Overall, I would say the experience felt rather average compared to my expectations. Before visiting, I imagined the studio would offer more opportunities to feel truly immersed in the magical world of Harry Potter. However, most of the tour consisted of static sets to look at rather than experiences to step into.
For example, the boys’ dormitory has four beds on display, but all of them are blocked off. It would be much more engaging if visitors could actually step inside, lie on a bed, and take photos. Similarly, attractions such as the Knight Bus, the Ministry of Magic green “fireplace” portals, or the magical classrooms could allow guests to step in and role-play as students or wizards. Even just opening one small table in the Great Hall for people to sit at and take photos as if they were dining would make the experience far more immersive.
There were also no rides or interactive activities, which was disappointing. To be honest, for this level of experience, I would expect to pay about £20 — yet tickets are over £50 now. On the day of our visit, my friends and I purchased a lot of Harry Potter merchandise such as robes, wands, and scarves, but none of the staff offered to assist us with taking photos, which felt like a missed opportunity.
The paid photo areas were also confusing. For example, when sitting on a broomstick, staff asked me to laugh for the picture, but the background was very dark with images such as Voldemort and a black sky, which didn’t match a “happy” expression. The broomstick video idea is nice in theory, but the size proportions between the background and the person were totally off, making it unappealing to buy.
The wand I bought was also disappointing. Unlike at Universal Studios where the wands can be used to trigger magical effects around the park, here the wands are purely decorative. At £33, they felt very expensive — and mine didn’t even have a light-up tip.
Overall, while I appreciated seeing the sets and props, the experience lacked the sense of immersion and interactivity that would make it truly magical, especially given the ticket and...
Read moreThis place is amazing for any Harry Potter fan. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Easy check-in process, including picking up a carer ticket. I got the carer ticket added to the booking by emailing the booking line, so I just had to show proof of disability at the ticket collection booth once I arrive. I used my Access Card, but you can also use your blue badge or PIP/DID documents. Disabled badge holders can park in the priority section, just show your badge to the car parking staff, and they'll point you in the right direction. We got offered a foldable stool, which you can pick up at check in and carry it around easily. You have to go through body scanners before entering. The staff were very accommodating to me as I can't go through them. They used the wand instead. The staff made the experience amazing by being so enthusiastic. They always try to keep the visitors entertained. The attention to detail in this place is extordinary. The food is pricey at the halfway cafe, but nothing you wouldn't expect. For 2x fries & 2x coffees was £18.30. You can take a packed lunch, though, and eat it in the dining area. There are plenty of photo opportunities around the studio. I was concerned about how many people were there when we entered, but as you can go at your own pace, once you're through the Great Hall, everyone spaces out so doesn't feel busy at all. I managed to get most photos without people in the background. The only issue I had was at Gringotts trying to take photos without people in the background. This place is definitely...
Read moreWow wow and wow! What an amazing place, I could have spent the week there! For anybody visiting, go in the morning so that you have the whole day to walk around. Plenty of places to buy lovely food, only negative is it is soooo expensive. We appreciated the sinks to wash the keepsake tankards etc. The whole experience is amazing, the only thing that ruined the start of the experience was being made to stand in a small room at the beginning,shoe horned in with lots of people watching the introductory video. I’ve got a really bad back and there was nowhere to sit. That part was unbearable. We were then moved to a cinema for the next introduction…… really, it could have all been done in the seated area…….. if you have trouble standing on the spot, speak to the studio and ask if you can have some assistance for that first part. Otherwise, I fully recommend going, allow plenty of time for the special effects department too, that was amazing. The gift shop was also pricey, but amazing good quality products. All of the staff were excellent and enthusiastic. The parking was easy and excellent… also good signage so it was easy to find your car after in the dark. Brilliant day indeed, def go early in the day if you can. We live in Australia, if we return to the Uk, I would...
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