What were your first impressions on arrival?
Lovely and clean, shiny and exciting looking.
How were the facilities throughout the Studio Tour?
Good. Toilets and food areas were spacious and clean.
Were the staff friendly and helpful?
I can't tell you enough how friendly and helpful everyone was, from the first person we met on arrival, to the canteen staff. The gentleman who guided us to the queue on arrival was jokey and fun, setting the exciting scene/experience for the children.
Did you and your family enjoy the experience?
My elder two daughters (17 and 22) were mesmerised by the experience; the props and sets in particular impressed them as the walked around. The younger two children (7 and 9) were more easily bored, and wanted to move on faster. Some kind of entertainment/interactive activities while initially queuing would have helped here, as it took rather a long time to get through the ropes, with no idea of what was going to meet them once we eventually got through the doors to the cinema, and beyond.
Would you recommend other families visit the Studio Tour for a day out?
Yes, definitely. Although the tours are expensive, the conversations we've had about the experience since would have been worth it (had we paid! ;)). Lots of memory making and a good bonding experience, despite our varied ages.
We'd also like you to include a review here.
The excitement of visiting Harry Potter World began as soon as we left the train station and boarded a purpose made shuttle bus to the Warner Bros. Studios. The shininess of the bus matched the shiny 'Harry Potter' sign, signalling our arrival, and inducing squeals of excitement from my children (particularly the eldest, now in her twenties!)
Welcoming, smiley faces guided us around after an initial lengthly queue; there was a real sense of the staff being happy in their work. The sets and props were interesting and exciting, and we appreciated the fact that you could peruse them at your own pace. However, the pace that we took was clearly quite leasurely, because by the time we got to the outside area it was rather dark, meaning that it was harder to see the house/bus/car/motorbike and sidecar the houses and cottage.
The cafe was lovely, swift service and the food was good. The children enjoyed the butterbeer, and being able to take their tankards away as a momento was a lovely touch.
The train was a real highlight, but I did find it frustrating that having spent so much on an entrance ticket, people are then expected to spend even more on photo opportunities as they walk around - and don't get me started on the prices in the gift shop - could a value range be considered? ;).
Overall, we had a wonderful experience that we will share as a family for years to come. Thank you very much for inviting us.