REVIEW: Harry Potter The Exhibition NYC
This review of Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City tells you everything you need to know about the exhibition before you go, what to expect, best tips, and whether or not it’s worth it!
I was invited to attend a press preview of Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City. All content, and opinions are my own.What is Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a self guided walking exhibit. It celebrates all things Harry Potter, bringing to life iconic moments, locations, characters, locations and creatures from the Harry Potter movies. It also includes It also includes the Fantastic Beasts movies and the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.Harry Potter: The Exhibition travels to different cities across the United States and around the world for all Potterhead’s to experience!
When Does Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City Take Place?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City is open from May 19th through October 15, 2023. 
Where is Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City Located?
There are 3 Harry Potter: The Exhibition Locations Worldwide:
New York City, NY, USA
Herald Square
Paris, France
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Coming Soon: Macao, China
The Londoner Macao
📍Herald Square at the corner of 34th and Broadway
What To Expect at Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
Get ready to immerse yourself in an unique, and hands on experience!There's so many things to explore at Harry Potter: The Exhibition including Instagram worthy photo and video opportunities, interactive activities, props and costumes from the movies, audio tour, and gift shop.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is broken up into different rooms showcasing behind-the-scenes filmmaking details, props, sets, costumes, and interactive experiences from the Wizarding World.Before starting the exhibition, you're given a Golden Snitch wrist band. You'll register it with your name, email and photo. You'll select your Hogwarts House, Patronus, and wand.
Completing the interactive activities earn points for your selected house all while unlocking exclusive experiences.As you move through the exhibition, your information will follow you and you can earn points for your Hogwarts house! 
Exhibition Highlights:
🔮 In divination: keep your eyes peeled for Sirius black to appear in the fireplace fire
🫖Channel your inner Delores Umbridge sitting at her desk
🕯️ Sit in the Great Hall! I loved seeing the different times of the school year
🥾 Activate 6 different Port Key locations
🏏 Throw down at quidditch practice!
🪴 Experience Herbology class
🛖 Get cozy in Hagrid's hut with his giant chair & table. Loved being able to hear, & smell his fireplace crackling!
🛌 Hang out inside the Cupboard Under the Stairs
🤡 Face 3 different Boggarts in defense against the dark arts🕯️Learn behind-the-scenes filmmaking detailsClassrooms
The Hogwarts classrooms are where you'll find the most interactive elements of the Harry Potter Exhibition. NYC Exhibition Layout
When you enter Harry Potter: The Exhibition in NY you’ll scan your ticket before you’re given an exhibition wristband. Once you take the escalators upstairs, you’ll register your wristband for the exhibition experience. The kiosk area has been designed to look like Platform 9¾. At the kiosks you’ll enter some basic information. As you explore the exhibition, your information helps personalize your experience. This is also gives you the opportunity to earn points for your Hogwarts House.You’ll hang out in the Page to Screen Gallery for a few minutes, which has a first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone encased in a Gringotts vault. Next to it is a trolley that was used in the 7th Harry Potter movie. Next you’ll make your way into the Marauder’s Map + Hogwarts Castle Gallery. Marauder’s Map Welcome
Harry Potter: The Exhibition starts in a holding room with the Marauder’s Map from wall to wall. Shortly afterwards, a video & projection presentation starts, switching the screens to show iconic scenes like Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Station, Privet Drive, etc.In this room you also get to have your name featured on the Marauder’s Map!
Moving Portraits
This room has several moving portraits, just like in the Harry Potter movies. This area reminded me a lot like the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Orlando Resort.Hogwarts House Rooms
After you pass The Fat Lady, you'll enter a circular room with four doorways. The Sorting Hat is surrounded by stained glass window-designed house crests. Behind stunning stained glass windows for each House are costumes and props, such as the sword of Godric Gryffindor.This is also where you’ll see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Robes.
Each doorway leads you into a different Hogwarts House! 
