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Original poster

Help with Warner Bros Studios

34 replies

ThaQuilomum · 28/12/2023 18:38

Was gifted a trip to Warner Bros Studios for Christmas for the whole family. I'm slightly worried about the timing of same. We arrive in London Heathrow at 9:15am and our slot for HP is 10:30am. I'm looking at travel time between the two at that time of day and it is saying approx 35 mins. What is the best way to travel to the Studios. Can I walk out of the airport and get a taxi for 5 people with ease. Should I book in advance and if so any recommendations for a cab company? Appreciate analysis tips also. Thanks in advance. The trip is next Thurs, 4th of Jan.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 28/12/2023 20:00

Forgot to say we have no bags. Doing a day trip.

OP posts:
welshweasel · 28/12/2023 20:01

As in you land in Heathrow at 9.15?

ChorizoDog · 28/12/2023 20:04

Don't mean to be doom and gloom but I don't think you have any time of getting there on time..

ICANTSPEYK · 28/12/2023 20:05

I'd say the travel itself would be fine as it really isn't too far but I'd be far more concerned with the flight being delayed and/or it being slow to get through the airport.

PuttingDownRoots · 28/12/2023 20:05

International or domestic flight?

LIZS · 28/12/2023 20:13

It is doable but you are at the mercy of M25.

Takoneko · 28/12/2023 20:15

Is it a domestic flight? If so then with no bags to collect and no passport control/customs, I think you have plenty of time. I’d book a taxi in advance even though it’s probably not strictly necessary.

I don’t think they will be that fussed about you arriving slightly late at WB Studios anyway. I’ve been bumped up to earlier tours when I’ve arrived early and their website only says that people who arrive after the last tour of the day can’t be guaranteed entry. I don’t think they are super rigid about the timed entry.

welshweasel · 28/12/2023 20:24

I wouldn't bother booking a taxi, you'll be able to get one for 5 outside the terminal without an issue. Will cost you though!

Main concern would be delay getting out of the airport, but if its domestic then probably will be ok.

tennissquare · 28/12/2023 20:30

I would look into booking a car, a black cab could cost a fortune if you get stuck in traffic.

SaucepanRattle · 28/12/2023 20:34

10.15 is a preferred arrival time but if anyone queried why you were later than your slot and you said you flew in from X country arriving at 9.15am that morning I don't think any staff member would turn you away for missing your slot.

MaryShelley1818 · 28/12/2023 20:38

With no bags and domestic arrival you should be fine to just grab a taxi but as others have said I really wouldn't worry too much about being late for your slot.
Have an amazing time, we're there on Tuesday (7th visit) and Hogwarts in the Snow is spectacular.

PomsRun · 28/12/2023 21:04

I think the staff there are really flexible and would be accommodating if you were a little late.
Have a fabulous time and I recommend the ice creams 😊

Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:34

welshweasel · 28/12/2023 20:01

As in you land in Heathrow at 9.15?

Yes.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:35

PuttingDownRoots · 28/12/2023 20:05

International or domestic flight?

From Ireland.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:40

ChorizoDog · 28/12/2023 20:04

Don't mean to be doom and gloom but I don't think you have any time of getting there on time..

Yeah I don't know. When I look it up on google maps, it says 28 minutes by car and I figure without bags and coming from Ireland we should be out of the airport within 30 minutes surely?

Help with Warner Bros Studios
OP posts:
BibbleandSqwauk · 29/12/2023 08:41

I've been several times and agree that the staff there are really lovely and would not turn you away if you were late. It's brilliant but be prepared for v v expensive food and drink and things like photos on broomsticks costing £20

Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:42

SaucepanRattle · 28/12/2023 20:34

10.15 is a preferred arrival time but if anyone queried why you were later than your slot and you said you flew in from X country arriving at 9.15am that morning I don't think any staff member would turn you away for missing your slot.

Thanks. This is what I was hoping 🙏

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BibbleandSqwauk · 29/12/2023 08:42

Oh and the butterbear is vile. Worth buying one so you can keep the plastic tankard as a souvenir but don't get one each to drink.

Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:45

BibbleandSqwauk · 29/12/2023 08:41

I've been several times and agree that the staff there are really lovely and would not turn you away if you were late. It's brilliant but be prepared for v v expensive food and drink and things like photos on broomsticks costing £20

Thank you for the tip. Going to have a chat with my gang here aged 12, 10 and 8 and explain this to them in advance. They're fairly good for understanding these things.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThaQuilomum · 29/12/2023 08:47

MaryShelley1818 · 28/12/2023 20:38

With no bags and domestic arrival you should be fine to just grab a taxi but as others have said I really wouldn't worry too much about being late for your slot.
Have an amazing time, we're there on Tuesday (7th visit) and Hogwarts in the Snow is spectacular.

I actually can't wait. All 5 of us are massive HP fans. I just worry a little about getting where we need to be on time and if a booked cab will turn up when it should etc. But I know once we're there we will all have the most amazing time. Hope you enjoy Tuesday too. We've been rewatching the movies over Christmas.

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m00rfarm · 29/12/2023 08:51

I have lived in the area between HP and Heathrow, and would never assume that I would be able to get from one to the other in less than an hour and probably more.

BlowDryRat · 29/12/2023 08:56

We were there last week - really beautiful and the DC (similar ages to yours) loved it. I agree though, there are photo/video stops and gift shops scattered throughout and they're absolutely extortionate. £40 for one photo and one video at the broomstick riding area! Fun to have a go and see eachother on the screens though.

You'll be fine with the timings. Even if you're late, you won't be turned away. The staff check your tickets before you get into the building and then you're free to go into the tour whenever you're ready.

I recommend booking a taxi. A black cab will be a lot of money if you get stuck on the M25. I use booking.com to book airport transfers at work and it's always been fine.

Lindy2 · 29/12/2023 09:01

I'd allow at least an hour for that journey. There would have to be no traffic at all for it to take 30 minutes and that's unlikely.

It's a fairly straightforward journey around the M25 but a taxi will be expensive. It's quite a distance.

Lindy2 · 29/12/2023 09:09

There's a coach company called RailAir that looks to run regular coaches from Heathrow to Watford Junction. You can then get a Harry Potter shuttle bus from Watford Junction to the studios.

Unless money is no object I'd look at that option. They have the journey time from Heathrow to Watford Junction as 1 hour which is realistic.

RampantIvy · 29/12/2023 09:13

What time is your flight back? If you are trying to get back to Heathrow during the rush hour you will have to factor the extra time it takes in traffic.