The thing about San Diego Comic-Con that's so freaking delightful is the sheer number of big budget, highly produced "experiences" put forth by fans' favorite TV shows and movies. From the ridiculously satisfying Game of Thrones experience (wherein fans can sit on the Iron Throne, fight White Walkers, and become King in The North) to the Netflix experience for Stranger Things (creepy moving walls and Barb shrine, ahoy) to the full Westworld immersion (personality tests, cocktails, and black hats, oh my), there is something for every major fandom. But outside of the highly produced realm is a local Starbucks, all Harry Potter-ed out for Comic-Con.
Frequent SDCC-goers likely know the Starbucks in the Hilton Bayfront as a coffee stop made convenient by sheer proximity, but for the 2017 Con the caffeine purveyor went the extra mile. From the wait outside of the shop (I waited a cool 30 minutes, but was told the line can get much, much longer than that), to the entrance of the Starbucks, to every little detail inside, the staff really thought of everything and fans were loving it. When so many people are flocking to the convention to live in a magical world of nerdiness, what better way to accomplish than by starting your day off in the wonderful world of Harry Potter?
The Hogwarts Welcome
The outside of the shop is decked out with a temporary mural of all your favorite Hogwarts pals with a side of ol' Voldie and a dementor.
Even the hours signs follow the theme, and if all that isn't entertaining enough, the movies play on a loop on a flat screen TV while you and 50 other people await caffeinated butterbeer.
The Door...
...is basically platform 9 and 3/4. Brilliant.
The Really Really Ridiculously Genius Details
From Umbridge's god-awful proclamations hanging over you while you choose a snack from the fridge, to Moaning Myrtle occupying the sink behind the bar, these guys thought of everything.
And the spot where everyone leans to wait for their coffee was no longer safe. It became the site of that all important, bloody warning about the Chamber of Secrets. You know, just in case you wanted your coffee with a side of spookiness.
And of course, you've got the wall of posters to keep everyone looking for those notorious criminals, er—the best uncle ever and Mr. Potter.
Then of course, for those looking to hydrate and survive the suffocating crowds of SDCC, there's Gillywater available for all.
And don't you even think of trying to go to the office... and by that I mean The Restricted Section, obv.
Oh, The Potions
Amortentia: The Love Potion
It's made from Passion Tea and apple juice and was way too sweet for my tastes, but the barista code is a heart so I'm pretty much in love.
Polyjuice Potion: For When You Want To Be Someone Else
The transforming potion is made from Matcha powder and lemonade, two things I normally hate that actually work quite well together (it should be noted that I did not manage to turn into Crabbe or Goyle though).
And Butterbeer, Of Course
It's a caramel frappucino with a little extra nuttiness and it lasted approximate 95 seconds once I got my hands on it.
The Snacks, Er—Wands
In case fans forgot to pick up their own wands for the Con, this shop "transformed" cookie straws into edible wands. OK, it's just a sticker, but I fell hard for it, as you can see:
Yeah, I'd say this magical treat is worthy of a return in 2018.
