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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.

OP posts:

Thread gallery

stripedbananas · 31/07/2021 19:28

Oh yes you'll definitely want to buy the photos and bits and bobs in the shop after it's not a time to hold back

stripedbananas · 31/07/2021 19:35

We went about 8 years ago and didn't have butter beer ice cream so we'll definitely have that instead of a butter beer each next time.

atracurious · 31/07/2021 19:46

This is a great thread! We went around the same time as you a few years back now OP and we had plenty of time so you should be fine.

Could anyone add - we haven't been since 2017 - what have they added since? We are keen to go back later this year

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Films

Niceicebaby · 31/07/2021 21:14

I think the gringots bank is the newest

Ohbuggeroffcovid · 01/08/2021 06:49

Re the disability tickets, the carer goes free.

Also if your child has an issue queuing they can help you jump the queue.

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 01/08/2021 07:13

I love the later slots - we have been at around 6pm and stayed til closing time. Just wander, and don't feel caught up in the 'flow' of people - take your time.

FrangipaniBlue · 01/08/2021 10:36

No tips but we did a 6.30 slot during May half term, it was fabulous, hardly anyone there!

Goldenphoenix · 01/08/2021 11:09

Buy robes/jumpers/t shirts/scarf with the kids houses on before you go - all the guides dress up in their house colours so they engage with the kids of the same house etc. It's nice for the kids to wear something with their house even if it's just a scarf.
Take snacks and sweets with you.
Have a lovely time!

Original poster

Toobuktim · 01/08/2021 21:34

How did you get on @TheOrigRights - did you all have a fantastic time?

OP posts:

TheOrigRights · 01/08/2021 23:33

@Toobuktim

How did you get on *@TheOrigRights* - did you all have a fantastic time?

Ahem.....was printing off tickets and realised they were for 31st Aug not 31st July. We're not even around on the 31st Aug so I'm not sure what I was thinking. Re-booked (5th time!) for early Aug.

DS cried and I felt rotten.

Not quite as bad as the time I turned up for an international flight 24hrs early

PomBearWithoutHerOFRS · 02/08/2021 05:56

How would it be to go round in a wheelchair?
I can't cope with walking far, anything over 100 yards and I'm knackered, but would it be doable in a chair?

Shmithecat2 · 02/08/2021 07:31

@PomBearWithoutHerOFRS

How would it be to go round in a wheelchair? I can't cope with walking far, anything over 100 yards and I'm knackered, but would it be doable in a chair?

Absolutely fine!

Vanilla1Cookies · 02/08/2021 07:56

@PomBearWithoutHerOFRS

How would it be to go round in a wheelchair? I can't cope with walking far, anything over 100 yards and I'm knackered, but would it be doable in a chair?

Totally doable. The whole thing can be done in a car from what I can remember

Niceicebaby · 02/08/2021 13:25

It's flat, wide and open with disabled loos aplenty. Well catered for. The only thing you can't do is go over the bridge.

Original poster

Toobuktim · 02/08/2021 13:51

@TheOrigRights oh no!! That’s the type of thing I do!! I hope you manage to swap the dates easily enough and have a fabulous day……eventually!

OP posts:

fakeplantsdontlookreal · 02/08/2021 14:04

My tip is to get there earlier as they will often let you in if they can. We got there about 4.30pm for a 6.30pm appointment, had something to eat in the cafe and went on the tour around an hour early. I would definitely eat first if you have a late time.

If you are a true fan and want to look properly at everything then it will take several hours to go round it all and take photos etc. It costs a fortune to go in, so make the most of it, there is no point in rushing through it all and missing stuff.

We left at 10pm when it closed.

The next time I go, we will book an earlier time slot, but when we went it was booked at short notice and was all they had left. Gringotts has been added since we went, so we are waiting for either another new addition or will go at Halloween or Christmas next year.

TheOrigRights · 02/08/2021 16:54

[quote Toobuktim]@TheOrigRights oh no!! That’s the type of thing I do!! I hope you manage to swap the dates easily enough and have a fabulous day……eventually![/quote]
I'm still a twat. I've now booked it for a day when my other 2 colleagues are away. I'm meant to be holding the fort. Boss is OK with it but I feel a bit flakey.

One day I'll get organised I won't

TheOrigRights · 09/08/2021 16:14

Tomorrow is the day! 5th time lucky.

This is what I have learnt from this thread.
Don't get the butter beer.
Maybe butter beer ice cream instead.
Take our time.
The food there is pretty OK, but take some of our own too.
Be prepared to sink some £.
Take a power bank to re-charge the phone so I can take millions of photos and some videos.

greyinganddecaying · 09/08/2021 17:49

Hope you have a great time! Please report back, we are going in a few weeks

Original poster

Toobuktim · 09/08/2021 21:28

Good news @TheOrigRights I hope you have a fab time……5 days and counting for us. There have been so many tips on this thread, I just can’t wait!

OP posts:

TheOrigRights · 10/08/2021 23:12

It was amazing! It lived up to all the reviews I've read in this thread.

I need to go again and get the audio guide and spend the whole day there. DS loved it too, but didn't want to read each and every display note like I did!

wheeltrims · 11/08/2021 10:48

Did someone mention them being able to do something extra for birthdays? My daughter is a mad fan and we're taking her on her 11th birthday in November, would be lovely if we could sort something extra special for her.

Original poster

Toobuktim · 11/08/2021 11:17

Glad it lived up to expectations @TheOrigRights - the clock is slowly ticking for me!

OP posts:

Original poster

Toobuktim · 14/08/2021 22:36

I have to say it was utterly amazing, well worth the wait! We didn’t try the butterbeer as the queue was horrrific, we spent far too much in the gift shop - but I don’t care, it was fascinating and wonderful!

OP posts:

Hairbrush123 · 14/08/2021 23:47

I had a voucher as a gift for my birthday and I enjoyed it and I’m not a big Harry Potter fan. I spent about 3 hours there as it’s just so big. You are asked to wear a mask as it appears they are running at full capacity.

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