During the filming process, many props, costumes, and sets were kept in case they would ever be needed again during filming. The idea for the studio tour actually came about after the filming of the entire series was completed and those props were no longer needed. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter team wanted to preserve those props, costumes, and sets to put on display so that fans could experience the magic behind the making of the films first hand. And thus, the Warner Brothers Studios Studio Tour opened it’s doors on in March of 2012.
Visitors can drink Butterbeer, stroll through Diagon Alley, and tour the backlot of the attraction where Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, and Hagrid’s motorcycle reside. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade/Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando in Orlando, Florida & Hogsmeade in Japan) is a completely different experience than the Studio Tour. It differs by immersing guests into the world of Harry Potter and allowing them to be part of it.
While the tour already offers quite a bit, the tour will continue to expand this fall as the Studio Tour will be launching ‘The Making of Harry Potter – Dark Arts’. Fans of the Dark Arts, particularly Slytherins, will enjoy this new addition as it explores how the darker side of Harry Potter was brought to life on the big screen. This is the first permanent addition to the tour since it made it’s debut back in 2012.
“The Dark Arts feature will be our first new permanent addition since opening in March 2012 and we’re looking forward to unveiling it just in time for Halloween. It will showcase the darkest parts of the films and include some props and costumes that have never been on public display before.”, said Sarah Roots the Vice President of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
The tour will feature many new elements, including:
- An expansion to the Malfoy Manner’s Fireplace to showcase the full set of the headquarters for Lord Voldemort’s followers (featured in Deathly Hallows Part 1) that will allow you to peer into the drawing room. It will feature an ornate chandelier, an imposing fireplace, and the table at which Bellatrix Lestrange, The Malfoy Family, the Death Eaters, and Voldemort sat at. The set will also feature a mannequin of the captured Muggle Studies teacher suspended above the set as well as a life like model of Voldemort’s companion, Nagini, a 20-foot snake.
- Artifacts and props from Borgin and Bourkes from inside Knockturn Alley.
- A portion of Dolores Umbridge’s office, which will include her kitten plates, pink costumes and her desk.
- Costumes from Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin (Prisoner of Azkaban) plus a magical projector and a gramophone.
The new addition will officially open on October 17th and as part of a grand opening celebration, there will be extra Dark Arts activities taking place this from October 17th through November 3rd. During this limited two week period, visitors will be able to view a display of a section from the Halloween Feast (Sorcerer’s Stone) in The Great Hall. Visitors will also be able to stroll down a darker Diagon Alley with dimmed lights, foreboding music, and Death Eaters will be strolling the streets.
For more information about The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, visit the official website by clicking here.
