I was back in London for work. And then I stayed for a couple of days after my official work duties so I can visit the Warner Brothers Studios where the Harry Potter Tour is located. This is a virtual tour of the studios. Enjoy!
I visited London a year ago in May 2017 and the closest Harry Potter experience I got to was at King's Cross station where a Platform 9 3/4 is on display next to a Harry Potter souvenir shop.
I feel very fortunate that I had another chance to travel to London this year, albeit for work. So I took that opportunity and made time
to visit the Warner Brothers Studios.
From London, I took the London Underground to Euston station. From there, I connected to the London Overground. My weekly train pass was only good for Zone 1 and my destination of Watford Junction is outside the allowed zone so I had to pay extra to augment my ticket. The ride lasted for almost an hour. A Warner Brothers shuttle was waiting for ticketed visitors outside the Watford Junction station and the roundtrip ride is for a small fee. (I bought my tour ticket weeks in advance.)
I feel very fortunate that I had another chance to travel to London this year, albeit for work. So I took that opportunity and made time
to visit the Warner Brothers Studios.
From London, I took the London Underground to Euston station. From there, I connected to the London Overground. My weekly train pass was only good for Zone 1 and my destination of Watford Junction is outside the allowed zone so I had to pay extra to augment my ticket. The ride lasted for almost an hour. A Warner Brothers shuttle was waiting for ticketed visitors outside the Watford Junction station and the roundtrip ride is for a small fee. (I bought my tour ticket weeks in advance.)
Finally, I reached the parking lot of the Warner Brothers Studios. My ticket was timed at 6pm but I got there two hours early to give myself ample time for taking pictures outside the studios. Several life sized pieces of the Wizards Chess are on display outside. I noticed that everyone got a giddy smile on.
The fence is also covered with what looks like news articles from the Daily Prophet. For fans of Harry Potter like me, these are the kind of things we came here for.
Long lines to the bag check.
Here are hand prints of Harry, Hermione and Ron during the London premiere of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.
This huge background is great for photo ops and selfies. I think this scene may have been from the very first movie when the kids were being whisk to Hogwarts via tiny magical boats.
Afterwards, I walked through this long hallway. To make the long walk less boring, it was a brilliant idea by the Studios to use famous quotes from the movies as wall displays in the style of Marauder's Map. Of course, the tour designers made the displays big enough which is perfect for group pictures or selfies.
Finally, I reached the lobby of the Studios. There was a huge Goblet in the middle because the theme at that time was the Goblet of Fire. This display might change throughout the year depending on the theme. I got to the Studios around 4:00pm and to the entrance by 4:30pm but they let me in as soon as I got there even though my ticket was timed at 6:00pm.
My ticket came with this digital guide which has wealth of information about each section of the tour. It also has behind the scenes tidbits and commentaries from the movie makers and cast members.
There was another line beyond the ticketing gates. That didn't matter because we were admiring the Cupboard Under the Stairs while waiting for our turn to go in.
After a short video about Harry Potter's different movie posters used around the world, we were ushered to the main door of the Great Hall.
I almost whispered Piertotum Locomotor when I saw these statues of suit of armor.
These were my first glimpses of what was going to be a several hour treat. I was so happy that my smile was so wide my face hurt. I wasn't the only one having a great time. I figured, people were there because they are fans of Harry Potter. We were all giddy like little kids in a candy store.
They had on display life sized samples of the professors at Hogwarts, students in Hogwarts uniforms and the long dining table with plates and glasses.
Since the theme that time was Goblet of Fire, they had arranged the dining hall as if it was a scene in that movie installment.
After the Great Hall, we were ushered to the next section called Interior Set which showcases lots of props used in the film. Lots of props equal a very distracted Filipino Harry Potter fan. I didn't know where to start! I don't really know how the section is arranged. Nevertheless, being in the Interior Set reminded me of the feeling of seeing the Harry Potter film for the very first time. It was magical.
Speaking of the Goblet of Fire, do you remember the Golden Egg which contained the clue regarding the second challenge? This is one of the props that can be found in the Interior Set section.
Another favorite of mine is the Mirror of Erised, even though the scene in the Philosopher's Stone where the mirror was introduced for the first time when Harry saw reflections of his parents is somewhat saddening.
Here is the Gryffindor Common Room. It is interesting that there are a lot of details in this room like the wall art, the tables and charges and wall paper. I didn't pay attention to them while watching the movies but I absolutely noticed these little details while at the studio. I learned that this set took nearly three months to complete.
