot less money. We did try a few meals within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and honestly, we didnt love any of them. The Butterbeer on the other hand..get the Butterbeer. All of them, theyre all delicious and worth experiencing. Of course, if you need to eat somewhere close head over to Universal CityWalk. We were able to find some great pizza at Universal CityWalk and didnt felt like we were getting robbed at the same time over at Red Oven Pizza Bakery. They also have a Blaze Pizza, which is like the Chipotle of pizza joints and budget-friendly.
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Set Designs And Paintings From The Harry Potter Films
See how they created the magnificent sets
Leading out from Diagon Alley you go through to a room where you can see lots of drawings and blueprints of all the set designs, such as Hagrids Hut, the Burrow, Hogsmeade and of course Hogwarts itself.
If you like artwork there is a white gallery with lots of beautiful paintings of the characters, with notable scenes from the books.
If architecture is of interest, here you will also see amazing scaled models of all the buildings featured in the films such as Diagon Alley, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Hogsmeade and classrooms in Hogwarts. The models themselves are highly intricate and fascinating to see.
Try Our Harry Potter Wizarding World Crossword
Today’s crossword challenge is all about Harry. So, how well do you know the Harry Potter books’ titular hero?
Find out below.
And if you want even more puzzles, Wizarding World Gold subscribers can play new, weekly challenges in our app feed. You can learn more about Wizarding World Gold here.
Looking for Pottermore? Wizarding World is the new official home of Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts. Join the Fan Club and bring your traits with you.
Brought to you by Wizarding World Digital, a partnership between Warner Bros. and Pottermore. Delivering the latest news and official products from the Wizarding World and our partners.
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Interactive Opportunities At Harry Potter Studio Including Free And Paid For
Warner Bros Studio Tour interactive signs
As well as the sets and props there are also a few interactive things you can do at the Studio. For example, at Weasley’s Burrow there is plenty to do.
There is a wand choreography demonstration , featuring a video demonstrating correct wand moves very popular with the kids as they see themselves perform in front of two mirrors, much like the mirror of Erised.
If you wish to ride a broomstick you can pay extra , to perform in front of a green screen, on to which a marvellous Hogwarts background is super imposed, and as a memento take home with you your choice of photograph, DVD or HD USB. This attraction is a highlight so it is best to check out the queues and make your timings accordingly. Note,
Outside you can also have your photo taken in the original Ford Anglia car, like Harry and Ron, and even wobble yourself over Hogwarts Bridge!
Throughout there are interactive touch-screen boards which play videos showing the cast and crew, or information about the making of the films, such as the ‘Marauder’s Map‘ board, and around the magnificent Hogwarts Castle.
Buying Tickets To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
We like to buy our theme park tickets with Getaway Today. They are a trusted company and have the best deals out there. You can also book your Universal tickets and hotel together in a vacation package, which can save you a lot of money. You can purchase Universal packages here and Universal tickets here.
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What Time Does Harry Potter World Open
The first step is to decide how early to arrive at Universal Studios for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? We always recommend to arrive as early as possible to avoid long lines later on in the day. This is true even if you are spending a few days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Typically, the Wizarding World Hours are the same as park open hours, meaning, as soon as the gates are open, guests are allowed to enter.
This is why Early Park Admission is so important as it allows you entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before regular park guests! Your family can hop on a ride such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and save two to three hours later on in the day.
Dont forget that staying at a Universal hotel isnt the only way to get Early Park Admission. All of the Park Prodigy tickets included Early Park Admission, check out our Universal Orlando Tickets Page!
Flight Of The Hippogriff
Location: Hogsmeade
Bow to Buckbeak as you board this family-friendly roller coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and then swoops past Hagrids hut.
Pro Tip: This ride is great for little witches and wizards who might be a bit spooked by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
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Exchange Your Muggle Money At The Gringotts Money Exchange
Location: Diagon Alley
Have a conversation with the goblin behind the counter before trading your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes in $10 or $20 denominations.
Pro Tip: The bank notes can be used for purchases within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and at select locations throughout the theme parks.
