My first encounter with Harry Potter was back when the final movie, Deathly Hallows Part 2, came out. I was 11 and had only known Harry Potter as a world-famous fictional character. I knew magic and wizards were involved, but that was it. I still never read the book.

Two years later, my Bahasa (Indonesian Language) teacher had us write a review on our book of choice, and I borrowed my cousin’s translated copy of Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban. Needless to say, I was hooked. I got the second book, then the first, the fourth, fifth and so on. I must admit it wasn’t conventional, but it worked and I’ve now read the whole series in English several times, watched all the movies, got sorted (#RavenclawPride) and dawdled in the Harry Potter fandom.

It’s safe to say I was more than thrilled to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour London, and the fourteen hours plane ride was worth it.

To say now that the experience was magical is an understatement. From the moment I stepped through the Great Hall to leaving the Warner Bros grounds, it was like being in an entirely different world.

Oh, by the way, you can also watch my visit to the Studio in this travel video!

The sets are exactly like they are in the movies. The iconic costumes are displayed, and all incredibly real. There were tons of behind-the-scene facts and pictures, models, character and setting sketches. At some point they had all the names of casts and crews who ever took part in the making of the Harry Potter movies listed, and the number of people involved was mind-blowing.

A few tips for those looking to visit the Studio Tour:

1. Book in advance! You have no idea how much difference this makes. Buy your tickets online and pick a specific time slot. The place is usually packed all year round, though it’s generally less crowded during off seasons. You don’t want to show up, all ready and psyched, only to be turned away for not having tickets. Trust me, you’ll save yourself from great disappointment. My friend had been in the UK with me, but she didn’t book in advance. Guess who’s still salty that I got to go and she didn’t?
2. Studio Tour London is actually not in London, but 45 minutes away from Central London. Keep this in mind if you don’t want to be stressed out when you remember later and arrive late.
3. Bring your own food! Unless you don’t mind paying a ridiculous amount for some cheese and tomato sandwich, pack your own lunch (or dinner) and you’ll thank me later. They do sell Butterbeer inside, though. It’s not great, but pretty exciting to taste for yourself what all the fuss is about.
4. No matter how big a fan you already are, it’s a good idea to get in the zone before coming. (Re)watch the movies in detail and you’ll be feeling double the excitement when noticing each props and thoughtful details in the Studio. If you’re visiting with a non-fan friend or family (highly unlikely, but hey it happens) get them to watch at least a few of the movies. This way they won’t feel clueless and will actually enjoy their time.
5. Take your time. As they don’t limit the length of visitor’s time, you have the whole day to explore the Studio. The entrance fee isn’t cheap and you’ve (probably) travelled far to get there, why not savour the experience while you can? Don’t be bothered when people stare at you for appreciating that one prop for fifteen minutes. Who are they to judge?

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Have you ever been to the Studio Tour London? Do you want to? What do you think of it?