Here's a sample of one of the walls in Hogwarts with Portraits and proclamations. Also seen in the photo is the moving stairs. Did you know that there are about 350 portraits hanging in the walls of Hogwarts?
Here are more Portraits and in close up. I learned that these portraits are hand painted portraits of the film's crew which I think is a brilliant way to immortalize the people working behind the scenes and in the background.
Remember this Vault Door in the Philosopher's Stone and then it made another appearance in the Deathly Hallows Part 2? The craftsmanship and details of this door is outstanding.
This is the Ollivander's Wand shop and it has thousands of wands and wand boxes where each one is distinctive and one of a kind. The boxes have names of more than 4000 names of people who worked in the Harry Potter films. Want a little challenge? Look for the box with J.K. Rowling on it.
Speaking of wands, here are the wands of Harry, Ron and Hermione upclose.
I realized I have a lot of favorite apps. I actually trimmed down the props and apps that I featured in this blog.
Here's Marauder's Map. This is displayed high up on a board so I couldn't see it upclose.
This was used as a hallway in the Leaky Cauldron. It uses a Forced Perspective technique to make it look longer than 50 feet on screen.
This is the Hogwarts Doors where it appeared in the Prisoner of Azkaban. I learned that each handle, bold and latch was mechanized by the Special Effects Department.
Here's the Flying Car used by Ron and Harry and was later smashed by the Whomping Willow.
And who can forget about the Hogwarts Clock? This is huge!
Do you remember the spell that lets you access the Griffin stairwell?
One of the more popular stops in the Interior Set section is Hagrid's Hut. The crowd was thick and they were all congregating in front so it was hard to take a proper picture. It didn't help that the set is in a cul-de-sac.
Here's the interior of Hagrid's Hut. Again, there are a lot of details in here that I had never paid attention before. Unlike in the movies, I had the chance to linger here and look at this set longer.
The Potions Room looked spooky complete with mannequins resembling Professor Slughorn and Professor Snape. I learned that in the Philosopher's Stone, this room was shot on location at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England and this set was built for the subsequent films.
I also learned that more than five hundred peculiar jars and bottles are in the dusty shelves that line the walls of this classroom. Here's an up close look at the table in the Potion's Room. Can you spot where Felix Felicis is?
Another popular set in the Interior Section is The Burrow or the Weasley residence. I learned that this set is only a small part of the original set which stood more than 44 feet tall. I remember seeing their home for the first time and I thought it looked like a country home that is very rustic, super cluttered and crooked as though it was built by someone with no construction experience, but it was very homey.
Can you spot the magical pot scrubber?
Can you spot the magical knitting of scarf?
Adjacent to the Interior Set is the Interactive Photo and Video experience where kids can experience being on a broom and have their pictures taken with the CGI background like in the Harry Potter movies. I wanted to have my pictures taken here but I didn't see any adults doing it, so...
Remember the spell to get the broom to go up?
Up, up, up...
The next section is the Ministry of Magic. The set was huge. It was imposing and truly scary. The office facade is made of shiny red and green tiles. The Ministry sculpture they used in the films is imposing.
Afterward, I got to the Forbidden Forest. This set is also big with a matching rolling fog on the floor to create the same effect as in the movie.
Here is Buck Beak from the Prisoner of Azkaban.
I wasn't paying much attention to the trees and their huge trunks until I saw this. Amazing!
Finally, I got to the Platform 9 3/4! Though I've seen a small part of this at Kings Cross Station, seeing the entire set is a whole different experience. I must have lingered in this set for 20 minutes or too long.
The line going into the train was long. This train was used as the Hogwarts Express in the film and it is an authentic Great Western Railway 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall 4-6-0 locomotive and coal tender.
Thankfully, there is Carriage Interior set showing what it is like to be inside the train. I learned that the actors had to imagine the sceneries out of the windows because all they saw was this green screen.
I got to the Cafe and decided to try the Butter Beer. I thought, this is part of the experience when you go to the studio tour so might as well go for it. It tasted like a mildly sweet cream soda topped with vanilla ice cream.
Next to the Cafe is the Backlot Exterior Sets. This is where the Knight Bus, Privet Drive house, Potters' Cottage and the Hogwarts Bridge are located.
The Privet Drive house is where Harry's relatives who raised him live. I learned that in the Philosopher's Stone, the exterior was filmed in Bracknell, Berkshire. It was later realized that the house will again be featured in the next films so it was decided to recreate the same street to give the production team more flexibility.
This is the Potters' Cottage in Godric's Hollow. Unlike the Privet Drive house where you can go inside and see the interior, I am not sure if you can see this cottage's interior. I didn't see any lines going in.
