Harry Potter™ Studio Tips and FAQs You Need To Know Before Visiting
Planning a trip to the Harry Potter Studios in London? Here's a list of useful tips and tricks along with some frequently asked questions to ensure you have a hassle-free experience at one of the most famous studio tours in London!
Top 10 Harry Potter™ Studio Tour Tips
1. Visit On A Weekday Or During Early Hours
Harry Potter™ Studio Tours book several months in advance so the best way to maximize your chances of getting tickets is to go on a weekday. They typically have better availability, so be sure to look at different days of the week to get a slot of your preference. During the day, it is also recommended that you visit in the early hours. You will need a good 3 to 7 hours to completely explore the studio.
2. Choose Your Boarding Time If You Are Taking A Bus
If you are taking the bus, make sure you select your boarding time in advance for when you would like to board the bus from London. Keep in mind that once you board the bus, you'll will reach Warner Bros. Studios in approximately 2 hours and entry into the studio will be on arrival.
3. Be Prepared To Wait
With a general studio tour, expect to wait at least 15-30 minutes before entering the studio. Even waiting can be fun though, as the Cupboard Under the Stairs is right next to the waiting line. During peak hours, the crowds can be immense and hence, waiting time might increase at each attraction too.
4. Skip The Lines With Guided Tours
Harry Potter™ Studio Guided Tours might just be your best friend since you can skip waiting in long lines at different attractions inside the studio. You will also be accompanied by an expert guide who will take you around and give you interesting facts and secrets about the making of the eight movies.
Know More About Harry Potter™ Studio Guided Tours
5. Take Your Time To Explore
The best part of going for a Harry Potter™ Studio Tour is that you can stay as long as you like after the tour. Explore the vast expanses at your own pace and walk through the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore’s Office or any of your favourite attractions. You can expect to finish the entire tour in just under 3 hours. However, if you are a diehard fan, be sure to stick around for 5 hours at least to experience all the wonders of the Potterverse.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing And Footwear
Touring Harry Potter™ Studio is thrilling but exhausting at the same time. Waiting lines can get longer than expected. Hence, wear comfortable footwear, preferrably shoes, to help you walk for long durations with ease. Avoid heels and footwear with hard soles. It is also recommended to dress in casual and comfortable clothes while keeping in mind the weather conditions. During winter, it is important that you wear warm clothes.
7. Don’t Hesitate To Dress Up
Many die-hard fans cosplay in their finest Harry Potter outfits. So go ahead and visit the tour dressed as your favourite character from the series. Hogwarts In The Snow is another brilliant opportunity for you to dress up and attend the famous Yule Ball. It will definitely be an unforgettable Hogwarts experience that every Potterhead yearns for.
8. Be #instaready
Don't forget to capture your favourite moments on your studio tour. And if you are uploading pictures from your visit on Instagram and Twitter, use the hashtag #WBTourLondon and your content might just be featured on the official studio page!
9. Accessibility For The Disabled
Although a majority of the studio tour is wheelchair-friendly, certain sections like the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge or the slate floor of the Great Hall would be difficult to access by those who have a disability. The studio also provides a free carer ticket for disabled visitors. Fully trained assistance dogs are allowed into the studio and digital guides are available for visitors who are visually impaired or hard of hearing. For visitors with hidden liabilities, SunFlower Lanyards are provided so aid can be provided with ease.
10. Grab a mug of Butterbeer
You can buy yourself a mug of the famed Butterbeer at the studio's Backlot Cafe. Please note that Butterbeer may contain nuts and other ingredients that may cause allergies. The tour operator will not responsible for adverse side effects. The Warner Bros. Studio offers several dining options. Choose from the Backlot Cafe, which serves hot and cold western food. You can also head to the Studio Cafe or the Starbucks on the lot.
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Frequently Asked About Harry Potter™ Studio Tips And Hacks
A. The recommended time to complete the entire tour is 3-4 hours. However, if you are a hardcore fan, you might want to stick around for at least 5 - 6 hours for a more in-depth look at the Harry Potter universe.
A. Depending on the tickets you purchase and the tour package you choose, you can get access to fully guided tours with a professional studio tour guide or tours where only certain sections are guided. Check out Harry Potter™ Studio Guided Tours to know more.
A. No, owing to the limited number of visitors at the studio at any given time, pre-booking your Harry Potter™ Studio Tours is mandatory.
A. A Harry Potter™ Studio tour does not include any rides. However, you will get to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes, props, special effects, sets and much more to make every true fan’s dream come true.
A. Harry Potter™ Studio Tours is a walkthrough exhibition known for its massive sets, original costumes, authentic props etc. You also get to experience the special effects and creature effects used in the movies as well as a sneak peek into the works of the Arts Department. Along with these, you can buy your favourite Harry Potter merchandise at the Studio Shops and dine at some iconic Harry Potter-themed restaurants.
A. The entire Harry Potter™ Studio tour is in English.
A. Although most areas of the Harry Potter™ Studio tour offer easy wheelchair access, certain sections, including the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the Hogwarts Bridge and the slate flooring in the Great Hall are more difficult to navigate. For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, British Sign Language tours as well as digital guides are also provided at no extra cost. The British Sign Language tours are available at any time and must be booked at least 14 days in advance. Registered guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs are also welcome on the studio tour. Please ensure that you carry formal identification for your pet with you at the entrance.
A. Many fans choose to dress up as their favourite characters from the series. Don’t be afraid to get creative and wear your fandom on your sleeve. However, do keep the weather in mind while choosing what to wear.
A. No, a Harry Potter™ Studio tour is open to all ages. However, all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
A. You are welcome to bring your own food and consume it in the Backlot area or the picnic area. You can also choose to eat at the Studio Cafe, Starbucks in the lobby, or the Backlot Cafe located halfway through the studio tour.
A. Although smoking is strictly prohibited in the indoor areas, there are several designated smoking areas outside the main entrance and at the Backlot.
A. Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all persons who purchase a Harry Potter™ Studio tour.
A. Yes, baby changing facilities are available in every washroom block. There is also a private nursing area located close to the Backlot Cafe.
A. The Harry Potter™ Studio is located about 20 miles (32 km) from London at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR.
A. While you can take a bus and/or train to reach the Harry Potter™ Studios in London, the best commute option is to opt for a return transfer as part of your tour. This way you don't have to plan to commute back and forth to London.
A. Yes. You can avail of free parking services outside the Harry Potter™ Studios by simply displaying your ticket. Priority parking is also available for visitors next to the studio entrance; however, you would have to book and pay for your spot in advance.
A. The Harry Potter™ Studio opening times in 2022 are as follows:November:Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM; Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Friday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM.December:Monday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM; Wednesday and Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Friday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM. For opening hours in 2023, please refer to the Harry Potter™ Studio Tours calendar.
A. The Harry Potter™ Studio is closed on March 30, November 7 to 11, and December 25 and 26.
A. If you're looking for lesser crowds, November to March is the best time to go for a Harry Potter™ Studio tour. However, if you're looking for a magical experience, you can go for a tour during the Christmas season and witness the magical festivities first-hand.
A. Absolutely. Harry Potter™ Studio Tours are a dream come true for any Harry Potter fan. You get to experience the magic of the wizarding world firsthand and make memories for a lifetime.
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