winter wonderland hyde parks

[ace249]

Has anyone been here recently? A friend wants to go, but all I've heard is how expensive it is and a bit crap for the money. Rides are £9, so I can imagine that builds
up. And they have events too which you have to pay to attend? I bet food is expensive too. Anyone been? Are the queues crazy? Is it worth it?

We went on Saturday with our children DD17 and DS13. Booked the 12-2pm entry time and only qued about 15 mins to get in.

Some rides are £9 each but these are the bigger rides and others about £5 such as the fun house etc. Dodgems were £6 per car so 2 could ride for that. We didn't go to the circus or the big wheel as have done these previously and they are more expensive and the ques are long for this.

We took snacks in but did have hot chocolate £4 a cup and the children had pigs in blankets from the Lidl counter which was £3.

We left about 4.30/45 and it was noticeably busier then as lots more adults in the food/bar section and people wanting to go when it's darker for the lights etc

was it worth it? Did you enjoy it? Do you mind me asking what sort of budget is needed for the day?

Yes we did all enjoy. I think you just have to go with accepting that it will be busy and you will have to Que for things and it is expensive. However, my children are older so limited to what Xmas events they want to attend with me so I am happy to pay for WW as probably would have spent similar if doing Santa visits etc.

We spent about £150 as my DH (the biggest child of all) loves the thrill rides whereas I am happy to be the bag holder/photographer.

In terms of budget this can be as little or as much as you make it and pending your children's ages and if they like rides. There is lots you can still do without booking or spending such as walking through the Xmas markets, listening to the bands without purchasing drinks. If you want to do the big things though like the wheel, circus, ice kingdom then this would add up and be quite pricey.

You can go on their website and have a look at the attractions and add to your basket (but not checkout) of what things you would like to do and this will tell you how much it would be

In all honesty, we have been going each year for at least 8 years. I don't think it is worth it anymore. It's very much the same thing over and over again. Most things are overpriced and it doesn't feel magical. Years ago they used to have a grotto and elf village section which was fab and experience or craft type stalls (you'd pay but it felt worthwhile). Now it's mainly stalls selling novelty stuff you've seen 101 times, bars, food stalls and rides. The ice kingdom, circus etc are worth doing if you've never done them before but the show doesn't change much from year to year.

We went along. Last Saturday. Family of 5. We didn't buy tokens but you could pay cash/card on the rides. Madhouse was £5.00 each, stalls with basket ball throwing to win a Teddy, etc. £5.00 for 4 balls.
It was expensive but we enjoyed ourselves. It was a treat and saved up to take the kids this year. I wouldn't go back again.
If I knew, I would of bought food elsewhere. 5 burgers, chips was best part of £90.00. The place we bought food never had the prices next to the food items on the board so be careful. Could of booked a pizza restaurant and come away with change. With train tickets, entry tickets, food, drinks, rides, etc we spent £300. I live in London and knew it would be expensive but it was a one off treat for my 3 dc's.

It's dreadful, wouldn't go back if you paid me.

We take our dcs every year (age 5 and 1). It isn't too expensive for us as we're entitled to 2 carer wristbands, so we only pay for the dc's funfair rides and show tickets (and 1yo doesn't pay for most things). We bring a packed lunch and eat inside the big Bavarian tent (which is warm and dry). We do a show, the ice slide, the big wheel, Santa, and funfair rides. We live a 20 min tube ride away so traveling there is no issue, and we get the 10am entry slot early in the season (we went on the first weekend) and it's not crowded then. It's a nice Christmassy thing to do and just a way to get in the festive mood. We do loads of other Christmassy things, like pantos and light trails.

We went in the evening (about 3 weeks ago) and it was absolutely packed. Took about 15 mins to get in and it was freezing so if you do go, wrap up warm! Very expensive and one ride was £15 for 2 adults and 2 children which lasted all but 2 minutes. Ok atmosphere but nothing special and not festive at all. Just felt like a cold, packed and over priced fun fair in all honesty.

I must also add… there weren’t many kids at all. Mainly young girls and guys in their early to mid 20s, but perhaps that was because it was evening time.

I’m afraid I found it all very overrated and overpriced - from the rides to food to overall experience.

We're going tomorrow. I've booked the Ice Kingdom, Ice slide and circus for myself and 2 DC and it cost £80 which I don't think is too bad. We won't go on rides but will have a browse of the stalls. I'll take lunch/snacks and get a hot drink and bite to eat later. That will be where I get fleeced!