Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

[RBJ72]

Just wondering if anyone has taken their kids to the winter wonderland thing in hyde park. there are some reviews from last year on mumsnet but can't find anything more recent. was thinking of booking tickets for the circus and have two DDs (2 and 4).

I am also thinking of taking my dc to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. Please can I also have your opinions.

We went last Saturday(8th!), it was packed!!
Got there at about 5.30pm & the huge crowd that was around the entrance because they were staggering the people in-felt like sardines!
My dd`s are 12 & 13, I had my eldest DD & my younger was with my mum & sister, I had to yell at my youngest not to let go of my sisters hand!!

Once we were in it was ok, did not do circus or ice rink, kids did not want to go on any rides, think they were too scared of us disappearing in the crowds while they were on the ride A lot of people were drinking, I was a bit worried about that to be quite honest, does not normally bother me but there was so many people

I think it could of been amazing if there just weren`t so many people!

We went last year at opening time and it was quiet, but starting to fill up as we left. I think if you don't like crowds go early! We didn't do the ice rink or anything but wander around and eat and did a few rides, but it was lovely.

We're off to Larndan tomorrow.
I've not booked any tickets though. (I pre-booked the Ferris Wheel 2 years ago and it was a blizzard outside with totally opaque windows due to condensation)

I wouldn't have done the ride otherwise but tickets can't be refunded.

I'll plan an early visit. Though it would look so much prettier at night.

We went on Wednesday afternoon with our 2 dc (2&3), both loved it. We went on a few rides and visited the ice castle and circus. It is expensive but they loved it.

A few friends have gone at the weekend and said it was too busy, but on a weekday afternoon was just right.

We've been today! Got there about midday and it was busy but bearable.

Didn't ice skate or see the circus, but there are loads of rides for all ages. Lots of lovely stalls and things to eat.

It is pricey but we just bought so many pounds worth of vouchers for the rides and told dc once they had run out, that was it.

Was beginning to really fill up around 5ish and they were queing to get in when we left at 5.30, they were staggering the entry.

The dc loved it. Maybe combine it with a trip to the National History or Science Museum if you are coming down from a distance, this was our back up plan if it had peed it down today!

It was really very pretty in the dark, I must admit
It was just the huge amount of people that took the shine off the visit, but we did enjoy it!

We went at th end of November. Go during a week day if you can and earlier better. It was expensive, but we went on loads of rides, ice kingdom and big wheel. Didn't do circus as didn't know if DD (just 3) would be up for it?

DD loved it and was entranced by the lights and stalls and also loved having chips for tea in the dark later on with fake snow (she thought it was real) falling on us!

When I got on the tube about 7 pm last night. There were signs up saying they had shut winter wonderland due to overcrowding!

We went today at 12ish. Got to Green Park, lots of signs inside (pink banners with Winter Wonderland ) .Out of the street. Nothing.No signs.

So we got there. Very busy.
Good points- lots of the ticket booths. Lots of toilets.
Bad points. - very busy. Very few signs up.

There were loads of people with buggies so either we were tripping over them or the back of our heels being caught
And dozens of people took their dogs.Not just to Hyde Park but the the WW.

Loads of food/wine/beer stalls.
Sweets/breads etc.

Then, Hyde Park Corner station closed (no idea why)

It's got bigger yes. Better, not really.

Was there last night and tonight. It is packed. There are always crying kids at the lost children point and it's manic!

I'd second the opinion that it's bigger but busier, and not necessarily better.