Four Reactions You’ll Have at Warner Bros. Studio Tour
It’s hard to believe, but as of March 31, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has been open for five years! When the place where ten years of movie magic occurred decided to open its doors in 2012, Potterheads rushed to visit. Now five years going, another movie franchise underway, and multiple expansions, the Studio Tour is the perfect place for any avid Potter fan. But in case you’ve yet to step through the doors of the Great Hall and are planning on Apparating over, get ready. It’s going to be an emotionally taxing day. Here are just some of the reactions you can guarantee will happen while there…
1. Sleepless Nights
Both a gift and a curse, get ready to load up on butterbeer and Pepper-Up Potion ahead of your visit! The months of anticipation and planning all come down to the night before, when you’re a matter of hours away from reaching the British mothership of all Harry Potter locations. You may be having palpitations or be rendered unable to hold still for more than a few seconds. You might even get out of bed and practice your wandwork. Sleeplessness can be good – it shows just how excited you are! But don’t forget that nobody likes a snorer, especially in a sea of your fellow lions, eagles, badgers and snakes. There will be more opportunities to visit the Studio Tour, but the first is always the most magical, so don’t spend it in dire need of a Honeydukes sugar fix.
2. “I’m AT Hogwarts.”
The second you step into the Great Hall, you will feel like at long last, maybe your Hogwarts letter has arrived, and Filch is wandering around somewhere having your bags sent up to your new dormitory. To me this has always felt like a moment of arriving at home. So many crucial moments, including the Sorting Ceremonies, the death of Voldemort, and of course, many excellent feasts, happened here. This is where so much happened, and now here you are, walking the same stone floor. J.K. Rowling always said Hogwarts would be there to welcome us home, and now you’ve finally reached your destination.
3. Teary Fangirl/boy Meltdowns
This really depends on what kind of fan you are, but there will be a moment somewhere in the Tour in which your eyes will start burning. It’s far from uncommon to see someone in Hogwarts robes, sitting on the floor as they weep – embrace the madness! You may do what I did the first time around and squeal and jump up and down for hours on end. Face the facts before you arrive: A meltdown is imminent. Maybe you’ll be one of those people whom it hits the second you walk into the lobby, or maybe it can hold off until the very first glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. If you’re like me and saw the movies before reading the books, then these walls of magic and whimsy hold huge sentimental value regarding your Potter story. The costumes, sets, and artifacts may be a massive part of your life and who you are. Feel free to lack any composure.
4. Re-Evaluating Your Economic Status
“I have a list,” you say as you enter the shop, in awe of the sheer amount of merchandise that embraces you upon arrival. Whoever you’re with rolls their eyes as they pick up the cheapest items possible, apparently a pencil and a postcard can keep them satisfied. But you’re not them. You’re an obsessive Potter fan, and the peaceful balance in your bank account has been massively disturbed. You cannot simply “have a list.” No, you must pour unnecessary contents into your basket to the point where it’s far too heavy, and the staff at the checkout gives the “I’m judging you” look. Some things are staple merchandise: a wand and your House scarf. However, this is a rare opportunity, so everything is worth buying. Deep down, though, you know you don’t need those Pygmy Puff slippers…