I learned in this tour that this is the only section of the Hogwart's Bridge that was built. The bridge was also not in the book and the script and it was the director Alfonso Cuaron's idea in The Prisoner of Azkaban to create the bridge to give Harry and Hermione's Time Turner journey more exciting.
Here's what the bridge looks like inside.
The next section is the Creatures Effects Department. This is where the design of any creature you can think of is made - the elves, goblins, owls, dragons, etc. I learned that it is done in three steps - design, moulding and application.
Looks like this is the robotics table. I would have enjoyed working here as an assistant!
Do you remember the Mandrake plant?
Finally, I made it to Diagon Alley. I can almost hear the background music in the movie when Hagrid brought Harry to Diagon Alley for the first time. I noticed that everyone had a smile on while taking the pictures.
Here's the wand store Ollivander's. I wanted to go in but it was not allowed.
Lots of recognizable stores from the movie including Gringotts Bank all the way to the end of the street. The street looks like it is not as long as the one in the movie and not as crowded. I noticed the street is made of cobbled stone.
Here is the facade of Weasley Wizard Wheezes.
As a designer of software and business applications, another section that I immensely enjoyed and appreciate is the Model Department. This is where everything is designed and conceptualized.
I wonder how big the design team is and what their design process is like? What about the deadlines? Is their work schedule dotted with sleepless nights and weeks and non stop work? What about prop malfunctions?
These are called White Card Models before the actual set construction began. They were used by the director and production designer to look at size and scale and determine camera angles. Film makers used a small camera called lipstick camera to plan shots and camera movement and get a perfect point of view.
Here's a model of Hogwart's Bridge.
Speaking of the Goblet of Fire, do you remember the Golden Egg which contained the clue regarding the second challenge? This is one of the props that can be found in the Interior Set section.
Another favorite of mine is the Mirror of Erised, even though the scene in the Philosopher's Stone where the mirror was introduced for the first time when Harry saw reflections of his parents is somewhat saddening.
Here is the Gryffindor Common Room. It is interesting that there are a lot of details in this room like the wall art, the tables and charges and wall paper. I didn't pay attention to them while watching the movies but I absolutely noticed these little details while at the studio. I learned that this set took nearly three months to complete.
Here's a sample of one of the walls in Hogwarts with Portraits and proclamations. Also seen in the photo is the moving stairs. Did you know that there are about 350 portraits hanging in the walls of Hogwarts?
Here are more Portraits and in close up. I learned that these portraits are hand painted portraits of the film's crew which I think is a brilliant way to immortalize the people working behind the scenes and in the background.
Remember this Vault Door in the Philosopher's Stone and then it made another appearance in the Deathly Hallows Part 2? The craftsmanship and details of this door is outstanding.
This is the Ollivander's Wand shop and it has thousands of wands and wand boxes where each one is distinctive and one of a kind. The boxes have names of more than 4000 names of people who worked in the Harry Potter films. Want a little challenge? Look for the box with J.K. Rowling on it.
Speaking of wands, here are the wands of Harry, Ron and Hermione upclose.
I realized I have a lot of favorite apps. I actually trimmed down the props and apps that I featured in this blog.
Here's Marauder's Map. This is displayed high up on a board so I couldn't see it upclose.
This was used as a hallway in the Leaky Cauldron. It uses a Forced Perspective technique to make it look longer than 50 feet on screen.
This is the Hogwarts Doors where it appeared in the Prisoner of Azkaban. I learned that each handle, bold and latch was mechanized by the Special Effects Department.
Here's the Flying Car used by Ron and Harry and was later smashed by the Whomping Willow.
And who can forget about the Hogwarts Clock? This is huge!
Do you remember the spell that lets you access the Griffin stairwell?
One of the more popular stops in the Interior Set section is Hagrid's Hut. The crowd was thick and they were all congregating in front so it was hard to take a proper picture. It didn't help that the set is in a cul-de-sac.
Here's the interior of Hagrid's Hut. Again, there are a lot of details in here that I had never paid attention before. Unlike in the movies, I had the chance to linger here and look at this set longer.
The Potions Room looked spooky complete with mannequins resembling Professor Slughorn and Professor Snape. I learned that in the Philosopher's Stone, this room was shot on location at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England and this set was built for the subsequent films.
I also learned that more than five hundred peculiar jars and bottles are in the dusty shelves that line the walls of this classroom. Here's an up close look at the table in the Potion's Room. Can you spot where Felix Felicis is?
