The Experience
What can I expect from Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience?
Take a walk through an enchanting woodland filled with well-known characters, magical creatures and moments from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series. This outdoor light trail, inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest, will have you reliving some of your favorite moments as you explore the sounds, lights, and special effects that bring the wizarding world to life after dark.
How long is the experience?
Your adventure will likely last 60-90 mins. However, there is lots to see and do so allow some extra time to make the most of everything on offer!
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. This will ensure you have enough time to check-in before entering the experience. The Village will also be accessible to you upon arrival. There will be a selection of food and drink you can enjoy, including the fan-favorite Butterbeer™! Merchandise will also be available at the beginning of the trail. Please therefore factor this into your arrival time.
In any event, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. This is to ensure you have enough time to check-in before entering the experience.
Do I need to have watched the movies?
We encourage it! But even if you are brand new to Harry Potter™ and this is your first foray into the magical world, you will enjoy the experience regardless.
Will it be scary?
This is a family experience, however elements may be perceived as a little spooky for certain individuals. If you have arachnophobia, please let us know when you arrive and we can make sure that we accommodate any needs to avoid spiders.
What is the minimum age?
There is no minimum age, however, as it is a night-time light trail, containing magical creatures from the film series, some younger guests might find elements a little bit spooky. We recommend that all children under the age of 12 years old are accompanied by an adult.
What happens if I arrive late?
Late comers may not be admitted.
What time does the Village and experience close?
The Village will close an hour and a half after the final session starts.
Will I be in a group with other guests?
You will not be asked to join a group, but to follow the trail at your own pace.
What is the dress code?
This is an outdoor winter trail and we strongly recommend you wear sensible outdoor shoes suitable for uneven terrain and that you wrap up warm.
What if it rains?
The experience will go ahead even if there is rain. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately and can bring small personal umbrellas. Large golf style umbrellas are not permitted.
What happens in extreme bad weather?
If we are unable to open the experience due to extreme weather conditions, a communication will be sent via email for you to re-book.
Will there be merchandise for sale?
Yes, there will be an on-site shop for Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ merchandise.
Do I need a wand?
Wands are not needed to enjoy this event. You will get to cast your own Patronus with one of our beautiful wands inspired by the wizarding world on the trail itself. However, light-up wands are available for purchase upon arrival should you choose to take home a memento.
Will there be food and drink available?
Yes there will be food and drink available both upon arrival in the Village and at mid-trail. We serve a selection of themed hot and cold food and drinks including Butterbeer™
Can I pay with cash at the venue?
No, the Forbidden Forest Experience is a cashless site. We accept all major credit and debit cards throughout the experience.
Will you accommodate dietary requirements?
Please speak to your server at the catering outlets regarding any dietary requirements and allergens.
Will there be any medical & welfare facilities?
We will have one medical technician on site whenever guests are present. They are based out of a small cabin where they can help guests in a private environment. There will be a medical facility on site located within 100 feet of the Village.
Are there any chairs/benches available to rest?
In the Village, there are 10-15 tables with chairs available.
Midway through the trail, in the Mid Trail area, there are 5-8 tables and chairs available.
Will restrooms be available on site?
Yes. These are available in the Village and midway along the trail.
Is the trail accessible by strollers?
The trail is accessible by strollers as well as motorized scooters.
Can I take photos of the experience?
Absolutely! We encourage Guests to take photos throughout the experience. Don’t forget to share your best photos on social media using the hashtag #HPForbiddenForestExperience
Can I make a group booking?
If you would like to book for a large group, please fill in the following form
here with your preferred attendance date and the size of your group.
Tickets
Where can I purchase tickets?
All tickets must be pre-purchased ahead of time through one of the following three channels:
- On the Fever app, available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Can I reschedule my tickets to another date/time, or upgrade/downgrade my ticket?
We may be able to help reschedule or exchange your ticket for another date, time or ticket type that has not already sold out. Please
contact us for more information. Make sure to include your ticket ID number.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket on the Fever App. Please
contact us for additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
What is your refund policy?
Tickets may be exchanged or refunded up to 48 hours prior to your booking. You can
contact us and our user support team will process your request. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from
Google Play and
Apple Store. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please
contact us .
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, ticket validation will be through contactless tickets directly in the Fever App.
Can I buy my ticket upon arrival?
We strongly recommend that all tickets are pre-purchased through the Website or App. A small number may be available upon entry on the night, but we cannot guarantee this. Payment by card only.
Do you provide free tickets for young children?
Absolutely, children 2 and under can come enjoy the trail for free.
How do I pay for parking?
Parking can be paid for in advance
here for $10
Parking can also be paid upon arrival at the event for $12.
Please contact the user support team
here if you are experiencing any issues.
Access
Do you have Accessible facilities?
The venue is accessible to people with reduced mobility. We are happy to help with more information and special accommodations!
On-site we will offer the following:
- Motorized scooters at the trail entrance.
