Spencer's Semester Abroad: Harry Potter Studio Tour (May 14th)

Well, only ten days left in Europe. Today, I handed in the hard-copy of my dissertation. Such a good feeling! What better way to celebrate then to go with Pierce and Jodi to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. The studio was located just outside of the city in a town called Watford.

I have been looking forward to this for a really long time, and it definitely did not dissapoint. In fact, it was one of the coolest experiences I've had abroad. It was amazing to see how the movies were filmed. The sets were simply spectacular and the amount of time and detail in every little part of the studio was incredible. The tour started in the cinema watching the cast members give you a little insight behind the scenes. When the video clip ended, the screen magically lifted up to reveal the entrance to Hogwarts. It was a really cool touch that got everyone in the mood for some magic.

The studio was enormous and had props, scenes, green screens, costumes, designs, wigs, makeup, etc. from all eight of the movies. In addition, you could read about how they designed something and then watch the scene that it was used in the movies. I could tell you which scene and movie every single prop or costume was used in. I can't even describe how realistic it all felt, it actually seemed like we were in the Wizarding World!

Halfway through the tour, we stopped for some Butter Beer. This was actually the second time in my life that I have had the fortune of drinking it, because I had it previously in Harry Potter World in Orlando. The rest of the tour was just as cool as the first half. It's funny, but having been to Harry Potter World, Oxford, as well as most of the scenes around London, and now the Studio Tour, I feel like my Harry Potter rotation is complete. No matter, I would do all of them again if I had the chance. If you ever get the chance to come to London, this is something you don't want to miss!