Do You Believe in Magic...

…in a young girl’s heart? Well, the day was certainly magical for this young girl!

Friday, Courtney and I ventured a little outside of London to go to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. 

We took a short little train ride to what can best be described as the middle of nowhere.  Then the Harry Potter themed bus took us to Warner Brothers Studios Leavesdon.  The second we stepped off the bus, every single person had this gigantic grin on their face.  Harry Potter will just do that to you!

the bus!

Jerome, out favorite worker, made us pose.

Once we got inside, we picked up our audio guides.  I wonder whose idea that was?  And headed towards the “massive line,” as some little girl said in her adorable British accent. 

The tour began with an explanation of how Warner Brothers decided to produce all of the Harry Potter movies.  Then we and 200 of our closest friends were ushered into a movie theater.  I was ready to sit there for 22 hours and watch all 8 movies, but no such luck.  It was just another introductory film, but this one happened to be in the comfiest seats of all time.  I contemplated ripping one out of there and taking it home with me.  I only decided against it because I’m not sure United Airlines would allow me to check it. 

All too soon, the movie screen lifted and there were the doors of the Great Hall. I about died and it was just the beginning. After the Great Hall we went into an area that was just chaotic. There was no flow, but I did get to see some awesome things!

The Great Hall entrance doors!

costumes!

The Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory

The Common Room!

The door to the Chamber of Secrets!

The Burrow

The Ministry of Magic!

We then went outside and had a glass of butterbeer!  These people in London need to take some lessons from the ones in Orlando.  The butterbeer at Harry Potter World was amazing. This, not so much.  I’m sure the rocks liked it though.  Between lots J and K were Privet Drive, the vehicles, and the bridge from Hogwarts! As we were playing paparazzi, it started to rain. Five minutes later it started to pour.  We decided we didn't care and sprinted out from under the awning to get our precious pictures anyways.  Totally worth it.

The Knight Bus

We're so cool.

The Hogwarts Bridge, which was closed because of the rain.

I love pawns!

Finally, we headed into lot K and we saw all of the models of creatures used in the films, like Dobby and Fawkes. Then it was time for Diagon Alley.  Gringotts, Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts, Madame Malkin’s, it was all there! 

Fawkes!

Aragog!

Diagon Alley!

We then quickly walked through the white models.  Next up was the entire Hogwarts Castle.  It was miniature but so detailed and impressive! It was probably my favorite part.

Excuse the terrible lighting.

Finally, we walked through a room with thousands of wand boxes.  Each one had the name of a person who had worked on the films.  Crew members, costumers, make-up artists, they were all there.  It was such a creative tribute.  Kudos to whoever came up with that one. 

After some lunch, Courtney and I did some serious damage in the gift shop and headed back to good ol’ London!

On another front, yesterday Courtney and I booked nearly all of our trips.  It took 7 hours, but we are certainly headed to some amazing places! Edinburgh, Venice, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, get ready.