After about a 30 minute ride, we arrived at the station and decided to cut across the street to King's Cross because Mariah had it on her London bucket list to get to Platform 9 ¾.
There were about 50 people milling around in front of it when we arrived, and we were a bit confused as to where the line started. Eventually, the workers told us they only let a handful of people into line at a time, but led us to a line outdoors where they were having people wait their turn to get into the official line so they could keep train station traffic from getting clogged up in the area in front of the Harry Potter platform.
It only took us about 30 minutes of wait time before it was our turn. They give you a wand and let you choose your Hogwarts house color from a selection of scarfs to use as photo props. It was completely free, but they do take your photo, which you have the option to purchase in the gift shop when you are done. We did bring our own camera, and they are totally cool about letting you take your own photos, but you'll only get enough time to snap two or three quickly before they take their own and move you along.
I guess we were Slytherine House as the girls picked out the green scarf for us to wear. Fitting, since we were looking a bit rough still in our flight clothes :)
While we didn't have the magic touch to get through to the Hogwarts Express, we were able to hail a cab outside of King's Cross to take us to the Holiday Inn, which looked pretty magical itself after an exhausting day of planes, trains, and taxi cabs.
Which Hogwarts House do you belong to?
You actually look exquisitely fresh in that platform photo, fresh as a daisy indeed. I personally wouldn't wait half an hour for anything... unless it is a kissing booth with Chris Evans....
ReplyDeleteI certainly didn't feel it. I couldn't wait to get to the hotel to shower and nap after that long flight!
DeleteAll look ready for the Hogwarts express indeed. Even chipper after all the taxis, trains, and planes. Must be magic there haha
ReplyDeleteI think we were just running on the excitement of arriving in a foreign land. We were so ready to crash after the photos were taken.
DeleteRavenclaw
ReplyDeleteThat's what the girls said I would be too, but I have a feeling I'd probably get put in Slytherine.
DeleteWow, how cool that you got to see that! Great photo opp.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terra! I was a wonderful trip!
DeleteWe are heading there in about a week and a half. I have been there, but my boys haven't so they are wicked excited.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Robin! I hope they have a magical time!
DeleteMy daughter was obsessed with Harry Potter when she was younger. She always wanted to go see Platform 9 3/4.
ReplyDeleteI hope she does some day! I don't think you ever outgrow your love for Harry Potter.
DeleteThat is really cool! What an awesome opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI bet she was excited to get there, even though you all were tired. :) I want to go to London right now!! Work and school (oh yeah, and lack of traveling money) are always getting in my way of what I want to do. ;)
ReplyDeleteI want to go back so bad! Stinking work and school and lack of funds raining on our parade :(
DeleteI love Harry Potter so this looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was over the moon to experience it!
DeleteI will say I never saw any Harry Potter movie and read one book as a child. This looks like it is cute if you are a big HP fan!
ReplyDeleteAwe, Kiwi! You really should go back and give them a go. I think with your whimsical spirit, you'd really love them!
DeleteThat sounds like so much fun! Our kids love Harry Potter and I know they would love this!
ReplyDeleteI took nothing, but the subway and busses when I lived in Atlanta. Even there it was confusing if you didn't know where you were going. I can't imagine being somewhere besides the US trying to do that. What else would one do? It would be the way to go! Those photos are so cool with your magic wands. Did Jason not want to join in?
ReplyDeleteMica did read all of Harry Potter, and he watched some movies. I've seen a comeback of Harry Potter stuff. I wonder what that's about? Isaak never would even try to read the series. He's like, "The books are way too long."
I think the comeback of the stuff is because it's the 20 year anniversary coming up. I saw a huge display they were getting ready to fill at Walgreens today, just for Harry Potter merchandise.
DeleteWhen I was in London that was on my bucket list too and luckily I stayed not too far from this station hehe... actually did so much while I was there but never got down to blogging about it. Ahhh memories!
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
I remember your King's Cross pics Ai! You were too cute in them!
DeleteI have to go back to London. It's been too long :). I'm a big fan of Harry Potter and can't wait to come and visit those HP landmarks including this famous platform!
ReplyDeleteWith as many air miles as you rack up, I am sure you'll get there sooner rather than later, Indah!
DeleteOK I admit it have never read or saw any of the movies............. I know a few things you would have to be nuts not know somethings.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to be immune from knowing anything about HP. It's been a massive hit for 20 years. I was pregnant with my oldest when it first came out. Funny to think about her being such a huge fan of it for almost her whole life.
DeleteWhat neat thing to do. I've never seen the movies but this is something my son would love to do.
ReplyDelete