I love Harry Potter. I really, truly love it – it is a symbol of my childhood and has followed me into
my twenties. I’m becoming well known for my Dobby earrings, I own almost every
Harry Potter themed tshirt and pyjama set sold by Primark and my internship
with Bloomsbury was partly so exciting because it was the publishing home of
the Harry Potter series. The films have become as big a part of my love for
Harry Potter as the books and the first time I visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour a couple of years ago, I actually cried as I stepped into the Great Hall - yes, I'm that fan. When I was offered some tickets for the September Screenings by the Studios, I might have
screamed, cried and screamed some more with joy at the amazing opportunity to
visit and review the special event:
I last visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour at Christmas in 2014 so I had been planning to visit the tour again for a while. For me, the tour continues to be excellent whether it is your first or fifth visit, thanks to the constant innovation and new sections introduced by the Leavesden studios. The latest addition to the tour was the part I was most excited to see; the Hogwarts Express. Just look at it. And I actually got to stand in front of it and even walk on it! It was such a highlight and a genius addition to the tour. I was also amazed to see some trolleys attached to wall, exactly the same as the ‘Platform 9 and 3/4’ trolley at King’s Cross Station. I have been waiting for months to spot a queue short enough to join for a photo at King’s Cross, which has obviously never happened, so I was more than happy to pose with the trolley at the Studios instead and pretend I could reach Hogwarts!
This visit was even more special as a result of the
September Screenings. Unfortunately now finished, the tickets for the Screening
not only included your entry to the tour, but also included some hot food, a
soft drink and a cup of the famous Butterbeer to enjoy at the mid-point of the
tour. After the tour, the ticket also included a screening of one of the Harry
Potter movies in the tour cinema, accompanied by some popcorn or pick and mix.
The day I attended was the screening of The Goblet of Fire, probably my
favourite book of the series and I had honestly forgotten how good the film is
too. After walking round the tour and getting excited about all the props and
displays on show, I always want to go home and immediately watch the movies, so
being able to sit down and watch one of the films in a room full of Harry
Potter fans was perfect. Everyone was so involved in the film, nobody minded
the odd popcorn rustle or whoop at an exciting moment; we were all there
together as fans of Harry Potter to enjoy the evening and it was magical.
I’m hoping Warner Bros Studio Tour plan to repeat the
September Screenings next year, if not sooner, as I would definitely return and
do it again. It was a wonderful day and the Studios are constantly innovating
and adding new events to their calendar – like the incredible option to dine at
the Great Hall this Christmas, which was unfortunately completely out of my
price range and is now sold out. I personally don’t mind these higher priced
events, as long as there is still a balance of alternative events and seasonal
offerings for a range of fans, whatever their budget. For me, the September
Screenings were the right price for an amazing experience and I loved every
single second. I cannot wait to head back as soon as I can!
Have you ever visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour? What
was your favourite part?
Jess
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