Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

I have been a die-hard Harry Potter fan for as long as I can remember. I was 13 when the first movie opened in theaters (just 2 years older than Daniel Radcliff when he starred in the first film). My closest friend dragged me to go see it. She had been glued to the books for years.

I was so embarrassed and thought the whole Harry Potter phenomenon was incredibly un-cool.

I will never forget how enchanting the movie was for me as a stubborn pre-teen. I had built myself up for disappointment but couldn’t help but fall under the magical spell of the movie. I was transported into Hogwarts, a school for witchcraft and wizardry, and forever into the life of a young boy named Harry Potter.

Since that day, I’ve been a HUGE fan.

13 years later, I’ve read all 7 books (a few times) and watched all 8 movies (countless times). I even went to see the final movie at midnight the night it premiered when I was living in Australia. Bolt scar painted on my forehead and everything. No shame.

People often ask me why I have such an “obsession” with Harry Potter. And why so many other do as well. My best explanation is this: Harry Potter has been the longest and most consistent passion in my life. I basically grew up right alongside the lead actors of the film.

Now, back to London. I was beside myself when I was given an opportunity to return to London this summer and visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Their “The Making of Harry Potter” tour features props, costumes and complete movie sets from the filming of the Harry Potter movies.

It was like stepping into a dream. Everywhere I turned, the wizarding world of Harry Potter surrounded me. I nearly cried. (I’m not kidding). Everything from the “Cupboard Under the Stairs” to the “Triwizard Cup” and even the “Great Hall” at Hogwarts was there.

For 2 hours, I revisited the childhood fantasies I had of this special place. I knocked on the door of 4 Privet Drive and gazed at my reflection in the Mirror of Erised. I even got to drink a sweet glass of butterbeer! I’m quite proud of my self-control for not hiding and attempting to camp out inside.