- Accessible parking spaces will be available in the parking lot
reserved for guests with the relevant placards or license plates.
- There are accessible toilets at both the midpoint and in the
Village.
How do I book a motorized scooter?
Our motorized scooters are available for hire at $15 to anyone with a disability on a first come first served basis. To reserve one, please complete and submit this
form. fill the following form here. We will be pleased to reserve one for you. Should one not be available, we will offer you alternative dates. Payment will be collected onsite at Guest Services at the time of pickup.
Can I use my own motorized scooter on the trail or am I better to hire one?
We have ensured that the trail is accessible throughout and you are welcome to bring your own scooter which many Guests prefer to do.
How do I reserve an accessible parking space?
An ADA parking space is available to anyone booking/bringing a motorized scooter or with a placard or need. Please pay for your parking at the time of booking. Please provide your registration plate and/or placard number
here and we will take care of this for you. Please let the on-site staff know upon arrival that you have reserved a spot in the ADA parking area.
I am a wheelchair user, is the trail suitable for me?
Our pathway is made up of pressed stones, it is therefore not on tarmac - this can make pushing a wheelchair difficult. We will endeavor to ensure the pathways are flat, however given the time of year Guests should expect that the surface may be uneven in areas.
Are assistance dogs permitted?
We will be happy to welcome your assistance dog. Only service animals are allowed on the trail.
Will there be any medical & welfare facilities?
We will have two medical technicians on site whenever guests are present. They are based out of a small cabin where they can help guests in a private environment. There will be a medical facility on site located within 100 feet of the Village.
Are there any special effects or loud noises in the experience?
There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them, however, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and will adhere to the industry standard of synchronizing effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 5 flashes per second.
Will accessible restrooms be available on site?
There will be accessible restrooms at both the midpoint and in the Village.
How far will I need to walk between amenities?
These are the distances in yards:
- Parking Lot (where accessible parking is) to Event restrooms in the Village - Approx 50 yards
- Distance from start to trail to halfway restrooms - Approx 1000 yards
- Distance from halfway restrooms to end of trail - Approx 700 yards
- Distance from the end of the trail to restrooms in the Village - Approx 50 yards
What if someone has an invisible disability?
We fully support The Sunflower Lanyard Program and the Invisible Disabilities Association, so we encourage those with invisible disabilities to come to the trail with the relevant lanyard.
Getting There
Getting to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Austin, Texas
Located on the grounds of McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will take place within the woodlands of the park. Please note that this is an outdoor trail, conducted in the evening, after dark. Staff and signs will guide Guests from the parking lot to the start of the trail.
Traveling from Austin
Follow E 7th St to merge onto S Hwy 183/183 Toll/Ed Bluestein
Blvd/Lockhart Hwy
Turn LEFT to merge onto State Hwy 71 E/TX-71 E toward Barbara
Jordan Terminal/Austin-Bergstrom Int'l Airport
Keep left to continue on State Hwy 71 E
Following signage to make a U-Turn at FM 1209
** ***Making a left turn onto Colorado Circle, River Oaks Drive,
or
Blue Flame Road will be prohibited during event hours*****
Take a RIGHT on Colorado Circle
Continue 4 miles and the entrance will be on the LEFT
Traveling by public transport
- The current closest CapMetro bus stop is the New Airport/Employee stop on Line 20 - Manor Rd/Riverside, which is a 20-minute drive from the event grounds.
Environmental Impact
Will the lights and sounds affect the natural habitats in the woodlands?
Our overall sound levels are low in the areas where music is being used, we are using localized, limited lighting and we will return the woods to darkness each evening.
Were any trees or animals affected by this Experience?
The vast majority of the overall woodland will remain completely untouched by the experience. Working in conjunction with the estate manager, any sapling trees that are removed for the event will be replaced within the wood system with species benefiting the overall health of the wood. Therefore, we will not reduce the woodland, but look to increase the number of heritage species on the estate as a whole.
Miscellaneous
The following items are prohibited:
The following items are prohibited:
Weapons including but not limited to firearms, projectile weapons,
ammunition, bladed, edged, or sharp tools or implants, club-like items and striking devices, explosives or combustible chemical compounds and mixtures, and disabling chemicals such as mace or pepper spray. (including replicas)
Alcohol
Food
Animals/Pets (service animals only)
Audio recording devices
Drugs and drug paraphernalia
Flammables
Torches
Lasers
Professional cameras
Promotional items/unauthorized solicitations/vendors (including
flyers, samples, giveaways)
Selfie sticks/tripods
Contact Us
How do I contact Customer Services?
- Please submit a request here
- Via Live Chat on the Fever app. If you do not have the app it is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Who do I contact about lost property?
Please email lostproperty_mckinneyroughspark@feverup.com with any lost property queries. All lost items will be held on site until the end of the run for Guests to collect, or they can be returned at your cost.
Austin, Texas
Interactive
Family friendly
Outdoors
