A Casual Fan's Review Of 'Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience' In Singapore
The most passionate Potterheads would already have, or made plans to, get tickets to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience since it debuted on 3 February in Singapore, but what about everyone else? If you're on the fence about it, here's a peek at what you can expect and whether it'll be a worthwhile experience for you!
In summary, it's a recreation of the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series, set in an outdoor trail at Sentosa.
During the approximately one-hour journey, you'll come across familiar sights from the films like Hagrid giving a foreboding warning, the flying car that Ron crashed into the Whomping Willow, and creatures like Nifflers and Cornish Pixies.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Most of the installations are stationary, but some have interactive elements that will bolster your main character moment. An animatronic Hippogriff returns your bow (or offers a cute rejection), while an alarmingly life-sized Aragog emerges from its spider nest to bid you, friend of Hagrid, farewell.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Keep a look out for the little easter eggs like Luna Lovegood's missing shoes. In the film, she found them on the ceiling of a corridor in Hogwarts. At this trail, they're hung up inside a leafy dome. Step inside and the 'Nargles' will light up.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
You will also have several opportunities to "cast" spells like a real witch or wizard. No worries if you don't have your own wand as these photo-op zones have staff stationed nearby to provide wands. Remember to bring some hand sanitiser!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The best is saved for last, at end of the trail, where you can cast the famous Expecto Patronum spell and find out what form your Patronus will take. We conjured an otter - the same as Hermione's Patronus!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
On that weekday evening, we had to wait in line for most of the photo spots, but the queues were easy to get through thanks to the crowd's infectious excitement and the overall Harry Potter-themed environment.
Besides these activities, the trail had an atmospheric and, dare we say, magical quality. The music and voice snippets played a huge part in creating this immersive feeling, setting the mood for lighthearted moments as well as scarier parts of the Harry Potter story. At one point, we got chills hearing Voldermort's eerily realistic voice through the high quality sound system.
The forest also had a fantastical look when illuminated by colourful lights, including ethereal light effects depicting unicorns walking through the trees and even Harry Potter's stag Patronus chasing a Dementor away.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Some visitors were all dressed up in Hogwarts garb complete with robes and house scarves, and their commitment paid off. They looked fantastic, but it must have been at a cost. Unless you have a high tolerance for heat and humidity, it's best to turn up in something breathable and lightweight. We wore witch-inspired summer dresses and felt right at home in this Wizarding World.
Do have a good meal before visiting too as the on-site food and beverages are expensive! Then again, the aesthetic and theming is on point, so if you're tempted to indulge in a Harry Potter-themed treat or two, brace yourself for prices like $14 for Butterbeer, $8 for cookies, $12 for cupcakes and $15 for chicken wings (3 pieces).
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
After exiting the attraction, the staff directed us to the gift shop and food stalls across the road. This area is non-ticketed and open to the public. There's also a toilet sign leading to portable potties. If you're not keen on using those, there is an actual toilet a few steps away near 7-Eleven.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
So, is the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience worth it for casual fans? We think yes! That said, we highly, highly recommend going for the off-peak tickets at $44 or $56. As much fun as we had, a $85 price tag would have put a little damper on the magic.
Tickets are priced from $44 to $85 for adults and $35 to $73 for kids. Entry is free for children aged three and under.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Singapore
Time: 7.15 - 11pm (last entry at 10.15 pm)
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
Location: Siloso Point, Coastal Trail, Sentosa
Tickets: feverup.com
