I’m a purist when it comes to Harry Potter. I don’t watch any of the “making of” or BTS interview clips from the movies because I don’t want to ruin the magic of it. I don’t read/watch any sort of fan-made HP stuff (because let’s be honest- the Cursed Child was weird enough on its own).

So, when I first heard about the fact that Warner Bros. was opening up the studio and sets of the Harry Potter movies in London to the general public, my first reaction was “thanks, but no thanks!” I just didn’t want anything to make the films less magical!

A portrait session in Paris last week, however, just happened to coincide with my dad’s plans to be in London with my Mimi, aunt Kathy, and cousin Sarah. So clearly, I needed to book a Eurostar ticket to get from France to Britain. And then Dad told me that Sarah (also a huge Potterhead) was looking into the studio tour, and I knew it was time to set aside my reservations.

IT WAS SO AMAZING!!!!

Walking into the Great Hall and seeing the level of detail that I never managed to catch in the movies, it was so incredible! And seeing the full Hogwarts castle model, and the crazy amount of care and (again) detail that they so carefully created, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the films. The lengths they went to to create a completely immersive world when it came to the movies left me flabbergasted, and upon arriving back home in the US, my first order of business with Matt was to rewatch all eight films. For the hundredth time (or so).

You know what’s great about going to something like this? You can let your geek flag fly high and there’s NO ONE to judge you for it. My only regret is that I forgot to bring my “Dumbledore’s Army” shirt, so no one could tell I was a true fan instead of just someone casually familiar with the concept. Next time.

No but seriously- I’m already planning to take Matt when we’re in London in January :).

Enjoy!

Dumblerdore’s office! There was SO much to see!!!

Dad taking a photo of the sword of Gryffindor :).

The potions classroom was my favorite part of the first half of the tour- there were hundreds on ingredient jars & bottles lining the wall, each with a different label, all hand-written.

I have one of these letters!! One of my favorite couples EVER gifted it to me!

When we walked into the castle room it took my breath away. Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter fan, this scale model was magnificent. The detail was just absurd.