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Original poster

Harry Potter Studios Tour

45 replies

EarlofShrewsbury · 20/03/2024 17:03

DP got me two tickets to HP for my 40th birthday and as he's not bothered by HP he said I can take whoever I like and someone who will enjoy it.

I'm considering taking DD 10. She's not read the books and only seen the first two films, do you think she'll get much out of it?

OP posts:
crumpet · 20/03/2024 17:45

It’s your treat. Who will you have most fun with?

ForNaiceHiker · 20/03/2024 17:56

EarlofShrewsbury · 20/03/2024 17:37

Delighted. 😁

Show quote history

6 hours round travelling (and parking in watford is interesting) with a 10 year old who has expressed very limited interest in HP.

if i were you id sell the other ticket, go alone, and use the money to stay in a decent hotel!

Lightbulbspark · 20/03/2024 17:59

I'd recommend watching a few more of the films with her to get the most out of it.

It's fascinating from both a HP fan and a film buff point of view as it shows the processes involved in film making. Save up your money for the shop, it's fun but pricey, and try the fish and chips in the restaurant. Delicious. I actually liked the Butterbeer. An alcoholic version would be nice, but I guess most visitors come by car, so it's not a good idea?

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EdgarsTale · 20/03/2024 18:00

You’re only really going to ‘get it’ if you’ve read the books and/or seen all the films. I still thought it was massively over-rated.

Can’t you get her to read the books? Most 10 year olds I know have read at least some of them.

Original poster
EarlofShrewsbury · 20/03/2024 18:25

She really liked the first two films but she hasn't see more because I thought she might be a bit young but maybe I'm wrong there.

She really likes museums of all kinds and likes costume design.

I only own the books on kindle but she's a big reader so I might buy a physical copy of the books for her.

I'm going to take her and get her to have a movie night with me once a week to watch the rest of the films.

I wanted to take her because her little sibling had additional needs and I thought a day for her to have me to herself would benefit her, but I didn't want to ruin it for me if she gets bored.

OP posts:
Speakingofdinosaurs · 20/03/2024 18:41

There’s masses of parking at the Studio.

TwirlyWhirlie · 20/03/2024 18:48

I’m not the biggest HP fan but I still liked it. Maybe she could read a book or two or watch a a couple more films before you take her?

ChristmasLightsAndSparkles · 20/03/2024 19:01

if she's watched at least a couple of the films and likes costume and character design, she is going to love it!

We took DD(10) who had only seen 3 of the films and couldn't really remember the books from when we read them to her a few years ago. DH and I read the books when they first came out and loved them, but didn't really enjoy the films. We all absolutely loved the studio tour.

It's incredible seeing the effort and skill that went into making the films. It really is much more about film production than about Harry Potter - but that doesn't detract at all (even for a huge Harry Potter fan). My favourite bit was seeing how they created the goblin masks, and how each was individually made with so much care to create real characters.

We were there for more than 4 hours. I didn't believe the internet when it said it takes that long, but all 3 of us could have stayed longer. Leave yourselves plenty of time (hopefully your tickets aren't too late on the day) and expect to take a decent break in the cafe. They could do with more cafe places on the way round tbh!

Enjoy it Smile

ChristmasLightsAndSparkles · 20/03/2024 19:04

Oh and the animatronics were amazing too, with examples shown and also videos explaining things. It really is fab!

fourelementary · 20/03/2024 19:05

They will probably agree to extend the date on your tickets- I found them very helpful when phoning direct. We had to reschedule twice and they couldn’t have been more helpful.

OneWildNightWithJBJ · 20/03/2024 19:08

Good plan OP. It sounds as though your DD will enjoy it. I’m not a fan but loved the whole thing. I thought it was really interesting. We watched all the films leading up to going, but you don’t need to have seen all of them to enjoy it.

xyz111 · 20/03/2024 19:25

EarlofShrewsbury · 20/03/2024 18:25

She really liked the first two films but she hasn't see more because I thought she might be a bit young but maybe I'm wrong there.

She really likes museums of all kinds and likes costume design.

I only own the books on kindle but she's a big reader so I might buy a physical copy of the books for her.

I'm going to take her and get her to have a movie night with me once a week to watch the rest of the films.

I wanted to take her because her little sibling had additional needs and I thought a day for her to have me to herself would benefit her, but I didn't want to ruin it for me if she gets bored.

I would have a planned sofa/PJ weekend before you go to binge watch all the films!

Hermoinestrousers · 20/03/2024 19:32

The only thing is that I can't imagine you'll be able to spend as much time there as you would like to. I have been 3 times and the time I went on my own was my favourite. I read every single thing. Stopped to really take in all the sets and loved every second. When I have been with others, even other HP fans I have felt I went round way too quickly

Newuser75 · 20/03/2024 19:54

The illustrated books are amazing if you can get them although they are quite expensive and only made up to book 4 (I believe).
We took our son when he was nine and he loved it. He was really into Harry Potter though and had read all the books and watched all the films. He wants to go back.
I'd try to get her to read more books/watch more films before you go but I bet she will like it anyway, it's great.

OldMrsHempstock · 20/03/2024 20:22

We went mainly as a treat for DS 11 who's seen and read everything and is a huge fan. DH and I and DD8 had only seen the films (and I'd read odd bits of the books out loud to DS). All of us thought it was one of the best attractions we've ever visited, and DD (a reasonably competent but usually reluctant reader) got home and immediately started reading the first book.

muckymayhem · 20/03/2024 22:14

DS was a fan of the books but hadn't seen all the films the first time & he loved it. I also loved it. We've been three times - and would go again even though he's moved on from it now. He's now 12 and I'm 50! DH came the first time and even he thought it was pretty good and he's not really a fan. It's really well designed.

muckymayhem · 20/03/2024 22:19

Sorry, meant to say I think it's a great day out even if you don't know everything about Harry Potter. A 10 year old into costumes / design and who can cope with museums without complaining might find it fascinating / inspiring to see set design / how films are made regardless of being a huge Potter fan or not.

MummaMummaJumma · 20/03/2024 22:23

I’ve taken my kids who are below 10 and they absolutely loved it - we’ve been a few times. They love the broomstick flying on the green screen (we got the vids too) and the spiders and dragon. It’s fantastic, for adults and kids alike! Have fun 🤩

CandyPlus · 20/03/2024 22:30

I took my nearly 5 year old DS, who had no idea who/what HP was about. He enjoyed it. There’s lots to see. He loved the butter beer in a mug, the train 🚂 and the dragon.

P.s. Someone stole my sunglasses though. Put them down to pay at the platform gift shop, some asshole swiped them. Really upset me, as I expected better from other HP fans 🤦🏼‍♀️

flowersWB · 20/03/2024 22:37

EarlofShrewsbury · 20/03/2024 17:12

I actually have another question for those that have been.

The cakes in the chocolate frog cafe... are those only to eat there or can you get a takeaway box with a selection to take home?

I took my purple carrot cake away in a takeaway box. Bloody delicious

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