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Original poster

Harry Potter World -yes or no?

21 replies

Cliff1975 · 08/10/2019 13:46

We would like to have a christmas day out and now that the children are too old to see Santa (17, 14 and 11) this is harder to think of ideas. There is availability for Harry Potter World in early Jan the day before they go back to school. It is quite expensive so my question is should we do this? Money is tight this year so don't want to waste it! Would everyone enjoy it? Thought they could have tickets as part of christmas present and we could rewatch the films over the holiday before going?

OP posts:
inwood · 08/10/2019 13:47

I think they may be too old unless they really LOVE Harry Potter. My 7 year olds were dissapointed that there were no rides.

Lc2006 · 08/10/2019 15:12

It's fab! Even husband who isn't a huge harry potter fan enjoyed it. It is expensive but was worth it for us.

Unshriven · 08/10/2019 15:16

It's an amazing day out, especially around Christmas when they do Hogwarts in the Snow.

No one is too old for it. I rather think that inwood's children were too young to appreciate it properly.

lazylinguist · 08/10/2019 15:20

I assume you're talking about the Harry Potter Studio Tours? We've been twice - it is fantastic and well worth it imo. I want to go again - they've added loads of stuff since I last went.

However, I'd only go if all your family actually like Harry Potter and I'd make sure the kids know what to expect- some people seem to be under the impression that it's a theme park, with rides etc, which it very much isn't.

Marylou2 · 08/10/2019 15:22

It's amazing. I'm not a Harry Potter fan at all. Only seen 2 of the films but I loved it. DD was beside herself with excitement. If you can possibly afford it definitely go.

merrygoround51 · 08/10/2019 15:33

I would have thought that harry potter studios is good for all ages but do make sure that everyone is aware that there are no rides

ExpletiveDelighted · 08/10/2019 15:53

I'm not a HP fan at all but I thoroughly enjoyed it and my DCs who were 12 and 10 at the time loved it too. I'd go again.

Basil90 · 08/10/2019 15:55

It's so great (if they're Potter fans!)

Crawley65 · 08/10/2019 15:58

I’m not a massive fan but went with dc and loved it. Spent the whole day there. Amazing craftsmanship. Had limit on spending in shop but maybe they’ll have some Christmas money.

Thecatisboss · 08/10/2019 16:00

DD is a mad Harry Potter fan and we've booked to go for her birthday in December, she'll be 10 and it looks really good.

Shittiestdayinalongtime · 08/10/2019 16:05

If everyone loves Harry Potter then it's a definite yes!! I went with the 10 year old for her birthday and I had a great day! Absolutely loved it!

BeanBag7 · 08/10/2019 16:07

I would disagree with @inwood.
When I went there (admittedly a while ago, when it first opened) a large amount of it was about how they made the films, looking at the props and sets. 7 is too young to understand or have an interest in that, whereas a 14 year old might find the "behind the scenes" stuff interesting, especially if they like the Harry Potter films. I dont know why anyone would be expecting rides to be honest - it's a "studio tour", not a theme park.

Floralnomad · 08/10/2019 16:39

Id only book it if they are HP fans , I’ve been a couple of times , I’m not a fan ( went with family) and I find it a bit dull , I do like the hogwarts model at the end of the tour .

CrumpleHornedSnowcack · 08/10/2019 16:41

yes - definitely worth a visit DP hates Harry Potter but even he enjoyed it

Bobthefishermanswife · 08/10/2019 16:45

I thought it was brilliant (but I'm a huge HP fan) dp took me, he enjoyed the costume and animation side of it. I think there is something there for everyone.
Although his best friend hated it because it spoilt alot of the magic from the movies for her.

ArthurtheCatsHumanSlave · 08/10/2019 16:57

Yes! Perfect ages. We have been three times now. First when it opened, then when they added the Hogwarts Express, and we also did Hogwarts in the snow. DD's were teens throughout the trips.

The emphasis is very much on the behind the scenes stuff, which I think you need to be older to appreciate. So all the costumes, make up, props, sets, creature shop, model making. When the children are older (and adults), you can literally spend hours studying minute details - or perhaps we are just Harry Potter nerds. But we love it, and think it is well worth the money.

JumpingFrogs · 08/10/2019 17:08

It's fantastic. I've taken kids of all ages from about 9 through to 18 on several occasions. They all love it. Be warned that the gift shops are horrendously expensive (Great quality items but really no small cheap things) and don't waste your money on the butter beer in the cafe as it's vile. But there is tons to see. First half is looking at the sets (Great Hall, Hogwarts Express, the Burrow, dorms, Dumbledore's office etc). Second half is more detailed look at how they do all the special effects. After first set you are free to wander around at your own pace.

NotJust3SmallWords · 08/10/2019 18:50

I've been a few times Grin it's brilliant. I'd definitely recommend if you're all even a bit into HP.

I've not been at Christmas but I think they decorate the Great Hall and make it all Christmas-y. And you're right, the Christmas holidays would be a good opportunity to re-watch the films and get excited for it. Sounds great!

Orlandointhewilderness · 08/10/2019 21:04

Emphatically yes. It is brilliant- we took my 7 yr old for her birthday and she loved it as did we! Looking forward to going back. There is so much too see!

shadesofwinter · 09/10/2019 21:58

We went last year - an 11 year-old, 7 year-old and 2 40-somethings... We all thought it was fabulous and plan to go again, maybe next Christmas.

We're all fans of both the books and films though.

RubySlippers77 · 09/10/2019 23:47

I've only been as an adult OP and thought it was great. I wouldn't take my (small) DC as they wouldn't appreciate it at all, so probably a few years to wait before I go back Sad

Keep an eye on Groupon for ticket offers, the second time I went was a special evening event at a reduced price!

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