Harry Potter Magic at Play
Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! Harry Potter Magic at Play, a Wizarding World pop-up, will be in downtown Chicago November 2022 through September 4, 2023. Located at the Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave, the pop-up itself is on the second floor with an associated store on the first floor. The experience includes photo ops, interactive activities, merchandise, a Butterbeer Bar, and more. Read below for my favorite moments and things to know before you go!
The Photo Ops
The flow of the Magic at Play experience coincides with the flow of the Harry Potter movies. Your first stop; the Dursley’s house filled with Hogwarts acceptance letters. This is followed by Platform 9 3/4 and the first year’s boat ride to the castle. Next? The Great Hall where you can read about each of the four Hogwarts houses. Each room in the pop-up was detailed and matched the series we know and love. Scattered spots have a Magic at Play staff member taking professional photos that you can latter view and buy in the pop-up’s gift shop. Don’t worry, you can take pictures and videos with your phone anywhere!
Interactive Experiences
Aside from many photo ops, Harry Potter Magic at Play offers a variety of interactive experiences. My favorites were a Wingdardium Leviosa station and a LEGO avatar station. Here you’re able to choose your avatar’s Hogwarts house, skin and hair choice, and a Hogwarts-themed backdrop to then view on a large screen. It was a fun, quick activity that I enjoyed very much! In Snape’s potions class you’ll find items that you can both see and touch. In the Quidditch room you’ll test your throwing and quick response skills. Lastly, the Triwizard Tournament maze awaits you at the end of the experience.
The Butterbeer Bar
One of the best things about the Harry Potter Magic at Play pop-up is the Butterbeer Bar, located in the first floor store. It offered not only Butterbeer, but also popular Harry Potter treats such as a Chocolate Frog and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans. I got a 4-pack of Butterbeer and the Niffler’s Bounty Cupcake to-go. The space is a very small pick-up setup and does not have any seating. I’ve included the menu and pricing for reference.
Thing to Know Before You Go
- Located at Water Tower Place, 2nd floor (835 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611)
- General admission is $42.50 for Adults and $32 for Children (ages 3-9)
- Allow yourself time to wait in line to get in (we had tickets and had to wait 20 minutes)
- Coat and stroller check is available for $3 per item
- Cash is not accepted, only credit or debit cards
- Pets: only service animals are allowed
- The experience is ADA accessible
- Packages are available for private parties and events
- The Magic at Play gift shop offers clothing and items for each House, pins, wands, and more
Which Hogwarts House Are You?
Slytherin: Ambitious, adaptable, clever. Many are misunderstood, hence the need for self-preservation, and can be fiercely loyal to a select few. Notable characters: Severus Snape, Leta LeStrange, Draco & Narcissa Malfoy. Mascot: serpent. Colors: green and silver.
Ravenclaw: Intelligent, curious, creative. They have a strong sense of identity, a desire to explore, like being seen as smart, and can enjoy isolation. Notable characters: Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Moaning Myrtle. Mascot: eagle. Colors: blue and bronze.
Gryffindor: Brave, daring, charismatic. They have a strong moral compass and their passion can sometimes cause recklessness. Notable characters: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom. Mascot: lion. Colors: scarlet red and gold.
Hufflepuff: Empathetic, trustworthy, humble. They are dependable, known to put others first, and can be overly optimistic. Notable characters: Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander, Nymphadora Tonks. Mascot: badger. Colors: canary yellow and black.