TRAVEL
Harry Potter Studio Tour
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I’ve been beyond ecstatic since it was released that J.K. Rowling was going to be making her debut screenplay writing career. A new movie series will be based off her Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and the textbook’s author Newt Scamander. Rowling has made it quite clear that this is neither a prequel nor a sequel to Harry Potter, but only an extension of the Wizarding World we have all come to love so much. The storyline will be set in New York City, 70 years before Harry’s begins. Read more here.
In honor of this fabulous news, I thought I’d do a post about my trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour last year.
When I found out I was going to Europe last summer and that the Studio Tour was also opening last summer, I naturally had to plan this into my visit.
A shuttle bus, specifically for the Studio Tour, runs from Watford Junction to the studio.
Pulling into Warner Bros. Studio…
My mom, brother and I in front of one of the awesome shuttle buses.
I, of course, had to get a picture with Professor Snape (kind of), one of my all-time favorite HP characters.
The Gryffindor common room.
Dumbledore’s Office.
A miniature (not so small) replica of Hogwarts. This replica was beyond words.
Since I went to the Studio on my birthday, I had to try one of the cupcakes for sell there. It was as delicious as it looks.
Diagon Alley. This makes me excited for the extension of The Wizarding World at Universal Studios.
A close-up of the replica. Look at that detail.
I loved this tour. My only regret is that I didn’t get better quality photos. My only excuse I can give is that I was just too damn excited. I guess I’ll just have to go back one day and get more 😉
**Tickets are not sold at the Studio. I highly suggest ordering them as soon as you know you are going as they are sold by time slot and are limited.
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Kristin Addis
September 19, 2013 at 5:25 PM
I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with Harry Potter! I went to Orlando a couple years ago for the sole purpose of going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was like a kid in a candy store. Naturally, I fancy myself a gryffindor.
Ashley Hubbard
September 19, 2013 at 6:26 PM
I am also completely obsessed. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve read the books, watched the movies, etc. I went to the Wizarding World in Orlando the summer it opened too…I’m going to do a post on that soon. Did you know they are expanding it next year??? I’m a dork, and I don’t care!
Kristin
February 8, 2014 at 9:24 AM
Thanks for this great post, I felt like I was on the tour myself! I can’t believe on all my recent London trips I still haven’t made it out there– after seeing your write up it’s now a must do!
Ashley Hubbard
February 8, 2014 at 12:18 PM
Oh you definitely should! It was well worth it. I’m definitely going back next time I’m in England 🙂
Roma
March 1, 2014 at 9:54 AM
Lived in London for a year and I still haven’t been able to make it. Tickets are always sold out or it’s school holidays (which is never a good idea!) I must go though!
In Edinburgh we covered so much ground on how/where JK Rowling got her inspiration. I’d definatly recommend a trip to Edinburgh to see some of the real locations. The school that inspired Hogwarts, characters names on tombstones in graveyards so eerie.
Ashley Hubbard
March 3, 2014 at 10:19 PM
Roma, you must go! Order your tickets ahead of time and just of 😉
I really want to see the sites in Edinburgh as well!
Michele
April 12, 2014 at 10:31 PM
Something else to add to the list… my dream is to do the train trip in Scotland they used and you have reminded me I had better look into it.
Corinne
April 13, 2014 at 1:17 AM
The fam is going to Harry Potter World in Florida this summer…have you been? I can’t wait.
Molly S
April 13, 2014 at 2:04 AM
I’ve still never been here, but I’d love to go! That replica looks incredible – so much detail. And I am very excited about the new spin-off! Can’t wait 🙂
Sammi
April 13, 2014 at 3:40 AM
EEEE!
Did you hear they’re making a the movie into a three parter?! Also, did you read that Jo Rowling wants to get in on the action and be sat in one of the scenes with Rupert, Emma and Dan? I think that would be awesome, kind of like finding the Equus poster in the scene in Deathly Hallows where the death eaters follow them to that cafe off Shaftesbury Avenue…
I found the studio lights made it difficult to get good photo’s, all mine aren’t great, but I only have a point and shoot camera…
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs
April 13, 2014 at 5:31 AM
I loved Harry Potter and read them as crazy but I guess I do not love it enough for visiting such place… too geeky for me maybe 🙂
anna parker
April 13, 2014 at 4:56 AM
you will now have to visit the one in the UK too! and the castle where it was filmed!!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo
April 13, 2014 at 5:02 AM
I’m one of those very rare people who just didn’t get into HP but my sons are mega fans. My oldest (14 y.o) read all the books in English, then in French, then in English again by which time I actually begged him to STOP reading! Crazy to have to ask a child to stop reading but he was becoming so obsessed that is was driving the rest of the family crazy! I know he’d LOVE to go on the HP tour…
Sam @ Travelling King
April 13, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Very cool Ashley!
I have seen all of the movies, seeing it in real life would be pretty cool!
(happy belated -very – birthday)
Raphael Alexander Zoren
April 13, 2014 at 6:23 AM
Great photos, that’s definitely a good way to celebrate a birthday!
Bob R
April 13, 2014 at 7:21 AM
I have yet to see one Harry Potter film from start to finish. I suppose that discounts me from visiting here, huh. 🙂
Ace CB @ Life in Dutch
April 13, 2014 at 7:26 AM
I’m a total HP nerd – so I am really jealous of this visit. I can’t even fathom the time and dedication that went into those Hogwarts models!