Another popular set in the Interior Section is The Burrow or the Weasley residence. I learned that this set is only a small part of the original set which stood more than 44 feet tall. I remember seeing their home for the first time and I thought it looked like a country home that is very rustic, super cluttered and crooked as though it was built by someone with no construction experience, but it was very homey.
Can you spot the magical pot scrubber?
Can you spot the magical knitting of scarf?
Adjacent to the Interior Set is the Interactive Photo and Video experience where kids can experience being on a broom and have their pictures taken with the CGI background like in the Harry Potter movies. I wanted to have my pictures taken here but I didn't see any adults doing it, so...
Remember the spell to get the broom to go up?
Up, up, up...
The next section is the Ministry of Magic. The set was huge. It was imposing and truly scary. The office facade is made of shiny red and green tiles. The Ministry sculpture they used in the films is imposing.
Afterward, I got to the Forbidden Forest. This set is also big with a matching rolling fog on the floor to create the same effect as in the movie.
Here is Buck Beak from the Prisoner of Azkaban.
I wasn't paying much attention to the trees and their huge trunks until I saw this. Amazing!
Finally, I got to the Platform 9 3/4! Though I've seen a small part of this at Kings Cross Station, seeing the entire set is a whole different experience. I must have lingered in this set for 20 minutes or too long.
The line going into the train was long. This train was used as the Hogwarts Express in the film and it is an authentic Great Western Railway 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall 4-6-0 locomotive and coal tender.
Thankfully, there is Carriage Interior set showing what it is like to be inside the train. I learned that the actors had to imagine the sceneries out of the windows because all they saw was this green screen.
I got to the Cafe and decided to try the Butter Beer. I thought, this is part of the experience when you go to the studio tour so might as well go for it. It tasted like a mildly sweet cream soda topped with vanilla ice cream.
Next to the Cafe is the Backlot Exterior Sets. This is where the Knight Bus, Privet Drive house, Potters' Cottage and the Hogwarts Bridge are located.
The Privet Drive house is where Harry's relatives who raised him live. I learned that in the Philosopher's Stone, the exterior was filmed in Bracknell, Berkshire. It was later realized that the house will again be featured in the next films so it was decided to recreate the same street to give the production team more flexibility.
This is the Potters' Cottage in Godric's Hollow. Unlike the Privet Drive house where you can go inside and see the interior, I am not sure if you can see this cottage's interior. I didn't see any lines going in.
I learned in this tour that this is the only section of the Hogwart's Bridge that was built. The bridge was also not in the book and the script and it was the director Alfonso Cuaron's idea in The Prisoner of Azkaban to create the bridge to give Harry and Hermione's Time Turner journey more exciting.
Here's what the bridge looks like inside.
The next section is the Creatures Effects Department. This is where the design of any creature you can think of is made - the elves, goblins, owls, dragons, etc. I learned that it is done in three steps - design, moulding and application.
Looks like this is the robotics table. I would have enjoyed working here as an assistant!
Do you remember the Mandrake plant?
Finally, I made it to Diagon Alley. I can almost hear the background music in the movie when Hagrid brought Harry to Diagon Alley for the first time. I noticed that everyone had a smile on while taking the pictures.
Here's the wand store Ollivander's. I wanted to go in but it was not allowed.
Lots of recognizable stores from the movie including Gringotts Bank all the way to the end of the street. The street looks like it is not as long as the one in the movie and not as crowded. I noticed the street is made of cobbled stone.
Here is the facade of Weasley Wizard Wheezes.
As a designer of software and business applications, another section that I immensely enjoyed and appreciate is the Model Department. This is where everything is designed and conceptualized.
I wonder how big the design team is and what their design process is like? What about the deadlines? Is their work schedule dotted with sleepless nights and weeks and non stop work? What about prop malfunctions?
These are called White Card Models before the actual set construction began. They were used by the director and production designer to look at size and scale and determine camera angles. Film makers used a small camera called lipstick camera to plan shots and camera movement and get a perfect point of view.
Here's a model of Hogwart's Bridge.
Here's a model of Diagon Alley.
Here's the Hogwarts model.
Unfortunately, all good things have to end.
Lastly, the Shop is still a good deal of site seeing, at least for me. Here is a sweater of Hermione and Ron. There are sizes for kids and adults.
Here is Hermione's gown in the Goblet of Fire. This one is kids size. I didn't see an adult version of the gown.
And Bertie Bott's Everyflavour Beans. This one I bought and it does have random flavors, some pleasant and other unpleasant ones.
~rl
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