If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting New York City, the Fly a Broomstick Experience at the Harry Potter Shop promises a playful, immersive moment that brings the wizarding world to life. While it doesn’t involve real magic (unfortunately), the green screen effects and themed photos aim to give you that magical feeling of soaring through Hogwarts or Quidditch matches.
We love that it combines interactive fun with the charm of the Harry Potter universe, from flying over familiar locations to capturing memories with professional photos. The experience is also conveniently located on Broadway, right in the heart of NYC’s vibrant scene. However, at $49.99 per person, it’s a bit on the pricier side for a one-hour activity, especially considering some mixed reviews about the booking process and staff knowledge.
This tour is best suited for fans of all ages seeking a memorable, photo-worthy moment rather than a full-blown theme park adventure. If you’re keen on capturing a fun souvenir photo, enjoy quick, themed experiences, and love Harry Potter, you’ll probably find this experience worth a try. Now, let’s explore what you can expect in detail.
Good To Know
- Unique Photo Opportunity: Professionally taken photos and optional video packages capture your flying moment.
- Themed Flyover: Experience flying over Hogwarts, Quidditch pitch, and the Knight Bus through greenscreen magic.
- Location: Conveniently situated at Harry Potter Shop on Broadway, NYC.
- Cost & Duration: At $49.99, the hour-long experience offers a fun break in your day.
- Booking & Accessibility: Pre-booking is recommended, and the experience is suitable for most travelers.
- Additional Amenities: End your visit with a Butterbeer and browse exclusive Harry Potter merchandise.
The Experience Itself — What to Expect
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The Fly a Broomstick experience unfolds at Harry Potter Shop New York, where the magic really begins with the greenscreen setup. You’ll be asked to don a robe, grab a wand, and strike your best flying pose. The staff, described as friendly, guide you through the process, though some reviews mention that not everyone always knew exactly how to assist ticket holders—so patience might be needed.
Once you’re ready, you’ll hop onto a simulated broomstick and take off over scenes straight from the movies. Think soaring above Hogwarts’ towers, flying alongside the Knight Bus, and even chasing the Golden Snitch during a Quidditch match. The greenscreen technology dynamically places you into these iconic locations, so you get the feeling of actually flying over the magical world.
The photos and videos included are a major highlight. They’re taken professionally, so you won’t need to worry about your camera skills. Reviewers have appreciated the quality of these images, with one mentioning that “the photos were good quality” and the included wand and robes make for fun props. For those wanting to relive the experience, an upgrade to a video package is available—perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a souvenir.
After the flying portion, the experience wraps up with a visit to the Butterbeer Bar, where you can sip on the iconic, frothy drink just like Harry and friends. The shop also offers exclusive merchandise, including clothing and accessories only available in-store, making it a tempting stop for fans wanting to take home a piece of the magic.
The Details — Booking, Location, and Practical Info
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Located at 935 Broadway, the Harry Potter Shop is easily accessible via public transportation, making it a convenient stop during your city explorations. The experience runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, which provides flexibility for scheduling.
Prebooking is strongly recommended, especially as the experience tends to be popular, with bookings made on average about 36 days in advance. The ticket price of $49.99 per person covers roughly an hour of fun, including the photo/video package, robe, wand, and your flight scene.
It’s designed as a private activity, so only your group will participate, which ensures a more personalized experience. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and does not require any physical exertion. The booking process is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.
What the Reviews Say — Authentic Traveler Insights
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Overall, reviews paint a mixed picture but highlight some recurring themes. Many guests, like a “Ravenclaw alum,” found the experience “a fan favorite and a memory of a lifetime,” praising the photo quality and the fun of “taking flight on a Nimbus 2000.” They love the opportunity to dress up and relive scenes from the movies, especially with the props and costumes provided.
However, some reviewers point out booking frustrations—one mentioning that they had to use TripAdvisor to book because the store’s website didn’t allow online reservations, which caused some inconvenience. Others noted that staff knowledge varied; one said, “not everyone knew where to guide those with tickets,” which could be confusing during busy times.
A few guests suggested that more interactive elements would improve the experience. One reviewer thought it would be “a nice store with plenty to browse” but felt the flying experience could be more engaging with additional activities.
Regarding the value, most found the experience fun and worth it for Harry Potter fans, especially given the exclusive merchandise and the opportunity to take home a professional keepsake. The Butterbeer bar also drew praise as a perfect way to cap off the visit.
The Practical Side — Pros and Cons
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Pros:
- Fun and immersive: Flying scenes are well-executed with greenscreen technology.
- Great photos and videos: Professional captures mean you have memorable keepsakes.
- Convenient location: Situated on Broadway, easy to combine with sightseeing.
- Exclusive merchandise: Only available in-store, perfect for fans.
- Suitable for most travelers: No strenuous activity, accessible, private experience.
Cons:
- Price feels high: For just about an hour, including photos, $49.99 may seem steep.
- Booking issues: Some reviewers faced difficulties with the online booking process.
- Inconsistent staff knowledge: Not everyone was clear on how to assist, which could slow things down.
- Limited interactivity: Beyond the photo, the experience is quite straightforward.
Who Will Love This Experience?
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This tour is best for die-hard Harry Potter fans looking for a fun, photo-worthy moment. It’s perfect if you want a quick, themed activity with memories to take home, especially if you’re visiting with children or a fellow Potterhead. Those expecting a full-blown adventure or a detailed behind-the-scenes tour might find it too simple, but for a light-hearted, magical break, it hits the mark.
Travelers who appreciate quality photos and props will enjoy the professional images, and fans who want to add a little magic to their NYC trip will find it an amusing highlight. Just remember, it’s more about capturing the fantasy than a deep dive into the lore.
Final Thoughts
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The Fly a Broomstick Experience at Harry Potter Shop New York offers a playful slice of wizarding magic right in the middle of the city. The greenscreen setup creates fun scenes that make for great photos, and the addition of exclusive merchandise and Butterbeer makes it a complete themed stop.
While the activity itself is brief and somewhat pricey, its appeal lies in the novelty and the chance to take home a professional souvenir. If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast or traveling with someone who is, this experience offers a charming, lighthearted way to add some magic to your NYC itinerary without taking up too much time.
Overall, it’s a suitable pick for fans seeking a memorable, picture-perfect moment—just be prepared for some booking hassle and make sure to arrive with enough time to enjoy the full experience.
FAQ
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Is it necessary to pre-book this experience?
Yes, prebooking is highly recommended as this activity is popular and tends to fill up in advance.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts about an hour, including the photo and video captures, and time for browsing the store afterward.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the greenscreen flying scene, a professional photo, an optional video package, a robe, a wand, and a visit to the Butterbeer Bar.
Can I upgrade my photos to video?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a video package for replayable memories.
Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the activity is family-friendly, suitable for fans of all ages.
Where is the activity located?
At Harry Potter Shop, 935 Broadway, conveniently accessible via public transportation in NYC.
What are the shop’s opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing plenty of flexibility for scheduling.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a fun, photo-centric Harry Potter-themed activity that adds a touch of magic to your NYC trip, the Fly a Broomstick Experience offers a lighthearted adventure worth considering. Just keep the booking process in mind and arrive prepared to enjoy a whimsical moment in the wizarding world.