Dont Try Doing It All In One Day
If you have one day to spend in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can get the majority of things done, while enjoying the rest of the theme park attractions. But, if you truly want to get the full wizarding world experience without feeling rushed, I recommend dedicating a day in Hogsmeade and a day in Diagon Alley .
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Harry Potter And The Escape From Gringotts
Location: Diagon Alley
Take a journey aboard this mind-blowing, multi-dimensional ride through the cavernous passageways of Gringotts bank. You may even find yourself coming face-to-face with Harry Potters biggest foes!
Pro Tip: For those looking for a more intense ride, ask the attendant if they can accommodate you toward the back of the ride vehicle. However, all seats offer a thrilling adventure!
Fizzing Whizzbees Are A Real Treat
Candy preferences are subjective, of course, but the Fizzing Whizzbees are one of the more exciting and delicious options at the Harry Potter sweet shops. Theyre a combination of chocolate, fruit flavor and a Pop Rocks-esque ingredient that creates a fun effect in your mouth. The Exploding Bon Bons also include popping candy.
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Learn How To Defend Yourself Against The Dark Arts
This guided, interactive tutorial will have you testing out your wand skills and associated moves to help ward off those pesky Death Eaters. Youll be casting spells with a flick of your wand in no time. Dont worry about making a fool of yourself. The only people watching will be those in the queue waiting to cast their own spells.
Take Your Time At The Model Of Hogwarts
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has a huge model of Hogwarts that was actually used during filming for sweeping exterior shots. Elevated walkways allow you to see the model from all angles and heights, making for a truly breathtaking experience. The room the model is housed in constantly fades from day into night and back again, so take your time and admire this work of art in all its glory.
If youre visiting around Christmas, youll get an additional snowy treat.
Plan your visit: There are two options for you to get to Harry Potter Studio Tour. The first is via public transport and the second is via a tour operator. You can find all the details on how to get there at the bottom of this post.
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Tip Number Four: Dress For The Part Even Just A Little Bit
Lots of people dress up for the tour, and its great fun for most kids. G-Man however is one of those children who, to my eternal chagrin, doesnt much like dressing up.
Probably just as well though, as I would happily have blown the budget and remortgaged the house to see the kiddos dressed in Hogwarts quidditch robes like these.
In the face of filial revolt and because I insisted there was at least some dressing up, I got the kids really cheap scarves in Gryffindor colours instead .
Wear Hogwarts scarves or full on costumes!
The scarves arrived by Owl Post on the morning of our trip, along with a couple of brown paper party bags. The boys opened the scarf parcels before we left and proudly wore their scarves most of the day, even when sweltering inside.
Top Tip: Ask Questions
Be sure to ask the guides at the Harry Potter Studio Tour lots of questions because they REALLY do know their stuff. Weve found they love to share their geeky knowledge, from which buttons to press to make the flying car invisible, to which masks were worn by which death eaters. They are also usually happy to take photos with your own phone if you ask nicely.
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Breakfast At The Caf Is Surprisingly Good Value
There are a four places to buy food and drink at the studio tour.
The Backlot Café is one of them and is located half way around the tour making it a great place to stop off.
While you can fork out £8 for a salad and £9 for a burger at lunch time, the breakfast menu is surprisingly good value.
If you book onto one of the early sessions, grab a brioche bap here mid-morning.
The made-to-order baps are tasty, large and filling and cost £4.25 with one filling, £4.65 with two fillings and £5.25 for three fillings.
You can choose between smoked back bacon, pork sausage, fried free range egg and fried mushroom.
Plus baps can be made gluten free and vegan on request.
Can I Bring A Backpack To Universal Studios And Islands Of Adventure
You absolutely can as long as you do not pack any prohibited items.
To prevent any embarrassment at the security checkpoints, Ive listed the items you are able to take with you inside of the Universal Orlando parks.
Please keep in mind that Universal is very strict on what it allows you to bring.
Acceptable items:
- Sunscreen
Can you bring bags on rides at Universal Orlando?
