Posted on: 22/03/2024
Posted on: March 21st 2023
Harry Potter World
The Hogwarts Express filled the air with steam as it rolled into the station. Scarlett screeches as it gradually comes to a halt. Well, that's what happened in the films. On the tour however, we walked into platform 9 3⁄4 with the locomotive standing tall on the steel tracks.
To start the day off, we had a session with some of the tour workers to learn more about the ‘behind-the-scenes’. The session entailed discussions about the planning of a film as well as everyone's different roles in the production process. Everyone got involved in the ‘imaginary film production’ game and there were even prizes up for grabs!
After this talk, we started the official tour with a grand opening of the Great Hall doors. We witnessed a short lighting/firework display imitating the Weasley's ‘prank’ during the O.W.L.S examinations. It was really impressive to see! We then individually went around the experience, exploring all of the features in our own time.
- I was personally blown away by the ‘magic’ in the Weasley’s house - the scarf knitted itself, the dishes washed themself and it was all done by the wave over a sensor.
- The amount of animals used for each animal-character was surprising but also made sense as not all animals could do everything needed for the roles.
- The broomstick flying experience was phenomenal! The wind and movements were so realistic and afterwards, it looked like it was from the movies themselves.
- The Gringotts bank was flabbergasting - its huge scale was mind blowing and the dragon destroying cinematic experience was very well done.
Overall, the Harry Potter Tour trip was one of the best I’ve been on during my time at Highworth. It truly inspired me to choose Media Studies because it made me realise how practical the work is and all of the skills you learn throughout the course. The amount of opportunities that were presented during the tour also positively affected my decision of the GCSE course. I am very grateful to have gone on this incredible experience!
Written by Nisha, Year 9
