The Harry Potter Experience

By Jordan Wagner

On Wednesday, July 11^th, 2012, I had the privilege of attending the Warner Brothers studio tour of the making of Harry Potter. As a Harry Potter fan from Orlando, FL, going on a studio tour in England was even more rewarding than going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, right down the road from where I live. The atmosphere of the entire place could only be described as ecstatic. Every person I saw looked so happy to be there. There were no rides or amazing shows at this place; in fact the pace of the tour could be called slow and humble. In spite of this, it was a blessing for someone that grew up reading the Harry Potter books and seeing them turned into big screen hits.

The tour featured the actual costumes, props and sets used in all the films. For example, encased in glass was the TriWizard cup from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Set up was the hut Hagrid lived in. The studio contained a ton of different icons from the film series that left everyone in awe. To go “behind the scenes” of the movies was as close to magical as muggles (non magical people) can get. Warner Brothers was smart to open this attraction following the release of the final movie, as Harry Potter fans are eager to keep the spirit of the series alive. I walked through the tour observing the different families with children that were present, and it was encouraging to see excitement in the eyes of even the youngest ones. I grew up with Harry Potter, reading the first book in 4^th grade and seeing the first movie when I was 11. To see a younger generation becoming engulfed by the Potter phenomena was uplifting.

 

After an hour and a half walking through the studio I was completely satisfied, although I now realize I could have purchased the complimentary audiotape and extended my stay much longer. As with any good journey, mine ended in the gift shop. I just had to buy a 40-pound (roughly 60 U.S dollars) Hufflepuff jacket. You might call it the effects of an American exposed to commercialism; I call it the wonder and innocence of a 22-year-old graduate student. The Warner Brothers studio tour was absolutely fantastic, and I would recommend it to any student going abroad to London. Cue the cheesy music, but it made my experience that much more magical.

Life-Changing London

By Suzanne Peterson


When I chose to study abroad for the summer of 2012, I never knew it would be the best decision I ever made. In the months leading up to London I became increasingly excited. When we got our itinerary a couple weeks before school let out in the Spring, I could not contain my excitement. It started to become real; I would be studying abroad in the Global Sports Management program and would be attending Wimbledon, the British Open, the Olympics as well as touring some of Europe’s most elite soccer clubs. The best 6 weeks of my life were about to begin.

Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club

Novak Djocavic warming up before his match

The first week being here went by so fast. Everything was so new, I was still getting used to the time change, and it was slowly starting to set in that I was living in Bloomsbury, London for the next 6 weeks. On the third day of being here we went to Wimbledon. I have played tennis since I can remember so I might have been the most excited out of the group. The process was not as easy as just getting a ticket. We waited in a line, which is called “queuing,” with 5,000 other eager patrons for roughly 3 ½ hours. It was windy and freezing but it was all worth it. I was able to see Novak Djocavic warm up, up close. And I met Lisa Leslie from the WNBA.




Some of my best memories didn’t come from visiting Chelsea soccer stadium, or being at Wimbledon, but from being with the other students in my program. Being able to wander around London and find cool buildings or shops are some of my fondest memories. One time that I will never forget is when a group of us were trying to find Buckingham Palace. It took us around 45 minutes when it should have taken way less. Even though we got lost, we ended up passing other amazing sightseeing opportunities in London and still managed to laugh about our shortcomings.

Stamford Bridge Stadium, home of Chelsea Football Club

Olympic Medals on display at the British Museum, which is located right down the street from the Study Centre

I was able to do things that I may have never been able to do including: meet Rick Scott when he visited the Study Centre or work with Michelle Obama at her ‘Let’s Move’ Tennis Event. I would suggest studying abroad to any person I meet. Describing an experience like this is so difficult because something memorable happens almost everyday. Studying abroad is really what you make of it. There are so many experiences that FSU presents to you by being here, but you have to get out and explore! I can honestly say that studying abroad has changed my life and I can’t wait to see what opportunities arise after this amazing trip.

Global Sports Management London 2012 group at Lord's Cricket Grounds. A very nice facility where apparently Sir Paul McCartney frequents to work out. Also, these grounds will be used for Archery at the Olympic Games.