When people think of magic, a good majority of them think of that incredible world created by J.K. Rowling, or rather the lovable character she created to lead the reader through this world. Our world followed young Harry Potter as he traveled through the wizarding world, through happiness, sadness, trials, and peace. These whimsical books, like many, played a huge part in my life growing up. This is why, when I had the chance to visit Warner Bros. Studios in London, and see the stage where they created the movies that followed, I jumped at the chance.
My sister came to London this past week and one of things she desired to do was participate in the Harry Potter Tour. She, being the best big sister in the world, offered me a ticket. To say I was ecstatic is putting it lightly. I may not be the biggest Harry Potter fan out their, but I still love it and the chance to see the studio that made the books come to life on the big screen was a gift.
After a happy reunion, my sister and I entered the studios and were immediately greeted by Harry Potter paraphernalia. There were elaborate pictures, giant chess pieces, even the Weasley's flying care in just the atrium! I was geeking out before the tour even started!
When the tour did start, I could hardly wait. We were shown a brief video narrated by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson themselves! The gave a brief rundown on their ten years working on the movies were and the relationships they formed with each and every member of the cast and film crew as well as the emotions they felt as they played such well known and beloved roles. It was truly amazing to hear how working on the movies affected them from an early age to ten years later. That was when the tour truly began.
It was all there. The sets, the costumes, the wigs, the props, paintings, the wands, everything. It was incredible. We saw how the magic that was used to create the films and the secrets to some of the world's favorite characters. We saw sketches, we saw sculptures, we saw animatronics, we saw everything that led to the creation of one of the most iconic worlds was their for us to view and experience. There was even butterbeer!
That entire day, for me, was every Harry Potter fan's fantasy. I saw and learned so much about the films and it will stay with me forever. Not only did I see some incredible bouts of "movie magic", but I got to see first hand what went into putting one of the most known franchises on the silver screen. That day was truly magical, pun definitely intended.