First Look: Harry Potter New York Adds NEW Broomstick Photo Experience & Cupcake

Written By Megan Hamilton
Harry Potter New York store has launched a new broomstick green screen experience, allowing guests to experience the thrill of riding a broomstick!
To celebrate the new store experience,, you can try a limited time cupcake at the Butterbeer bar, and Harry Potter New York has also added a collection of new-to-the-store props from the Harry Potter films.
Harry Potter New York’s new green screen broomstick experience gives you the opportunity to fly over iconic scenes from the Wizarding World, just like the cast did while filming the movies.

On Monday, Harry Potter New York invited me to preview the new broomstick experience before it officially opened to the public on June 20th.

All content and opinions are my own.

Green Screen Broomstick Experience Overview

During the green screen broomstick experience, you'll feel like you are really flying on a broomstick.
You’ll have 2 photos taken with various scenes, including the opportunity to soar over Hogwarts castle - exclusive to Harry Potter New York. 
From soaring alongside the Knight Bus, chasing the Golden Snitch, you can even seek the Golden Snitch during a Hogwarts Quidditch match!

Here’s some of the Broomstick Experience video scenes:

  • Flying  over London at night
  • Fort William Scotland where the  Hogwarts Express scene was filmed (Jacobite train) 
  • Flying over the Black Lake 
  • Flying above the grounds of Hogwarts
Let your inner child completely nerd out while doing the new Broomstick experience!
I was told this is a family friendly experience. by the Harry Potter New York staff. Littles 3 and under can sit on the broomstick while a parent or guardian holds them securely.

Where inside Harry Potter New York is the Broomstick Experience? 

The new green screen broomstick experience is located downstairs next to House of MinaLima at Harry Potter New York.

New Flying Broomstick Experience

Harry Potter: Wizards Take Flight

It has replaced the former spot where the Harry Potter: Wizards Take Flight  VR experience was.

Green Screen Broomstick Experience— What to Expect

Plan for a Virtual Queue System to be in place

To manage capacity, Harry Potter New York will be using a virtual queue system. To join the virtual queue, scan the QR code at the store with your smartphone, then fill in your group details (maximum of 6 per group). 
Explore the store while you wait, Harry Potter New York staff send you a notification when it’s time for your broomstick experience.

Once it’s your turn to fly, You’ll find all the information you need for the experience on the large screens:

  • Place all bags and belongings outside of the green screen area
  • Make sure to remove any green clothing you have on to avoid disappearing 
  • Practice your best go-to poses!
  • You’ll be guided to your designated green screen “cellar"  and while flying on your broomstick, a Harry Potter New York Staff member will guide, and cheer you on!
  • Once your flying experience is over, a staff member will use the large tv screen to show you some of the photo scenes options.
Out of all the  different background options, this  spooky option with the Dark Mark over Hogwarts was one of my favorite photo backgrounds! So happy to see a  Dark Arts option!!

How Much Does the Broomstick Experience at Harry Potter New York Cost?

The broomstick experience is completely free to do. It consists of having two photos taken, and one video.
After the photo experience,,you can choose from a variety of photo and video packages available for purchase on the day of your broomstick experience.
You 'll have the option to purchase printed, or digital downloads of your broomstick experience photos after your flight.

If you want to keep your photos + Video:

  • 1 photo: $19.99 
  • 2 photos: $29.99 
  • 1 Video: $50
Here's a cool opportunity to  bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
 I went with a digital download, and was given a card with a QR code to scan via my smart phone. You’ll just follow the link to download and share.
Packages must be purchased per person. All photographs and videos are subject to availability.
Note— You need to download your broomstick photos within 30 days of purchase.
While the Harry Potter Green Screen experience has been available at The Studio tour in London and Hollywood— it’s new to the Harry Potter New York store.
This experience is a unique way to nerd out, and capture core memories from your store visit to look back on.

New Harry Potter Movie Props on Display at Harry Potter New York

In addition to the new broomstick experience, Harry Potter New York has added new-to-the-store  authentic props from the Harry Potter movies.
If you’re visiting between June 20-23, you can enjoy complimentary 30-minute tours spotlighting the props. Tours will start every hour from 9am to 6pm, beginning at the Butterbeer Bar.  Tours are first-come, first-served and limited to 10 people per tour.
Are you visiting Harry Potter New York after the free tours end?  Keep your eyes peeled for these 12 new-to-the-store props, 5 of which are wands.
  • Sorcerer’s Stone aka Philosophers Stone
  •  The Quibbler Magazine
  • Time-Turner Necklace
  •  Nimbus 2001
  • Locket of Slytherin
  • Fantastic Beasts Book
  • Death Eater Mask
If you're like me, and love Easter eggs, or nerdy details about how the store was designed, you will really enjoy walking around the store in a different way than you normally do. I learned a lot!

New Harry Potter Character Wands + Dagger on Display at Harry Potter New York

Harry Potter New York has added some new character wands/dagger used during filming!
  • Bellatrix Lestrange Dagger
  • Bellatrix Lestrange Wand
  • Sirius Black
  • Severus Snape
  • Draco Malfoy

New Limited Edition Quidditch Inspired Cupcake 

For a limited-time only, a new Quidditch-inspired cupcake will be available exclusively at the Butterbeer Bar in-store!

Quidditch Inspired Cupcake— $9.50

Dulce de Leche Cupcake with Gingerbread icing, garnished with a Milk Chocolate Broomstick and a White Choclate Golden Snitch.
Creamy, sweet and a mellow, butterscotch-like flavor.  The cupcake portion itself was moist and delicious. The Golden Snitch and Broomstick chocolates reminded me of a Hershey bar in my opinion.
Some of the Butterbeer Bar treats at Harry Potter New York can be hit or miss for me. I actually really enjoyed this cupcake, and  would absolutely order it again!

Limited-Time Promotion on Personalization 

From June 20—23, only Harry Potter New York is  offering complimentary personalization with every purchase!
This includes personalization on wands, journals, and Hogwarts robes!

Wand Personalization example

Harry Potter New York kindly gifted this personalized journal

Normally, personalization starts at $10.00.

An Unexpected SURPRISE!

Matthew Lewis, aka the actor who played Neville Longbottom in all the “Harry Potter” films, was there IRL! As part of Harry Potter New York  launching the broomstick green screen experience, Matthew Lewis was there to test it all out.
We actually had NO idea what our day was going to be like, let alone Matthew Lewis  being at the store! He surprised us while we were on the broomstick doing the new experience for the first time! 
This is a core memory I'll never forget, or take for granted. Thank you Warner Brothers for the incredible opportunity to meet one of my favorite characters on the big screen growing up.

Harry Potter New York FAQ

What are Harry Potter New York’s opening hours?

The Harry Potter New York is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. 
If there’s any changes, they are publicized on Harry Potter New York’s social channels ahead of time.
They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Where is the Harry Potter New York Store Located?

The Harry Potter New York Store is located at 935 Broadway and is open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday. 
From a unique broomstick photo opportunity, to a new collection of authentic movie props and a limited time treat, there's something special for everyone to enjoy at Harry Potter New York this summer!

For more information, visit harrypotterstore.com.

Thank you to Warner Brothers and Harry Potter New York for inviting me to preview this new experience!
Megan Hamilton
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