Harry Potter Studio Tips Please

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I have tickets for DS (11), DH and I to go to the Harry Potter studios tomorrow.

It seemed like a great idea when I got the tickets 7 months ago- I thought it would be lovely to have something to fill the time between Christmas and New Year.

In reality DH and I have been working a lot and we are all a little jaded after a hectic Christmas and colds all round.

Our tickets are for 5pm, and I'm not sure how it all works.

Any tips or explanations as to what to expect would be brilliant. I feel if I knew what to expect I might feel a bit more enthusiastic!

It's a great place. You join the queue at the appointed time although when we went it wasn't too busy so we were allowed to join early. You move into a cinema area as a large group, watch some film footage then move on to the main part of the tour seeing the sets and props used for filming. There is loads to see and after the initial film part you can move along at your own pace. That doesn't really describe it adequately, everyone I know whose been has loved it and I bet you will.

I think ours were 6pm with 8 year olds. It was perfect. Expect to be there till 10pm. Save time for the shop unless you do it first. Remember the end is as good as the beginning.
When we go again (when youngest is 9 ish) I would go more quickly through the beginning to spend more time nearer the end.
All amazing.

Nobody will tell you much, quite rightly, because it’s so amazing to see it with no preconceptions

Oh you'll love it, it's a magical day. We've been three times now, the first time we went we were there for 12 hours

My only tip is to take snacks and drinks as there is only one good stop on the way round. Though there is a cafe as well at the beginning/end.

Oh and like a pp said it's worth getting there early as they will often let you join a slightly earlier tour.

Your time is a slot so all the 5pms go together there is no real tips just enjoy it

My tip is to be nice to the employees. I'm sure you will be but the occasional visitor sometimes forgets that these are young people (many of whom are still at school) doing their best to make sure everyone has a great experience.

I would say to be near the back of the crowd when you go through the Great Hall. When they start moving you through to the next place you can get some amazing pictures of just you and your kids with no one else there. Loiter!!

You'll hate it. The only solution is to send me the tickets instead

(Not sure if it’s still a thing but when they ask if it’s anyone’s birthday fib and say it’s yours!!!!! - special treat at the beginning)

It's lovely. Look at the reviews and compare them to other London attractions for families, there is rarely a complaint. Take your time and try the butterbeer.

We went for the first time just before Christmas. Thoroughly enjoyed it, despite not being into HP ( have absorbed loads from 8yo DD who loves it!)

Slightly bemused by the number of adults elbowing DC out of the way dressed in wizarding costumes and complete with the passport usually handed out to children

I recommend the audio guide. It’s only £5 but it has so much added stuff on it’s really great! And yes get there early and they’ll let you in 🙂

I just went and they didn’t ask for birthday to open the doors - a woman nearly trampled us in the rush to push her child to the front. He got to open the door though so I guess it was ok
There are two places where you have a green screen photo / video now - the broomstick area and the train platform. They are quite expensive though, £10 a photo or 3 for £20.
If you are going in at 5 I’d take sandwiches unless you want to have what’s left in the cafe or fast food.
I can save you the effort as the butter beer is really horrible unless you like cloyingly sweet stuff! Otherwise once you are past the great hall nobody pushes you along and you can take your time. I’d recommend the audio guide if you are really into the detail.

A womandressed in a robe pushed her child about 4 in front to try and get the door opened when we went he didn'tget to do it she was raging !

Just buy one butterbeer to taste between you, all four of us thought it was revolting so glad we didn't get one each.

Thank you all for your posts. Have got DG watching the first Harry Potter this morning so we are getting in the mood.

Will take a picnic as suggested.

Have a couple of hours drive from the midlands, so trying to work out what traffic is like in the area/ any thoughts?

We are going soon - I take it from the above it's ok to take food / drink in?

Thanks

Lurking as I'm taking DD1 and a friend as her birthday 'party' in Feb. It's actually a month after her birthday due to availability but I fully intend to lie as it's a birthday treat and get anything we can! We're all HP fans so really excited.

Does anyone know what it a reasonable amount to take to spend in the shop? I know it's a piece of string answer but want to get DD1 a couple of things as it's her 'birthday' and will get her friend something too but will have to save up.

Shop is expensive so yeah piece of string but my dd spent £30 of her own money mainly on chocolate frogs

We loved it when I took my daughter last year and I’m not a real Harry Potter fan. We took our just turned 3 yr old too who loved it and wants to go back again.
We drove from midlands too and the traffic was really good for us. Very easy to get to.
Have fun!

"Just buy one butterbeer to taste between you, all four of us thought it was revolting so glad we didn't get one each."

This ^^
They have a wet waste barrel nearby, and it is very well used. I thought the butterbeer was utterly revolting.

Great tour - expect to spend minimum of 4 hours there. Longer if you are going to queue for things like the broomstick 'ride'.

Shop is extremely expensive but they do have some wonderful things as if exactly from
The movie. Off the top of my head - Chocolate Frogs are £7, wands start around £25, house scarfs £25 and full robes are £75. With a couple of kids you can easy spend a few hundred on getting them fully kitted out. That said there are smaller bits (pencils etc) but even theses are a few pounds each.

Half way round there is a cafe selling the usuals fayre of hot dogs etc. Also a butter-beers - I seem to remember theses being £8 each? £12 in a 'souvenir' glass. Very expensive for what is basically a soda, but I found it quite tasty.

The butter beer ice cream is much nicer than the drink!