Wand Room
In this room you get to practice your spells. Each correct spell earns you 10 points towards your house. Note--You can’t do them more than once.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall changes seasons!! My favorite room. I could’ve sat down and stayed right there all day. This room is a smaller, digital version of the Great Hall at the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London.Potions
In Potions, you can select 1 to brew. Putting together ingredients correctly on this screen wins you house points. Another location where you can only do the interactive element once.Divination
During Divination, you'll tap your wrist band to predict your future in the crystal ball. Note--You can only do the interactive element once here.Herbology
Get ready to pot a mandrake in the Herbology Class!There are no Hogwarts House points to be won in Herbology.Defense Against The Dark Arts
Try the Ridikkulus spell to defeat a boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts.I loved seeing Gilderoy Lockhart and Remus Lupin’s costumes on display.@Thewizardingsibs
The Grounds
Head intoThe Forbidden Forest to explore Hagrid’s Hut! Quidditch
After hanging out in Hagrid’s Hut, there's a cool interactive Quidditch room! Although you don’t earn any points for your house playing Quidditch, it's really fun hearing the crowd applause and when you throw a quaffle through one of the rings.Stop and admire the quidditch robes and 2 Quidditch broomsticks behind the glass case.Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look up! There’s a huge golden snitch hanging overhead.Port Key
Fantastic Beasts
The Fantastic Beasts section highlights iconic New York scenes. You can take a photo inside Newt’s suitcase, and explore his magical creature shed. Newt Scamander’s Shed
Ministry of Magic
You can travel by the Floo Network of fireplaces – a cool noise happens when you walk through making the green lights illuminate.Now you’ve been transported into the Ministry of Magic. This area is full of photo-ops, like Dolores Umbridge’s pink office.Wizarding Families
Harry’s cupboard under the stairs
Fantastic Beasts
The Fantastic Beasts section highlights iconic New York scenes. You can take a photo inside Newt’s suitcase, and explore his magical creature shed. Newt Scamander’s Shed
Time to take a trip by Portkey and head to the Ministry of Magic! You get to sit at Delores Umbridge's pink office. Hermione’s purple costume from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on display in this section. You also get to Visit Privet Drive before entering the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts.Ministry of Magic
You can travel by the Floo Network of fireplaces – a cool noise happens when you walk through making the green lights illuminate.Now you’ve been transported into the Ministry of Magic. This area is full of photo-ops, like Dolores Umbridge’s pink office.Wizarding Families
Harry’s cupboard under the stairs
Sirius Black’s Family Tree
Arthur and Molly Weasley Costumes
Dark Forces
Chamber of Secrets
Horcruxes, and Deathly Hallows pops
Battle of Hogwarts
In this area you can have a wand duel by recreating Harry and Voldemort/s battle at Hogwarts! There’s two wands on either side of the room, and when each wand is held, wall projections create streams of power meeting in the middle. It’s really fun to watch, annd makes for a SICK photo/video!
Pensieve Theater
The Pensieve Theater at the end of the exhibition stores Harry’s memories, which coincide with some of the most iconic scenes from the blockbuster films. Spend a few minutes in this room to relive nostalgic scenes like Harry’s first his first time walking inside Hogwarts, first Quidditch match, and more— all on a huge screen.
In the Pensieve, you can win more points by tapping your wrist band, which makes your face appear in the Pensive. This one was very tricky for me. It took several attempts, but I got it to work. At the end of the exhibition, you get to see the current tally of house points with real-time results!Exhibition Gift Shop
The Harry Potter: The Exhibition ends with gift shop. You can snag exclusive Exhibition apparel and souvenirs, bottled Butterbeer, replica’s and more.Note— You’re able to visit the Gift Shop without purchasing a Harry Potter NYC exhibition ticket!
Some of the Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City merchandise:
Quidditch Varsity Jackets: $85.00PlushiesHedwig: $24.00
Hogwarts House Mascot & Cushion: $48.00Hogwarts House deluxe scarf & pompom beanie set: $35.00Hogwarts House scarvesHogwarts House sweatshirts: $65-$75.00
Wands: Starting at $40.00Honeydukes lunchboxesHarry Potter jewelryStationary + NotebooksHarry Potter replicas
Do a quick google search of the Noble Collection items you're interested in. Most of the items are online cheaper.Is There Food Food & Drink at the Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
Sadly there is NO Exhibition Cafe like in Atlanta 
Is Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City Family?
Yes! My Overall Review of Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
It’s important to note all reviews will differ based on the Harry Potter: The Exhibition locations.
Check in was painless, and the event was well organized and ran super smooth. I got the chills as soon as I walked in and heard the music. From the music, snow, and hearing the sound of the Hogwarts Tower clock going off causing the lights to change colors, it was impressive.
I do wish there was more food offerings, and that the food they had was a little better. Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't like, "oh my god this is disgusting." It was more....just boring, and really over priced for the small portion sizes.I regret not eating a more substantial meal beforehand.
The Hogwarts House themed cocktails did help make up for the dissapointing food. I appreciated that the drinks were all the way full,Their chemistry was organic, their banter was spot on in terms of representing their Hogwarts house and playfully picking on one another. They were the bomb at hyping up & engaging the crowd!
