I was 11 years old when the first Harry Potter film came out in theaters. I was hooked. This magical universe consisting of such a diverse assembly – or community – filled with real human beings with complex and paradox feelings just captured my heart from the beginning – just like is captured the hearts of so many others around the world.
When I watch the Harry Potter films, I’m immediately transported into this enchanting universe in which magic in all its variations is the overall theme. However, it’s so much more than just that. As such, when I lived in London three years ago, the Warner Brothers Studios opened their ”the Making of Harry Potter” exhibition. There was no doubt: I was going to visit the studios as soon as possible. Within the first week of their opening, some friends and I were on the HP bus on our way to explore the Harry Potter universe. Needless to say that we were nothing but ridiculously excited.
When you travel around the world, you always go somewhere magical because you travel to explore something new and learn from it – for me, that’s magic. This experience at the Warner Brothers Studios wasn’t any different. Having grown up with the Harry Potter stories, this magical world was indeed a travel destination for us – we weren’t going to a studio. No, we were going to an ’actual’ place. However, going to the Harry Potter Studios, I truly was going somewhere magical. Especially because, as a fan, there’s nothing more liberating – yes, liberating – than to dive into the world of fandom …in the real surroundings.
Getting off the bus and into the studios, we were amazed by the authenticity of it all. Although a tourist attraction, it was true to the universe and not in a touristee way, which is highly important! The exhibition itself features film sets, props, costumes etc. – whatever film, scene or character is your favourite, you’ll find it there. Even Dobby. And Dementors.
The visit itself was nothing but spectacular! We were diving into the film and their various scenes. It was exactly as being part of the Harry Potter universe for a couple of hours, which we took full advantage of. We spent a lot of time on the different film sets exploring among others Private Drive, The Weasley’s house, Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s chambers, Hagrid’s house, Diagon Alley along with hundreds of props and costumes. Not to forget the gift shop. I think we spent an hour there alone. At the gift shop, you can buy almost everything down to the very replica of clothings and wands! It’s quite the adventure for HP fans! Unfortunately, it’s pretty expensive and I had to do with some candy (the chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, of course). Had I known that there was so much stuff there, I would have brought a bucket full of money.
Anyway. As it turned out: Behind the magic, there’s more magic – it’s all just magical! Especially as a fan. So if you’re a fan and in or near London, I guarantee, it’s worth your money to explore the studios!
xo P!
I’m so jealous!!! I would love to visit this wonderful place 😀
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Oh my! I wish, I could teleport myself to London.
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Reblogged this on Lost Dudeist Astrology.
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I love your enthusiasm for your trip to the studio! It could have been more fun going with you than my husband, lol. 🙂 What did you think of the candies? After trying the butterbeer, and not liking it very much, I didn’t buy anything else!
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Haha! Isn’t he a HP fan?
I really liked it. The chocolate frog was delicious (oure chocolate) and the beans… some were good others not. However, it fit right into the description of them in the book/film. Actually, I didn’t try the butter beer so I’m glad to hear that I didn’t miss out on much:)
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Amazing! Beautiful pictures! My boyfriend and I want to go to London but it’s so expensive to fly from the US. Thank u for sharing!
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What an awesome experience!! I’m a “Harry Potter Head” loving all things Wizardly. Putting this on my bucket list!
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Wow! What an amazing adventure 🙂
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Your photos are amazing, and the world is equally enticing. I wish I lived near it, as I’m sure I’d visit there every week. Thanks for sharing your moments!
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Reblogged this on Travels by KAR.
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that is something that I would dearly love to see, but I’m on the wrong side of the planet and traveling isn’t really my thing.. you are very lucky to have gone
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I’m So Jealous! I really wanted to go there, but I couldn’t afford it :-(. Who should we annoy to get the exhibition to Denmark 😕
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This is AWESOME!!! My boyfriend and I actually just re-watched all the movies last week!! So fun and reminded us how much we love them! This is definitely going on my bucket list!!!
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I am no HP fan … but liked the way you presented it …. Transported me to HP universe 🙂
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You have just made me want to book a flight to Lindon right now! I love the HP films and always want to get carried away to that magical place. Based on your description, the tour is not a disappointment and is now officially on my must do list.
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That would be so awesome to see. I am addicted to Harry Potter. Though I’m not a huge fan of the movies. No one will watch them with me because I’m forever saying “But in the book” I’m all about the books.
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Wow! I loved this post and the way you’ve described everything, right down to the chocolate frogs! wish I could go there someday. 🙂
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Oh…how did I miss this post? Thank you for sharing your lovely experience! As a fellow harry potter fan, I feel so excited just reading about it! I wish someday I get to go there too 🙂
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This is amazing! Omg! I’m so jealous!
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Wow! I love HP too! I knew there was a place like this somewhere in London but I didn’t think it was very good. You surely changed my mind on this one! I must see it now.Thanks for sharing 😀
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I want to visit here someday!
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