*****SPOILER ALERT AT HARRY POTTER STUDIOS*****
Most of my readers are well aware of my adventures with the brilliant Boo Brown of “Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat?”
Blogger Besties
We have dined, theatre’d, travelled, modelled, partied, Disney’d and more. One of our most favourite places to go is the WB Harry Potter Studios down at Leavesden.
Harry Potter Heaven
And it was a busy Saturday morning that we met up again for another day out looking at all things Potter!
Boo was resplendent in her Harry Potter Wand dress and I was wearing my Slytherin peplum dress and a cute grey and black wig.
Slytherin for the Day
Now it had been a couple of years since we last visited and it was the Festive season then; Christmas in the Great Hall and snow covered scenes. As we were just starting October, we knew there would be a Halloween theme to the displays, which as one of Boo’s favourite times, was just perfect.
Arriving at 1000 on a sunny morning, we headed straight inside only to find that it was TOTALLY different to when we last visited. The main arrivals area had been redone, with two massive dining areas and a different entrance to before.
The Hub
We had a quick look at the Chocolate Frog inspired sweet treat food area and also the main restaurant which had a variety of offerings from burgers, fish & chips and even Croque Madame!
The Chocolate Frog
It was almost time to go in, so we joined the queue that snaked its way through a small entrance door. Again this was totally unfamiliar which gave us the feeling of never having been there before.
Decoration in the Main Atrium
Going through the door led us into a large ‘holding area’ where we were welcomed by one of the crew members. They invited us to watch the video that would be shown around the top of the whole room and again it was a new film featuring the Weasley twins and was pretty good fun.
Waiting for it all to Start
Then a door opened and we were shown into the cinema. Now it was starting to look familiar. Again we watched a short film before the screen rose up to reveal the doors to the Great Hall.
As they slowly opened, we were transfixed by the glowing pumpkins floating above the tables of Halloween food all laid out across the large tables.
Halloween Hall
Around the outside were different costumes worn by the four houses and mannequins wearing the actual items worn in the films; Nearly Headless Nick, the Bloody Baron, The Fat Lady and more.
The Hogwarts Ghosts
Moving further into the exhibition we were regaled with props and costumes from The Yule Ball including the beautiful dress worn by Hermione. The Crystal bottles, glasses and centrepiece which reminded me of the Grand Pavilion in Brighton.
The Yule Ball
Moving on we were treated to more new exhibits and some others that had been moved around into different sections.
Water, Anyone?
All to soon we were in the backlot where you can stand on the Nightbus, go into Privet Drive and walk across the covered bridge way.
Privet Drive
Of course, we took picture after picture before having a sit down with a cold drink. Neither of us wanted to drink the famous Butterbeer as to be honest, having tried it before, we were not fans!
Time for a Break
Moving onto the second section of the exhibition we were getting towards what we really had to come to see, Gringotts Bank!
Dioramas of Gringotts
Before we got inside, there were various tableaus showing the designing of the set, paintings and even the original latex masks and prosthetics worn by the goblins. It was absolutely fascinating and so very clever.
Goblins Galore!
With bated breath we walked through into Gringotts.
Huge marble columns, tiled flooring and the biggest chandeliers you could imagine, hanging from the ceiling. Sitting on tall chairs were several goblins; quills poised over their ledgers.
‘I would like to make a deposit’
It really was spectacular.
In Charge
One of the best displays within Gringotts was the rooms filled with treasure. You could even get your picture taken grasping onto a sword, with the perspective worked out so you got the best shot, with as much treasure as possible.
Treasure Trove
What was even better was walking through the exhibits to see a completely different look to Gringotts; piles of rubble, marble chunks lying around and a huge dragon stalking towards us!
Chaos Reigns
Smoke and flames shot out from the Dragon and it was so realistic that some of the smaller children were a little terrified!
As the newest part of the studio tour, it really was worth visiting the Studios just for that section alone.
Fancy a Ride?
Moving on we entered Diagon Alley and had fun peering into all the windows; Ollivanders, Flourish & Blotts, Madam Malkins.
Diagon Alley
The final section, as always is a huge diorama of Hogwarts; from top to bottom, all the outbuildings and features. Every single little tree is accounted for, every rock deliberately placed.
Beautiful Hogwarts
It really is eye-opening and a wonderful finish to a brilliant exhibition.
Of course, there are the gift shops to navigate through and I might have made a small purchase or two; in this case Gryffindor and Hufflepuff nail varnishes.
Time to get aboard
We weren’t quite ready to leave just yet so headed towards the food halls to see what we would get for lunch. The main dining area was The Hub.
I have to say I was pretty impressed with the fare on offer and was torn between a Welsh Rarebit and the Croque Madame. Boo decided to go with a truffle and chestnut mushroom pizza.
Croque Madame
We were given an electronic token which would signify to the servers where we were when the order was ready.
Wintery Scene
In around 10 minutes both our items turned up and I have to say it was exceptional quality and very reasonable priced. My Croque Madame with chips came to £8.95 and the Pizza was £10.75.
Pottering Around…
Both were hot, tasty and absolutely great value for money. The portion sizes were generous and for a ‘fast food’ outlet, it was exceptional quality.
I got my Invite!
After eating at The Hub, we both needed something a little sweet so Boo went off to The Chocolate Frog for dessert. Boo came back with a gorgeous golden vanilla ice-cream for me which came in a black waffle cone.
Golden Vanilla
Boo went for a Brownie which was triangular and decorated with the Deathly Hallows symbol.
Its a sign!
Both were absolutely delicious and really finished the visit off to a treat.
Another New Display
As I said at the beginning of this post, it may not be our first visit to the Studios, but I am also pretty sure it won’t be our last, not when they keep adding and updating what is on offer.
Aaargh!
If you haven’t been, then I highly suggest that a visit now would be brilliant. After all, Halloween goes hand in hand with witches and magic.
All Packed and Ready
You won’t regret it.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx