Thomas Land

[slappinthebass]

I'm thinking of booking a night at Drayton Manor Hotel for their Christmas event, it includes a visit to Santa's Grotto. Has anyone been at Christmas? Would you recommend? My son turns 2 Christmas week and loves Thomas, will many rides be suitable for him? I have a rollercoaster loving 5 year old too.

No not at 2 years old I wouldn't say so. 3 yes or even 2.5 but some of the rides will scare a just turned 2yr old

There are some he'll be able to go on though. Just a matter of gauging whether it's worth it or not

We first took ds when he was 2.3 and he loved it. There were plenty of rides he could go on, actually more than the second time because they have increased some of the height restrictions. I would just check the height restrictions on line first and measure your DS.
My ds is a huge Thomas fan still and we aim to go once a year. I had been looking at the Christmas package and was considering it. I think groupon or wowcher or something we’re doing an offer.

Actually, I think it would be ideal for a 2 and 5 year old. Most of the big Drayton manor rides won't be open though so do be prepared for that

He is tall, 90th centile. I'll definitely check the height restrictions on the website, good idea. My kids aren't the type that get scared at all to be honest. I've never been able to push them high enough on the swings or fast enough on roundabouts and we only get tears at fairgrounds when it's time to come off, so being frightened wont be an issue, but not being tall enough to go on much certainly will.

I took my daughter when she'd just turned 3 and there were a few rides she couldn't go on as she needed to be 110cm to ride

Mine went when 2 for 2nd birthday and LOVED it. Wasn't particularly tall either

Went again at Xmas and they still loved it but we didn't do the grotto

If they're mad on Thomas... I really don't think you can go too wrong tbh

Hotel was expensive and I wouldn't pay again without a themed room as was no better really than cheaper places other than the hour of activity club. Was no pool or anything to set it above any travelodge or premier inn

I would save some money and just go to Thomasland - ditch the grotto. Last year we queued for an hour even though we had a pre-booked slot. The Santa experience was all about Santa capturing an official photo which was then another £20 if you wanted it (!!!) and the goodie bags were poor and not Thomas themed at all - chocolate lolly and a book about seeing Santa at Drayton manor. My kids (2 and 5) pestered the whole time we were queuing about when we could go back on the rides, and when we were going to Thomasland (Santa is not in Thomasland). Thomasland itself is great though. I'm putting my foot down this year - no more visits to see Santa - the kids get zero enjoyment from it so I'm not doing it!

I live just round the corner from Thomas Land so we go quite regularly.. my ds is 2 and we have gone loads this year (he'll be 3 in jan). He loves it and is always asking us to go! We haven't done the Xmas grotto though :) also there are are loads if rides he can go on.
If you wanted to make a weekend of it, my recommendation would be this - stay at the Holiday inn express next to the snowdome in Tamworth (much cheaper but nice hotel). It's 10 min max drive from Thomas land. Then you can go to drayton manor and also do winter wonderland at the snowdome which is amazing! And will be perfect for your age dc. Maybe Google it