The entire Yule Ball felt Inclusive for ALL. The hosts and house representatives went out of their way to make you feel seen, and special. The crowds energy absolutely shapes your experience too. My group was a hoot, & got jiggy with it Harry Potter style. For sure dress up and fully buy into the experience. Bust out your robe, or a beautiful cosplay you've put together!
I also think the mindset you have going into Favorite Parts of Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
Hagrid's Hut!Chamber of Secrets
How Much Does Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City ticket prices depend on what day, time slot, and month you want to visit. Weekday tickets are cheaper.There’s 3 types of Exhibition Admission Tickets:
Timed-Entry Tickets: $29.99-$44.00
Choose this ticket type to enter on your selected date at any time during your chosen 30 minute window. For instance, if you purchase a 1:00pm ticket, you may enter anytime between 1:00pm and 1:30pm.Select a date from the calendar, then select what time range you'd like to attend (morning, afternoon or evening). From there, select your preferred time session.
Flex Tickets: $60 + fees
The best option if you don't know your exact date. This ticket guarantees yourself entry on any date and time within our operating hours during the month you select with the Flex Ticket option.
VIP Tickets: $75 + fees
VIP tickets allow admission at any time on your selected date via dedicated VIP entry queue along with other VIP perks.VIP tickets include an exclusive, collectible lanyard, free audio guide ($8.00 + tax value), $10 off* of a purchase in the gift shop, and complimentary exchanges if you need to change your date.
How Do You Buy Tickets For Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
To purchase tickets for Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City you’ll need to buy them online through the partnered event company, Eventim.com.Once you’ve paid via the eventim.com website, your ticket will be emailed to you as a digital copy. When you arrive at Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City, you’ll just show the staff your digital ticket on your phone, and they’ll scan it for entry.
Hotels Options Near Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
These are some of the hotels I found close to the exhibition with good reviews when budgeting everything out.Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria
1.3 miles, 5 min drive to venueRates vary and start at $125.00 per nightAverage $169.00
Tips For Attending Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
To avoid busier times, weekday visits. Those going on a weekend should purchase tickets well in advance in order to secure your preferred day and time.Dress fancy or cosplay it up!Take the time to read the behind-the-scenes wall posters. They are filled with awesome facts!
Eat and drink a full meal beforehandThere is no eating or drinking once you enter the Harry Potter Exhibition, and there's no dinning offerings in the giftshop.
Is Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City Worth It?
YES! I would definitely say the experience provided is worth the actual cost of the ticket. The theming is really well done. There are a ton of tiny details that really show a lot of thought, and effort went into bringing Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City to life. Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City is a great family friendly Harry Potter option, making it a memorable night for families, friends, and couples.It can be an excellent “Harry Potter” fix for those who can’t make it back to the WWoHP at Universal Studios anytime soon. I would just price match what it'd cost to attend this experience (ticket, flight, Uber's, hotel) to what it would cost you for x amount of nights at Universal Orlando or Hollywood.Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City is a fun way to enjoy Harry Potter and the Wizarding World. it’s a unique way to connect with other Potterhead's in an intimate crowd settingIf you’re able to make it an entire Harry Potter weekend, you're within driving distance to NYC, or you're able to find a cheap flight and hotel for the day/night…. absolutely don't skip the Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City!Things To Consider If You’re Located Far From Harry Potter: The Exhibition NYC
With how short the actual Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City is, I'd do your homework on other things to do in the area to make the trip worth It. My non-stop round trip flight via Spirit was $108.00More and more airlines are now charging for a carry-on. Factor that into your budget. I booked the cheapest flight which didn’t allow for a free carry-on. Also don't be afraid to price match 2, 1 way tickets versus a round trip. Sometimes you can find better flight times while saving money.
Uber to and from the airport was roughly $44 there and $27 on the way back to LGA.
This was the cost of my Uber from the LGA Airport to Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City.
To save the most money, I always try to find a same day return flight. That way, I don't have to pay for a hotel room. This could be an option for you to look into as well!
FAQ: Attending Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City
Here’s information and answers to frequently asked questions about Harry Potter: The Exhibition NYC
Is there an age requirement for Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
N/A
Is There a Dress Code?
There is no dress code for the event but you can wear your cosplay outfit, or go all out in a ball gown!
Do You Need a Wand for Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City?
Nope! Wands are absolutely not needed to enjoy this event. However, bringing one adds to the immersive experience. Particularly for photo op locations.
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, this is one of those events worthy of being on your HP bucket list.Disclosure:
I was invited to attend the press preview of Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City for the purpose of this review across my social media channels. All opinions are my own.