Harry Potter Shop New York- Fly a Broomstick Experience

Harry Potter Shop New York – Fly a Broomstick Experience: An Honest Look

If you’re a Harry Potter fan heading to New York City, you’d probably be tempted by the Fly a Broomstick Experience at the Harry Potter Shop on Broadway. While it’s not a full-blown magical adventure, it does offer a fun and unique way to feel like you’re soaring through the wizarding world — all in about an hour. We’ve looked into what this experience really offers, and here’s the scoop.

What we like about this experience is how it combines visual effects with a behind-the-scenes peek at the Harry Potter movies. Plus, finishing off with a Butterbeer adds a nice, authentic touch for fans. On the flip side, some travelers feel the activity could use a bit more interactive element, and booking can be a bit confusing. It’s best suited for Harry Potter lovers who enjoy themed experiences and are looking for a fun photo opportunity rather than a deep immersion into wizarding magic.

Key Points

• Themed experience with greenscreen magic transports you over Hogwarts and other iconic locations.
• Photos and videos are included, so you don’t need to worry about capturing your moments.
• Cost is $49.99 per person, which can be on the higher side for just a 1-hour activity.
• Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially since it’s popular.
• Location is convenient, right on Broadway, with easy access via public transit.
• Some reviews mention limited interactivity, which might not satisfy those seeking a more engaging experience.

What to Expect When You Book the Broomstick Ride

This isn’t a true broomstick flight, of course, but a greenscreen experience that gives you the illusion of flying. Once you arrive at Harry Potter Shop New York, your group is led into a dedicated area where the magic happens. The staff takes your photo while you “fly” over famous wizarding sites like Hogwarts, the Quidditch pitch, and the Knight Bus.

The process is straightforward: you prepare your best pose, and the greenscreen technology does the rest. You’ll be able to take home photos and, optionally, a video of your flight — a fun keepsake, especially if you’re a collector of Harry Potter memorabilia or just love capturing themed moments.

After your flight, the experience concludes with a visit to the Butterbeer Bar, where you can enjoy a foamy cup of this iconic wizarding drink. This final touch adds a delightful touch for fans who want to feel immersed in the Harry Potter world.

The Experience Itself: How Does It Feel?

The actual ride is more of a visual and photographic experience than a physical adventure. We’re told that the flying scenes are animated through greenscreen technology—so you’re essentially posing in one space, while the magic is added digitally. This means that your experience depends a lot on the quality of the photos and videos, which can be a hit or miss depending on your patience and the staff’s guidance.

The highlight is definitely the chance to soar over Hogwarts, see the Quidditch match, and fly alongside the Knight Bus. The visuals are designed to make you feel like you’re in the wizarding world, even if you’re just standing still. Several reviewers mention that the photos turn out to be of good quality, so you’ll have a nice souvenir.

The package also includes a wand and a costume, which adds to the fun. However, some visitors note that the store staff aren’t always familiar with ticket procedures or the package details, which can cause slight delays or confusion.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $49.99 per person, the experience isn’t exactly cheap, especially considering it lasts about an hour. But for die-hard Harry Potter fans, the opportunity to get professional photos as if you’re flying through Hogwarts or Quidditch** may justify the cost.

Some reviews mention that booking through the app or website can be a hassle, and in-store purchases might have been easier. That said, prebooking is strongly recommended, as spots tend to fill up about 36 days in advance.

The inclusion of a photo and video package is a plus, providing tangible memories to share long after your trip. But if you’re someone who craves more interactivity or hands-on activities, this might feel a tad limited.

The Location and Convenience

Located at 935 Broadway, the Harry Potter Shop is right in the heart of NYC’s Broadway scene. This makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. Being near public transportation means you won’t have trouble finding your way there, and the shop is open late, from 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday.

The shop itself is a treasure trove of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise, so if you have extra time, you can browse and pick up a souvenir or two. Keep in mind, the focus of the experience is the greenscreen flight, so plan accordingly if you want to explore the store afterward.

What Do Others Say?

Opinions from reviews are mixed, which is typical for themed experiences. While some travelers call it a “fan favorite” and a “memory of a lifetime,” others mention logistical frustrations or wish for more interactive elements.

One reviewer, a Ravenclaw alum, called it an “absolute delight” and appreciated the chance to dress in wizarding attire and take Nimbus 2000-themed photos. On the contrary, a disappointed visitor noted that the store staff weren’t always familiar with the booking process, which detracted from their overall experience.

Others appreciate the quality of photos and the idea of reliving a Quidditch match or flying over Hogwarts, but a few mention that the experience could be more engaging or offer more options to interact beyond just photos.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

This experience is ideal for Harry Potter enthusiasts who want a fun, themed photo opportunity and are happy with a visual simulation rather than a physical ride. It’s a quick, easy add-on to your NYC trip that offers a taste of wizarding magic, especially if you love capturing themed memories.

If you’re traveling with kids who are fans of the series, they’ll likely enjoy the costume and the flying scenes. However, if you’re seeking a more immersive or hands-on experience, or if you’re on a tight budget, this may not satisfy all your expectations.

Keep in mind that booking ahead is key, as this is a popular activity with limited slots. It’s also worth considering whether you value the included photos and Butterbeer as part of your souvenir collection.

FAQ

How long does the Fly a Broomstick Experience last?
It takes about an hour, including photo taking, the actual greenscreen flying scenes, and visiting the Butterbeer Bar.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, children who love Harry Potter will likely enjoy the themed photos and costume elements. However, the activity is mainly visual, so very young kids might not fully engage.

Can I purchase the experience on-site?
Booking should be done in advance, as most travelers book about a month beforehand. Booking directly through the app or website is recommended to secure your spot.

What’s included in the package?
You get a greenscreen photo and, optionally, a video package. You also receive a wand and costume, and can enjoy a Butterbeer afterward.

Is the experience worth the price?
For fans eager to have fun with Harry Potter-themed photos and enjoy a quick, magical moment, it can be worth it. For those seeking more interactivity, it might feel a bit limited.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

In short, the Fly a Broomstick Experience offers a charming, if somewhat superficial, taste of the wizarding world — perfect for snapshots and Harry Potter fans. Just keep expectations in check about the level of interactivity, and plan your booking in advance to avoid disappointment.