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Original poster

Harry Potter Studio Tour tips

104 replies

Toobuktim · 29/07/2021 17:20

After being disappointed before the kids broke up for summer when there were no slots available till September, I’ve checked again today and they’ve opened up more times for people to visit!!
So, I’ve been looking forward to this for ages and want to make the most of our visit - please can you let me know any tips to make it as fabulous as possible?
We’ve gone for a 6.30pm Saturday slot and are hoping it’s not so busy then.

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Cookerhood · 30/07/2021 22:21

We went quite a few years ago at about 6.30 & it was brilliant. Quite quiet even though it was half term. I would love to do it again.
We are at Costco just up the road first

Cookerhood · 30/07/2021 22:21

ate

Original poster
Toobuktim · 30/07/2021 22:25

I’m thinking a burger half way round is a good plan…and definitely just buy one butterbeer as a scientific/gastronomic experiment!

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Disneycharacter · 30/07/2021 22:26

Just go with the flow and take the best quality but smallish camera, you can It's amazing

greenzeppelin · 30/07/2021 22:30

Book on the first slot and you'll get Diagonal Alley to yourself!

Workyticket · 30/07/2021 22:30

I wouldn't waste time eating there when you're already time limited!

greenzeppelin · 30/07/2021 22:32

Diagon ffs.

I'll end up in Borgin and Burkes at this rate!

123rd · 30/07/2021 22:37

If you are going that late I would seriously just eat a big meal before and then spend all of the time walking round. I can't imagine the food is that good that you would want to spend half an hour eating a burger & chips when you could be enjoying the visit

Shmithecat2 · 30/07/2021 22:38

We didn't stop to eat or drink when we went, but we were there for over 5 hours. We hired the audio tour thing, which was brilliant - I'm no major HP fan, but absolutely loved it. I'd visit again quite happily!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/07/2021 22:55

Yes, definitely eat before you go in.

TheOrigRights · 31/07/2021 00:37

Timely! We are going tomorrow (well today in fact). 4th attempt: lockdown, local lockdown, ear infection! It's DS's birthday treat from March 2020.

He did have lots of birthday money to spend in the gift shop but that's long since been spent. I however have since had a juicy pay rise so maybe I will be feeling generous when it comes to wand shopping!

AlwaysLatte · 31/07/2021 00:43

Agree with what others said about the butter beer. We bought one each but only ended up having a few sips as it's SO sweet! As it's a set tour there aren't any special tips really. It's great, enjoy it!

AlwaysLatte · 31/07/2021 00:48

Oh yes, the gift shop is expensive so take extra money for it, we bought our two replica wands which were about £30 each, and a goblet each, so the bill stacks up for a family!

actorbynight · 31/07/2021 00:55

Tickets are released every evening ( late on, maybe like 11pm) for the next day just now.

Give yourself plenty of time if you are going from London by train. The shuttle buses from Watford Junction are about every 30 mins or so.

Even if you miss your time slot slightly due to a late arrival, they'll still let you in

The food in the Backlot cafe actually really good

Not many toilets... and you can't go back a step once you've passed a particular area

Very knowledgeable guides

Wear trainers

Stunning sets. Absolutely breathtaking in parts, especially when they blow up Gringott's bank

rooarsome · 31/07/2021 01:06

We went to the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho today for their wand making, which the kids loved.
We have been to the studio tour a few times and are returning next week. We will be taking food with us as we found the cafe food overpriced and a bit rubbish. Wear comfortable shoes. I agree with others that 1 butterbeer per group is plenty! Spend more time in the first half

1AngelicFruitCake · 31/07/2021 08:55

How hot/cold is it? Just thinking about carrying coats like a packhorse! Also did someone mention a passport? Do you ask or do they give you that? I went in a local £ shop the other day (well quality save I think) snd they had Harry Potter shopping bags (slim not massive ones) for £1 each. I’m trying to buy a few themed things before we go😄

Niceicebaby · 31/07/2021 09:00

It air con cold in the waiting area but fine inside. Seaeting area is indoors and only the bus and house are outside. Thwre ia a free cloakroom tho

1AngelicFruitCake · 31/07/2021 09:05

That’s great thanks x

Pregnantpeppa · 31/07/2021 10:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsSkylerWhite · 31/07/2021 10:23

blaisealex

Can't believe all these comments about the butter beer not being nice. I go just for the butter beer! It's lush. I could easily order 3 or 4 of them. Though I limit myself to one because of cost. I really want to go again now!”

Noooo. Awful stuff. Like brownish, watered down cream soda and so expensive.

The studio is fantastic though.

MarianneUnfaithful · 31/07/2021 10:28

It is worth spending time looking at the ‘room’ exhibits as lots of the moving / interactive bits are subtle. I saw lots of kids pressing the buttons, expecting instant fireworks and then rushing off, missing the moving parts.

The pleasure is in the detail, IMO.

Whiskyinajar · 31/07/2021 10:36

I loved it, when I went and took about 4-5 hrs to go round with DH.

Staff are very knowledgeable about film making and the props used.

It was my second visit. The first one was with autistic DS who also has ADHD. We went round it in 1.5hrs ....if I ever take him again I will book a disability ticket for him.

PurpleFadesToGreen · 31/07/2021 13:12

Food wise, there's plenty of local places within 10 minutes drive of the studios.

McDonald's, local pubs, Harvester, etc.

Vanilla1Cookies · 31/07/2021 14:02

@Whiskyinajar

I loved it, when I went and took about 4-5 hrs to go round with DH.

Staff are very knowledgeable about film making and the props used.

It was my second visit. The first one was with autistic DS who also has ADHD. We went round it in 1.5hrs ....if I ever take him again I will book a disability ticket for him.

I didn’t know they did disability tickets. Il Have to look into it. My youngest has autism
stripedbananas · 31/07/2021 19:27

You get to keep the butter beer cups so buy one each for the DC I regret sharing one cup between us despite the price. We want to go again now they're older so I'll get us all one each.

We arrived a bit early and we're allowed to join the queue then as I suppose people arrive early and late throughout the day so it balances out

They had an owl show outside so don't miss that and they have a wand practice thing inside as far as I recall so find out what times things like that start.