Witches and Wizards, I have been preparing this article in my mind for a very long time. It’s been ages since I typed the skeleton for my ex-blog but didn’t dare to post it. Don’t know why. Probably because of the nargles! Alright, welcome to the European branch of the Wizarding World. For those who are already fans, I’d say ‘hi, fellow wizards’. Everyone else, please grab the Sorting Hat and let’s see what will come!
Meanwhile: haters, activate!
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is in Watford, London or honestly, it’s close to London. This is a massive building with like 90% of the props and costumes for the Harry Potter series. This is a tour you should take from early morning and that’s for sure! Tried the tour from early afternoon and barely made it by 10 p.m. when the studio closes. No, you won’t succeed. You’ll soon understand why.
For my first visit, I took the train to Watford Junction and then the Studio Tour Bus which is actually included in your ticket price and you can watch the videos with cast interviews on your way to the Studio building. That’s right, your adventure begins from the train station! Not gonna lie to you, I was so into the videos that I didn’t watch through the bus window. Someone placed the Sorting Hat on my head and transferred me to the Tour building. During my first visit, I was with a friend who’s as massive fan as I am and during those 9 hours years were back to 1997. Had to be a proper grown up wizard for the second visit because I took my godson and goddaughter to the studio. They are now well educated wizards and asking for third Fantastic Beasts movie. (#proud)
On arrival, you will see the massive parking lot with the gigantic chess figures from the McGonagall chess board in Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone. Be sure that you have taken pictures of or with them.
These are free to touch, so be creative. I am looking forward to your captions in the comments because there’s never enough or too much with these. Also, while on the lot, be sure you have thrown away any extra food, weapons (because who knows), wants only! The security here’s massive and your bag will be checked carefully. Once you’re ready, collect your tickets from the ticket desk and enter the building.
When you’re finally inside, feel free to leave your cloak (jacket) but be sure that there will be an outside section of the exhibition, so try to have something appropriate with you as well. Then look around for familiar props like the massive goblet of fire or Sirius Black’s bike or may be Dumbledore’s globe from his office or Aunt Marge will fly over you? Who knows!
The area has free WiFi where you can connect and tag yourself, post pictures, be live … be social or simply check your inbox. i loved the fact that I can take as many pictures I want and simply upload them to my drive or albums, then continue recording the whole time.
When it’s time for the next group to enter the screening room, get ready on the queue and pass by Harry’s room under the stairs. You’ll see that something is plated but missing. That’s harry’s glasses. This is because Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) was cheeky enough to ‘steal’ that prop during his visit at the opening of the Studio Tour. Oh, Daniel!
First room is restricted for pictures. You will see a video about the Harry Potter mania and first premiere and more - posters from different countries and all movies with their titles around the world. Be sure to inform your hosts from that room when they ask if you’re coming from abroad and check for the poster from your country. It’s there for sure!
After that, off to the big screening room. Filming there is restricted as well. The short movie you will see … is a secret. I will leave you completely blind to keep the surprise in the end. In case you’re a birthday or visiting during a special occasion, tell your tour guides at the end. They will let you do something special for the group. Also, when you’re about to proceed through the tour, be sure to check for quidditch related figures on the wall. They are there and they look funny. Here’s a secret - look for the snitch, be a seeker!
In the text that will follow, I will try not to advise too much information but some details cannot be held from the fellow muggles. They will add more magic to the tour.
Your first big tour room will be the Great Hall. How poetic, a? What’s curious about it is that it follows the school year calendar. If you’re visiting around Christmas, it will be well decorated with all the napkins, sweets and even punch. In case of Triwizard Tournament anniversary, you’ll see Fred and George dummies on the floor with the Goblet of fire and the magical cup. Be sure to take your best shots of each house uniform and dishes. Beware, food looks real … but it’s not. Don’t be cheeky!
Off to next section - meet the people behind that success. Names like Chris Columbus, Dave Yates, all executive producers and big guys in movie management of this production will be introduced, so you could know who’s garage all these stuff are coming from. Guess who’s also there - J.K. herself. 
Then you can proceed around the Yule Ball table display, ice figures, dresses and costumes, wigs, more hidden snitches and tiny props you didn’t notice on the screen. But they were there, for sure. I really enjoyed Trelawney’s wig and appreciated the extra long dress of the Beaubaton’s headmistress, Madamme Maxime. In case you have taken the Hogwarts Passport, please, be sure that you have checked all tasks and collected all stamps. They are all over the place and look really cool. It’s worth every extra penny. For my first visit, I didn’t need the headphone guide but took one, just in case. If the battery dies, every person in Hogwarts robe will be happy to help you with replacing it. There was a girl in a Slytherin robe who actually assisted me and was extremely friendly. Guess you don’t have to be mean if you are from that house. 
Check the guides if you weren’t born a wizard. There are small details and interviews for you. What I really enjoyed from the initial section was the staircase look, character wands and that Hogwarts sign, I always wondered if I would see wondering around the wild Scottish grounds.
I will miss a few sets and props to keep the magic of surprise and to also pay attention to something I absolutely adored. It’s the Gryffindor Common Room. That space has changed several times during the school years but certain things didn’t. Pay attention to the chairs, the fireplace where Sirius Black had a chat with Harry and look for a small S.P.E.W hat. Wizards will know. but don’t leave a sock or pillow case here! There’s also a detail from the tent Harry, Ron and Hermione used during the last two movies. What is that thing doing here? Frankly, I don’t know but it was funny when noticed that element.
