Our journey begins at the Dursley residence on Privet Drive, mirroring Harry’s iconic start then leads us to Platform 9 ¾™ to marvel at the Hogwarts Express™ before finally arriving at Hogwarts, the esteemed school of witchcraft and wizardry.
What to Expect at Harry Potter: Magic at Play
Harry Potter: Magic at Play is a unique experience that made its grand world premiere in Chicago. It has now landed outside Seattle for its second stop, available only for a limited time. The experience is fun for kids, but adults can also enjoy it. Everyone will appreciate the details of the recreated spaces. It was created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Original X Productions, known for The FRIENDS Experience, The Office Experience, and Prince: The Immersive Experience, so the set recreations are very detailed.
Keep scrolling if you’re seeking a review of Harry Potter: Magic at Play and a rundown of the unmissable highlights!
Our Must-See Highlights
1. The Dursley Home on Privet Drive
Just like Harry Potter, we began our journey at the Dursleys’ brick home on 4 Privet Drive. Honestly, this was one of our favorite parts of the experience and the perfect spot to pose for photos at the beginning of your trip to Hogwarts. Organizers made sure to nail every detail of the home—down to the owls perched on the roof!
2. A Look Inside the Dursley Residence (and Harry’s Cupboard Under the Stairs)
Once you enter the home, you’ll discover elements from the books and movies, such as the room filled with Hogwarts acceptance letters. But there’s also plenty of fun to be had! Climb through the fireplace, which leads you through a tunnel wrapping around the ceiling and, finally, brings you to a slide. And don’t worry, even adults can enjoy the slide if you’re a kid at heart. Plus, you’ll get to see Harry’s cupboard under the stairs!
3. Boarding the Hogwarts Express™
Next, you’ll visit one of the most iconic locations — Platform 9 ¾™ at King’s Cross St. Pancras Station and stop for photos at the Hogwarts Express™. The train looked so real it blew us away. While you can’t step inside, you can pose in front of it and even marvel at the steam that billows out.
🚂Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express!
4. Travel the Black Lake just like the First Year students
Don’t miss the boats that take you to Hogwarts by traversing the Black Lake, just as the First Year students did!
5. Be Mesmerized in the Great Hall
The Great Hall at Magic at Play is truly enchanting. As you swing open the large double doors, you’re greeted by walls that appear as ancient as those at Hogwarts, with hundreds of flickering candles overhead. The staff also offers the opportunity for professional photos in this magical space, providing you with a keepsake to cherish for years to come.
6. Celebrate your House Pride
One of the best photo ops is right under the famous sorting hat! Celebrate your house pride, whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff.
🦁🦅🐍🦡It’s a house pride celebration—grab your tickets here!
7. Take Classes Like You’re a Real Hogwarts Student
Guests can take magical classes during this unique Harry Potter experience, just like in the Harry Potter books and movies, including Potions and Charms, and be able to fend off the Cornish Pixies in Defense Against the Dark Arts. We loved learning how to make Felix Felicis, a.k.a. ‘liquid luck,’ and the Polyjuice Potion.
8. Get Ready to Practice Your Swish and Flick
At Harry Potter: Magic at Play near Seattle, you can put those levitation skills to work during Charms class with the ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ magic trick…but take it from Hermione and be sure to pronounce it as she does!
9. Get Ready to Play Quidditch™
It’s not a proper Harry Potter experience without Quidditch™, and at this Harry Potter™ experience, it’s one of my favorite attractions. An entire area of green space is dedicated to indulging in the beloved Wizarding World sport, finding your perfect position, snapping plenty of stunning photos, and engaging in several other enjoyable games. If anything, it’s the ultimate spot in the experience for the entire family to unwind after a session of classes!
10. Make Your Way to the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Triwizard Maze
Explore the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid’s Hut, and the Triwizard Maze at this Harry Potter experience near Seattle. Grab a lantern to spot a Patronus, help lift giant pumpkins at Hagrid’s hut, and get lost in the Triwizard Maze. Keep an eye out for Easter eggs from the Fantastic Beasts films!
After immersing yourself in all this magic, indulge in some Butterbeer and browse their fantastic selection of Harry Potter merchandise. From exclusive Magic at Play wands to capes, t-shirts, brooms, mugs, stuffed animals, the Lego Hogwarts™ Castle, and more, there’s something for every fan from all four houses!