Harry Potter Shop New York: Magical Experiences

If you’re a Harry Potter fan heading to New York, the Harry Potter Shop offers a chance to step into the wizarding world in a way that’s both fun and interactive. Whether you’re imagining flying over Hogwarts on a broomstick or browsing through one of the largest collections of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise, this experience aims to bring the magic to life.

From flying atop a green screen broomstick to grabbing exclusive souvenirs, there’s plenty here to catch a fan’s eye. We really like the unique photo opportunities and the access to exclusive products that aren’t available elsewhere. But it’s also worth noting that the overall experience might feel a bit limited if you’re expecting a full-blown theme park adventure.

This tour suits those who love Harry Potter and want a quick, immersive peek into the wizarding world without the need for extensive travel or large crowds. It’s especially appealing for fans who enjoy interactive photo sessions and collecting themed merchandise. If you’re after a casual, fun day centered around Harry Potter, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Interactive Broomstick Experience: Fly over Hogwarts and more via green screen, with photo and video options.
• Great for Fans: Perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts wanting to capture memorable moments.
• Exclusive Merchandise: Take home unique items like a Griffin Wand, chocolate frog, and souvenirs.
• Value for Money: For $39, you get a decent amount of entertainment and keepsakes.
• Short Duration: The experience is about one day, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 10 people) mean a more personalized experience, but also require booking in advance.

When we think about a visit to Harry Potter New York, the main highlight is undoubtedly the Broomstick Experience. This green screen ride allows you to feel like you’re soaring over iconic scenes from the films. You’ll be able to fly over Hogwarts, beside the Knight Bus, or even chase the Golden Snitch during a Quidditch match. The setup uses a green screen, so your photos and videos will look pretty convincing—perfect for sharing or keeping as a memory.

The experience itself lasts roughly as long as it takes to get your footage, but it’s well-paced for what it offers. The staff, according to reviews, are friendly and know their stuff—many mention Jimmy and others as being particularly helpful. The media package that comes with the experience includes photos and videos you can buy afterward, so make sure to prepare your best pose.

Along With the broomstick ride, there’s a chance to enjoy a draft of cold Butterbeer served in a souvenir tankard. Fans have praised the soft-serve Butterbeer ice cream as a delicious treat, perfect for cooling off after the ride. It’s a small touch, but one that adds to the overall immersive feel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Merchandise and Beyond

Once your flying session ends, you’re welcomed into the store, which boasts one of the largest collections of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof. It’s a treasure trove for collectors and fans alike. You might find exclusive items only available here, such as personalized wands, engraved journals, or embroidered house robes.

The “Things That Must Be Named” section offers personalized options like wand engraving or robe embroidery—adding a special touch to your souvenirs. We loved how the store isn’t just about shopping; it offers a chance to take playful photos, such as standing in Hagrid’s shoes or comparing yourself to a half-giant.

Pricing for the experience is $39 per person, which includes the broomstick ride and a treat. You can also opt for a bundle of exclusive merchandise and snacks, which might be better value if you’re planning to pick up souvenirs anyway. Several reviews note that the overall value is decent, especially considering the exclusive items and photo opportunities.

The Pros and Cons

What travelers seem to love are the friendly staff, the quality of the photos, and the chance to see behind-the-scenes magic from the movies. Multiple reviews mention the “incredible staff,” with one traveler praising Jimmy specifically. The stunning views of Hogwarts and the Quidditch match are also a hit, making it a memorable part of the experience.

But it’s not all perfect. Some reviews highlight that the activity is primarily digital photos, which might disappoint those hoping for a more extensive or hands-on experience. Others feel that the activity might be misleading if you’re expecting a family-friendly event, as one review points out the need for clarity that this experience is primarily for children—something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with young kids or groups with different ages.

Cost-wise, $39 isn’t terrible for what you get, especially with the photo packages and exclusive merchandise. However, if you’re not a big Harry Potter fan, the experience might feel a bit narrow in scope and price-point.

The Full Breakdown

The Broomstick Experience

This is clearly the star of the show. The green screen setup allows for immersive photos and videos, with a backdrop of Hogwarts, the Knight Bus, or Quidditch scenes. We loved the way it felt like a real flying moment, thanks to the clever use of media and green screen technology.

The experience lasts about a few minutes, but it’s engaging and well-paced. You’ll want to prepare your best pose and maybe plan ahead on what scene you want to be captured doing. The media packages are available for purchase, and reviews mention that the photos turn out really fun and funny—perfect for sharing on social media or keeping as a keepsake.

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Shopping and Collectibles

Post-flight, you’ll be free to browse the store, which is a real highlight. The store’s extensive collection includes items exclusive to the New York location, which can be a real draw for fans wanting to expand their collection or find unique gifts. The personalized options add a special touch, making it more than just a shopping trip.

The Food and Drinks

The Butterbeer on tap is a hit, with many enjoying it in a souvenir tankard. The soft-serve Butterbeer ice cream is another sweet treat, offering a cool break and a taste of the wizarding world. These small details really help make the visit more immersive and enjoyable for fans.

Practical Details

The experience is limited to small groups—up to 10 participants—which makes for a more intimate setting and personalized service. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times. The price includes media and Butterbeer, but you may want to budget extra for souvenirs or photo packages.

Location: Show your ticket at the entrance to Harry Potter New York. The experience is conveniently set right inside the store, so you get both the ride and shopping in one go. Cancellation is flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This?

If you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan, this is a charming way to add some magic to your trip without dedicating hours or paying for a full theme park. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy photography, collecting memorabilia, and immersive, interactive experiences. Families with children might find it especially fun, but keep in mind the experience is primarily aimed at fans capable of engaging with the media and merchandise.

For travelers on a budget, $39 is fair for a short but memorable activity, especially with the option to bundle souvenirs. However, if you’re looking for a large-scale or multi-day Harry Potter adventure, this might be more of a quick add-on rather than a full experience.

The Harry Potter Shop in New York offers a neat slice of wizarding magic, especially for fans eager to feel a part of the HP universe. The standout feature—the broomstick flyover—delivers fun photos and a taste of movie magic, making it a worthwhile stop for those wanting a fun, interactive experience. The shop itself provides plenty of exclusive merchandise, perfect for collectors or gifts.

While it’s not a sprawling theme park or a full immersive experience, it packs enough charm and fun into a short visit, plus the friendly staff and exclusive souvenirs make it feel special. It works well for fans who enjoy photo ops and want a memorable memento from their trip.

If you’re planning a quick Harry Potter fix in New York, this experience is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a brief ride, a lot of photo opportunities, and some shopping. It’s best suited for those who want to celebrate their fandom in a lively, engaging setting without the fuss of larger attractions.

Is the broomstick experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s appropriate for kids who are fans of Harry Potter, especially since many reviews highlight its family-friendly, fun atmosphere. Just note that the activity is mainly digital photos, so it’s suitable for children who enjoy interactive media.

How long does the experience last?
The actual broomstick ride and media session are quick, usually around several minutes, but you should plan for about an hour overall, including shopping and potential photo purchases.

What is included in the price?
For $39, you get the broomstick experience, media (photos/videos), and a cold Butterbeer. You can also purchase bundles with merchandise and treats.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled time.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the experience is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, making it more personalized and less crowded.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy times.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card for check-in. No other specific items are required, but dressing comfortably and in layers is always a good idea.

This Harry Potter experience in New York isn’t for everyone, but if you love the films and collectibles, it’s a charming way to inject some magic into your trip. Just keep expectations realistic—it’s a brief, fun stop rather than a full-scale adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: