UK alternative to celebrating NYE in Disneyland Paris with the family

[Thanksamil]

I know it's very early to be thinking about this but we have been talking about going to Disneyland Paris for New year's Eve for a while. We have 2 older boys (11 and 13) from previous relationships and a two year old together. The two older ones are spending Christmas with the other parents and so we like to make a big deal of NYE.

It's very expensive to go to Disneyland and we're not keen on that much traveling with a two year old. Also the two older ones don't care that it's Disney...their only real stipulation is that they'd like a theme park that has rides and rollercoasters

as far as I can tell most theme parks or seaside funfairs are closed for the winter. I'm sick of looking through Google and wondered if anyone could recommend something.

A few years ago we went to the light show at Longleat safari park and it was brilliant...but they were younger then and not interested in scary rollercoasters.

Open to other suggestions, places that don't have rides...as I'm sure we can sell it to them. We are based in London but willing to travel by car up to 3ish hours.

Please help! We'd love to book soon so we can pay it off in the run up to Dec / Jan.

Thanks.

... anyone? X

I suspect what you’re looking for doesn’t exist! There’s only really a handful of decent theme parks in the uk and as you’ve found, they’re closed in the winter. Chessington seems to have a winter thing in the planning but only until the 30pm December so not NYE.

Hmm that's what I thought ...bah

I know you said about travelling but Europa Park in Germany looks excellent, and has an indoor water park and accommodation onsite. Could be less stressful than Disney?

I think what you are looking for does exist but not in the UK.

What about Efteling?

https://www.efteling.com/en/park/events/new-years-eve

Butlins. Don't be horrified. Stay in the hotel.

Kids love it.

Its one of the busiest times at Disney - so you wont be getting on many rides... People literally go for the atmosphere (often those with anuual passes) so that rides can be done for fun or another time...

I came on to suggest Efteling as well…it’s about 3-4 hours from Calais if you drive or you can fly over…we’ve done both and found driving easier.
I have been in early January but not NYE so can’t comment on that but it is so much better than Disney, and once you go once you’ll be hooked
The woodland accommodation is like a better quality Centerparcs and walking distance to the park itself. There are rides to suit thrillseeking teens (Python, Baron) and gentler rides like a traditional fairground as well as some unique rides that beat anything in Disney, and the food offerings are far superior (there is something yummy every few steps, I’d go back just for the food!)

If you're already in London how about winter wonderland at Hyde park? They have a fair few roller coasters and rides. It closes 1st Jan I think so you could do NYE and/or the next day. As you wouldn't have any travel costs maybe get a central hotel room to make it more special?

A lot of UK theme parks are open to some extent over school Christmas holidays- but you have to check what rides are open as they are aiming at younger kids.
Both Alton Towers and Legoland usually do a New Years Eve break with fireworks/meal included although Legoland might be a bit young for them and the bigger rollercoasters would likely be shut at Alton Towers- water park is fun though. Drayton Manor definitely has a New Years Eve party at their hotel- not sure to what extent the park is open but have def been to it in January school holidays before.
Theres also West Midlands Safari Park - have a look at their Animal lodges but again not sure what if any rides would be open.

Thanks all

Have checked Efteling and it's quite pricey and a long journey, although looks awesome. Maybe when baby is older.

We've been to Legoland a few times and the boys are definitely past that.

Winter wonderland...been a few times and hated it tbh. So expensive it's a piss take. Swore I'd never go back.

Does Butlins have rides etc?? That's something I need to look into

Not looking promising though

Will check Alton towers and west midlands safari

We have done port aventura a couple of times and it was fab and cheaper overall than Paris. They had a gala dinner on NYE which was mostly in Spanish language but very celebratory. We flew to Barcelona with Air France and then got a taxi transfer which took about 45 minutes. You get access to both port aventura and Ferrari land. The weather was dry and reasonably warm, kids loved it. Stayed at the port aventura hotel so just a short walk into the park.

We went to Disneyland for NYE last year into this year. It was amazing. Best 4 days of my life. We didn't even go to the main park for the fireworks and still had an amazing time as the other park has a light show on the tower of terror and we could see the main fireworks from where we were. The main event in the big park is €100 per person and sells out early that's why we couldn't go but it really didn't matter at all.
I honestly can't think of anywhere that would provide you with the same level of excitement here in the UK. No theme parks are open, maybe Blackpool might be?.

Thanks everyone, we actually booked Butlins! We spoke to the boys and it transpires they are actually a bit scared of big rollercoasters, I think they were trying to act hardi n front of each other 😂

Bumper cars, waltzers and those swing rides are perfect, they said. Archery, go karting and loads of other activities such as an indoor pool with big slides...they were over the moon. And it's half the price of Disney. Very happy. Thanks to the poster who suggested Butlins!!

All those other suggestions are being noted for the future though...when baby is a bit bigger.

Thanks all

That's wonderful OP hope you all have an amazing time!

Good news. We have been to Butlins loads (not at NYE though tbf) and it's fab. Loads to do and the shows are awesome.