Can I arrive early to eat or shop before the tour at The Making of Harry Potter?

Can I arrive early to eat or shop before the tour at The Making of Harry Potter?

Yes, you definitely can! From my experience, you’re allowed to enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour about one hour before your official tour start time. This is a great chance to explore the gift shop and grab a bite at the café without rushing. Honestly, one hour might even feel a little tight because the souvenir shop is packed with cool Harry Potter-themed goodies, and the café offers some pretty tasty meals and snacks to fuel up before the tour. I personally like to arrive early just to soak in the atmosphere and pick up some unique items you can’t find elsewhere. So if you’re a big fan or just want to enjoy a relaxed start, getting there early is a smart move.

Is the café inside expensive? What kind of food do they serve?

The café prices are fairly reasonable for a tourist spot — expect to pay around ¥1,200 to ¥1,800 (about $9 to $14 USD) for a meal. They serve British-style fare like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and hearty sandwiches. I found the food comforting and filling, which is nice especially if you’re planning to spend several hours walking through the studios. It’s not gourmet dining, but it’s a fun part of the experience, and sitting down with a butterbeer (non-alcoholic, of course) really adds to the magic.

Can I shop before and after the tour, or only before?

You can shop both before and after your tour, which is great because the shop is pretty large and full of tempting items like wands, robes, and exclusive collectibles. However, I noticed that the shop gets busier after the tour since everyone wants to grab souvenirs on their way out. Arriving early lets you browse more comfortably without the crowds. If you’re worried about carrying purchases during the tour, you can leave your bags at the lockers near the entrance.

What if I arrive too early? Is there anywhere nearby to hang out?

The studios are located in Leavesden, just outside London, and there isn’t much around immediately nearby for hanging out. So arriving too early means you’ll probably be waiting around at the entrance area or inside the café and shop. But honestly, the waiting area is cozy and decorated with props and photos, so it’s not a bad way to kill time. If you want to explore outside, it’s best to arrive about an hour early and not much more, just so you don’t have too long to kill.

Are there any cultural differences in how Japanese visitors approach the tour?

From what I’ve seen, Japanese visitors tend to be very organized and respectful about the schedule. Many arrive exactly on time or just a bit early to avoid crowding and make the most of their visit. Also, Japanese guests often spend a lot of time in the gift shop and take their time admiring the detailed craftsmanship of the props and costumes. It’s interesting because while some tourists rush through to check everything off their list, many Japanese visitors treat the studio like a place to savor the magic slowly, almost like a museum visit. If you want to experience the tour like a local, try pacing yourself and appreciating the smaller details instead of rushing to the big photo spots.

So yeah, arriving an hour early to eat and shop before your tour is a great idea that many visitors—myself included—recommend to get the most out of the experience. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a day to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, and starting early really helps you do that.