Aside from the Universal Studios versions of the Harry Potter world that are available in Orlando, Japan, and soon Hollywood, there is also the site where the movies were shot — 20 miles south of London, at Leavesden Studios — available for fans to tour. Warner Bros. acquired the converted airplane hanger in order to film all eight Harry Potter movies, and since 2012 has been using two of its soundstages and its backlot to house sets and props used in the film, arranged for visitors to tour.
Unlike the Universal Studios version, these are not replicas of the movie sets, these are the movie sets. Also unlike Universal, you don’t get to ride roller coasters and buy overpriced tchotchkes. But this Christmas, the studio is offering “Dinner In The Great Hall,” a two-course meal served in the Hogwarts dining hall. This is the first time they’ve hosted their own event on the soundstage.
For $350, your ticket includes a studio tour, butterbeer, and a wand. You get to tour the Great Hall, eat, and then are hustled on to Platform 9 3/4 for the free butterbeer and desserts. The menu includes ham hock and broad bean terrine with pea purée or turkey with cranberry sausage stuffing, roast potatoes, gravy, and brussel sprouts. (Vegetarians get veggie lasagna.)
You don’t get to be seated on giant benches like in the movies, though. Looks like it’ll be arranged more like a wedding reception with tables of ten. They’re not allowing anyone under 18, because the after party features dancing and actual drinks.
It takes place December 3 and you can buy tickets on their site. Costumes are encouraged.
Or you could stay home and annoy your parents by wearing robes to Thanksgiving dinner and save yourself the $350. Up to you, my nerdbros.