If you look to your left after appreciating that place, you will see an optical illusion which the crew used for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I am talking about the Leaky Cauldron’s hallway. It’s normal at it’s front side and it gets lower and narrow within it’s 3 meters … but looks like it’s very long. Optical illusions and math were an everyday thing for the props and stage departments. Sometimes school can give us a lot of knowledge proper for the Wizarding World, I guess!
Skipping a few more sections with the only intention to keep it a surprise, I will ask you to look at the Dumbledore’s office entrance which is the most complicated mechanism ever made … in the Harry Potter history and then we will proceed to the Dumbledore’s office. Feel free to check all scrolls, small potions, planet models, the sword of Gryffindor, the desk and find the Sorting Hat. Yes, it’s there and it’s not the only surprising object in the room. You will see a few Dumbledore costume designs and a very special quill on the desk. I am not sharing the secret of that prop. Only the wizards will know 
In addition to that room, check the small space behind the desk. did you see someone? Because there’s a wizard.
Skipping a set or two, I will finally explain why did I ask you to initially check producer’s faces. Go to the portrait wall and check for someone familiar. Yes, Arts Department and all developers were cheeky enough to implement these people there and show them on the big screen. I am guessing that the Prop Master took a copy of his painting at home as well. It’s that good
I had a massive text prepared for the next sections because they are important and will let you look behind the set development - how did the team made all those ministry of magic tiles and where did they get all the hair for the spiders. You will see all of that and also meet Voldemort himself in the company of Nagini, you’ll stir Mrs Weasley’s dishes and cut some vegetables yourself … from distance. All of that in just a few meters away from the Chamber of Secrets. It will open at certain time of the day. Be careful!
After these new emotions you’ll be invited to buy a souvenir or two from the shop and continue to Platform 9 3/4. Yes, it’s there and you can take a luggage quiz, take a picture with your luggage on your way back to the Wizarding World. The train you can enter has sections for each movie we saw Harry, Ron and Hermione sharing same compartment. Check for surprises. I will only say that you will eventually notice a chocolate block on the floor.
One of my visits couldn’t go without buying a chocolate frog with the Hogsmeade founder card and small box of Every Flavor Beans. Man, these actually taste like ear wax, soap and … ugh! Let’s move on to the next part of our tour!
A few days ago I released a special article about House of Minalima. Feel free to check it here and the display while you are walking to the cafeteria. Be sure you looked for the Minalima initials, actors names on the boxes and in the newspapers. Trust me, they are there!
Once at the dining area, feel free to try butterbeer, ice cream or whatever. Everything is tasty. Prices are a bit high but cashiers accept card payments as well 
I took the time to taste the butterbeer. It’s delicious and if you order this one in a tankard, you can keep it. Don’t worry, there’s a sink where you can wash it and continue to the outside section of your journey. Try to board the Knight Bus and look at the Dursley’s house. You will be able to touch the building on the back and explore the material. You will learn that it actually took a lot of time for the model to be done. What I was actually impressed from was the way they actually handled this section of the tour. There are so many muggle world elements, sharing same yard with wizard landmarks … It’s fascinating. Also, be careful if there’s rain. Try not to slip. I did it … several times.
When you’re back in the building, you will meet the special effects and arts department. You’ll also walk around Diagon Alley and if you check the Nocturne Alley, you will be surprised. Wands at the ready, on this one. This is where I will remain absolutely silent. Not only because I danced on Macarena with a house elf but because everything has to be experienced.
In addition, I will mention you should try not to be horrified by the basilisk and be curious about the phoenix. Yes, you will meet a real one! This section is really big. I am keeping a lot of secrets so far but here, they are doubling.
Moving close to the end, you will see Hogwarts - the whole castle which during the winter, will be covered in snow. Windows will shine in the dark and grass will be green during the day. The whole place is amazing. You will see every angle walking down the ramp. Take as many pictures as possible and zoom just to see the elements. You saw same layout during the movie but here, you can almost touch it. Who said Hogwarts isn’t real?
Last section is the wand studio. Make sure you have checked the boxes. Each of them has a name. These are the people from the whole cast and crew - the people who took even a small part in creating what you have seen in the studio and on the big screen. The final inscription before you go back to the entrance hall and the last shop of this production.
Grab some souvenirs and leave like a gangsta wizard. On your way out, check the Fantastic Beasts costumes and beware of Grindelwald costume secrets. Just pay attention to this one
In the spirit of the good tradition, I will share that you can use service provider for transfers to this place - taxi will be too expensive but public transport does arrive here. As mentioned, initially, just make sure you have reached the Watford Junction Station. Rest is easy and magical.
Be sure you have allowed at least 2 months to your visit when booking. Tickets and proper tour times could be sold out even within minutes - personal experience! In case you wonder - you can keep your ticket after visiting … along with the whole bunch of creativity and souvenirs. Here’s another hint for the tour - you will be able to make a card with prop design which you can keep as a precious memory. The real fans could even get an extra Hogwarts acceptance letter envelope but this is something provided on magical occasions.
At the end of this enormous and magical post, I would like to invite you to share experience from your visit. Will also be curious to know about your reactions and the props or sets that you loved. If you have questions about certain item or place from the tour - I am here, as well as the rest of the LGs who have seen the place