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Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal
April 13, 2014 at 2:17 PM
Love hearing about the new series coming out from J.K. Rowling and love the idea that ‘s about Hogwarts textbook. She’s such an incredible writer and I’m a fan of Harry Potter! The books on tape were my favorite, the reader is the best I’ve heard. Great pics of you!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
April 13, 2014 at 10:17 PM
I was geeking out when I visited Wizarding World at Universal Studios Orlando, so I know that I would really enjoy a studio tour. It’s on my list for when we make it to London which is who knows when. I would have a cupcake at the end, even if it wasn’t my birthday. Thanks for the tour and fueling my excitement.
Jules
April 14, 2014 at 1:05 AM
Ahh I’m so jealous reading this post! I would absolutely love to get lost in the HP world! Definitely something to add to the list!
Christy@SweetandSavoring
April 14, 2014 at 1:30 PM
Wow I would LOVE to do this! I need to indulge more Harry Potter geekdom more often. Totally wish I was near Universal Studios! I would have been just as excited as you were, but the pictures you did get are great!
Globalmouse
April 14, 2014 at 2:29 PM
I really want to visit this – my oldest son is just getting into Harry Potter so I can’t wait to take him (so I can visit of course!!). We recently went to Oxford to find out the real locations they filmed at there and I can’t wait to extend it to visit more of the places…you’re inspiring me to do that sooner rather than later!
Katrina
April 14, 2014 at 2:36 PM
Fan-freakin-tastic!!! This is on my to-do list as well as a visit to the theme park in Orlando, FL.
Lauren
April 14, 2014 at 5:25 PM
I’m glad you had such an amazing time! I’ve never gotten into the Harry Potter stuff, but I can see for fans of the books and movies that this would be a real treat!
Samantha @mytanfeet
April 14, 2014 at 9:15 PM
This is so cool! I’m totally doing this tour when I get over there. I remember one of my friends in high school actually won a contest and he got a behind the scenes tour and even got to meet Ron, uhh I don’t remember the name of the actor who plays Ron haha. But anyways, my 12 year old me (and 25 haha) is so jealous of your tour!
Bryna
April 14, 2014 at 11:29 PM
Oh my goodness! I’m so jealous you got to go to the Harry Potter studio tour! I used to be one of those kids who lined up at the book stores at midnight for the book releases. I LOVE the series. Although I haven’t watched all the movies yet (I think I’ve watched the 1st and maybe the 3rd one) so I still have to catch up on those!
Anastasia Sofia | Gallivant Girl
April 15, 2014 at 3:42 PM
Ah I went there not long ago – how good is it haha. Did you try the butterbeer? Everyone told me it was shit but I kinda liked it! Stoked on the new film, I wonder if it’ll be any good…
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 3:14 PM
I tried the butterbeer in Orlando and I liked it!
frankaboutcroatia
April 15, 2014 at 10:48 PM
This tour looks awesome, Ashley! I bet you felt at least for a minute that the whole thing is just totally real. I actually like your photos as they give a very good impression of the place.
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 3:11 PM
It was absolutely amazing!
Lian
April 15, 2014 at 11:29 PM
Loved this post! I knnow so many people who would have loved to have gone on this tour (especially me). This tour is on my bucket list of places to visit since I’m a huge HP fan, too!
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 3:10 PM
I hope you get to go one day Lian! 🙂
Adelina | PackMeTo
April 16, 2014 at 9:44 AM
What a great way to celebrate your birthday! I want to go! Harry Potter <3 I really wish I made the trek out to see everything. Ack, I have to go back to London.
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 3:08 PM
You need to go next time you’re in the area!
Angela Travels
April 16, 2014 at 2:03 PM
OMG. I am so jealous. I love all things HP and would love to go on a similar tour. I need to make it to Orlando as well for HP world!
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 3:07 PM
Yes you do Angela! 🙂
Jessica
April 18, 2014 at 9:34 PM
I want to do this! I may be a tiny bit interested in Harry Potter. And by ‘tiny bit’ I mean that the badger tattoo I just got is an adaption if the Hufflepuff house crest.
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 2:58 PM
Thats amazing Jessica!
Ming
April 19, 2014 at 8:21 AM
I love anything and everything Harry Potter. I spent half a day in the Wizarding World of HP at Universal Studios last November, checking out all the details and going double rounds on rides, and I didn’t want to leave! Your Diagon Alley picture looks amazing. It’s too bad I just moved to SEA a couple of months ago and won’t be able to see the upgrades in Florida this year. Great post!
Ashley Hubbard
April 21, 2014 at 2:58 PM
I’ve been to the Wizarding World as well and am going back in October to see the expansion right before moving to SEA…where are you located?
Amber
April 23, 2014 at 3:50 AM
This looks like so much fun! I’d love to go there! I actually used to live just a couple blocks from Kings Cross Station in London, where Platform 9 1/2 is located, and while I thought it was really cool at first, I ended up being so annoyed at having to clamber through the tourists every day! I think I’d be better off in a sanctioned area like this, haha! Did you wash that cupcake down with some butter beer?
Lisa
April 23, 2014 at 8:09 AM
That was a must on my daughter’s Europe to do list. My husband and her took the train from London there and loved it too! Easy transportation to see it. From the train, they caught the shuttle, so no need worrying about having a car.
Margherita @The Crowded Planet
September 7, 2014 at 5:11 AM
I LOVE Harry Potter! I would absolutely love to see this, even thought I’ve heard it’s really expensive. Shame it opened after I moved out of London, or I would’ve gone for sure. I can’t believe how real Diagon Alley looks!
domain
October 22, 2014 at 6:13 AM
Hola! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a
shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
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