On mostthrill rides at Universal you are not allowed to bring your bag or any loosearticles.
There arelockers provided for free for you in front of the rides that require you toplace your items inside of them.
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Practical Tips & Getting Around
11. Download Orlando Studios Apps
Make the most of your time at the Universal Orlando Resort with 3 apps that will help you navigate the park. This isnt just part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips, these apps are for the entire park and well worth downloading.
Wondering how to use the apps if youre travelling without a phone plan? Well
12. Use Free Park Wifi
Just sign on the park wifi! The free network is called UNIVERSAL and can be accessed from anywhere in the park. Refresh ride wait times and pull up your tickets when you board the Hogwarts Express.
13. Ride the Hogwarts Express
Youre going to walk a lot anyways, so spare yourself the trek from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. When the wait for the Hogwarts express was 40 minutes, we decided to walk. It turns out that this takes about an hour. Enjoy the stroll if you like, but know that walking is not faster than the taking the train if the wait is 60 minutes or less.
Learned the hard way for me I walked, muggle move. Heres hope these Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips can spare you some hassle!
14. Watch the Light Show
Top Tip: Budget For The Gift Shop
Prepare your kids for the Harry Potter Studio Tour gift shop. We set our kids a budget before we arrived on the day. This meant they knew what they could spend. Thats important when a Hogwarts school jumper costs almost £60 and a set of robes is £79! Even the wands are around £25 each.
Of course, the quality reflects the price and there are some truly wonderful souvenirs. But you could easily spend a fortune here. Some of the best budget buys are things like magnets and key-rings, and of course chocolate . There is also a really sweet new range of charm bracelets that children can add to over time.
Heres Fleas vlog of her Harry Potter Studio Tour birthday gift shop haul!
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What To Wear To Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
In addition to comfortable shoes, show your house pride and wear your house colors! You can purchase TONS of Harry Potter themed merchandise in Hogsmeade at a number of different shops. For instance, you can purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, shorts, hats, caps, scarves, sweaters, and Quidditch jerseys at Dervish & Banges. It took a lot of restraint on my part to not buy up #allthethings to show my Ravenclaw pride.
If new clothing is not in your budget you can still dress in house colors. You probably have something in your house colors already in your own closet or dresser. My husband wore a red Polo , my son wore a yellow t-shirt , I wore a royal blue lightweight cotton blouse , and my daughter wore a crimson shirt I made especially for the occasion that said, I solemnly swear it is my birthday.
I made this t-shirt for my daughter using my Silhouette Cameo. I love my Silhouette!
This is also the perfect time to wear your robes. We saw many people wearing house robes. *Insider tip: Hogwarts robes are really expensive at the park so if you want to dress in robes I suggest purchasing them before your trip. The ones in the park are really nice and very good quality but plan on spending about $120 on each one.
Ride The Indoor Rides
There aren’t a *ton* of rides in the Harry Potter parks in fact, there’s only ONE in Diagon Alley and 3 in Hogsmeade. Meaning it’s pretty easy to ride them all if you want to. My personal favorites? It was the innovative indoor rides that really blew me away.
The Forbidden Journey, located inside Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade , is a grown-up motion simulation ride in which you feel like you’re following Harry around on a broomstick, dodging dragons and dementors.
And the Escape From Gringotts ride in Diagon Alley is a mixture of an indoor roller coaster and a 3-D ride where you get chased by Voldemort and Bellatrix through the vaults. Both were unlike any ride I’ve ever been on before!
*Be warned: The Forbidden Journey ride made me feel a bit sick, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d definitely take some Dramamine for this one!*
And, pro tip: don’t be scared by wait times. Wait times of up to 30 minutes will seem like nothing once you get inside, because the lines have you winding your way through Hogwarts and Gringotts respectively, complete with talking photos, animatronic goblins, and some appearances by Harry Potter characters.
The first time we went on the Forbidden Journey the line was only 10 minutes long and I felt like we actually missed out on part of the experience because we went through the line so fast!
There’s also a kid-friendly coaster in Hogsmeade , and the new Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in the same area of the park.
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