Sorry bit of an essay!
We went to Lapland UK on Sunday for the 5.30 'flight'. The walk to the transporter wasn't too bad and it was nice in the dark (all lit up) - quite enchanting. We arrived at the transporter early and they told us to join the 5pm flight. We knew what to expect with the flight thanks to this thread so told DD (3 1/2) it was magic rather than a flight. Despite critics on this thread my DD LOVED the flight!!! No snow, though, like others have mentioned.
Arriving in the square, which looked fantastic in the dark lit up, we were immediately directed to queue for the toy factory. While waiting we had a quick look around and I must admit it looked great... yes if you try to touch the snow on the trees it's a little rubbery and the snow that falls in the square looks amazing when it is falling. Closer scrutiny would reveal that they weren't flakes but some kind of foam. I think it would have to be one hell of a snow machine to create flakes . PS evenings are definitely the best time to go - it just added to the atmosphere. Older kids might see through some things in daytime.
The toy factory was alright, others before me have described the activity well. Personally I think they could have easily filled it with more toys to make it look breathtaking. It was good how they got the children to tell the elves at the end whether the puzzles were broken, complete or parts missing. It added to the 'helping the elves in the toy factory' charade . A touch Pontins at times - could have been a bit more polished.
When we left we were told what time to go to the gingerbread house. We had a bit of a wander in the paths and I agree I think it is quite cleverly laid out. Very traditional and personally glad to see no rides etc. The huskies were great and not in cages.
The reindeer were in their pen, in the shelter, but still visible. I think the reason you can't stroke them may be due to the blue-tongue issue in the South East. Personally, I was surprised they managed to get reindeer, the ones that usually come to our town each year were cancelled because of it.
Gingerbread was great and Mother Christmas was very authentic and lovely. Really warm and friendly just as you would expect of Father Christmas' wife! Nice touch that the children got to wear mini chefs hats and aprons. She told us to not let FC know we had gingerbread when we saw him. After told what time to meet fo FC.
Post Office I thought was great you don't have to buy stamps to take part although if you do your postcard/letter will be sent. The elf behind the counter was brilliant and to time explain everything she was doing.
We felt that we had just enough time to do everything and have a look around before our time to wait to be taken to FC.
To be honest we waited to be taken through the woods, to then queue to get in the tent, to then wait for your name to be called for FC. We did have a LONG wait (probably 45mins), but DD was fully entertained by the Snowman, elves and colouring and we were probably last in our group.
What spoilt it the most were other parents! What I found most dispicable was the way parents were loudly moaning and groaning to the elves clearly in front of not only their own children but other peoples. Many times I had to move DD so another parent did ruin the magic. If you had any chance of your child stopping believing it would be due to the parents! One parent opened the doors to the gingerbread house during our session to insist on someone senior coming outside because their child had a nut allergy and were worried about the gingerbread and now just wanted to go straight to FC. Another, while waiting for FC, shouted her concerns about Health & Safety... an elf was juggling and doing his best to entertain the kids . She made him stop! The kid were loving what he was doing BTW!
FC was amazing - there were 2 (I thought) but it wasn't obvious. My DD is extremely shy and he did well and she barely said 2 words to him. Her eye widened when her mentioned about our old campervan and her special teddy 'silky'. Gifts I thought were good quality, he got her to get out the puzzle and see what it was and tell what animal. Couldn't have asked for a better FC, he held her hands to warm them up and told that he got her letter she left the night before (part of our ruse ). He even asked about the gingerbread and where it was! I think he was after some - great continuity! My DH said it felt like he had an audience with the Pope - he's normally a right cynic!
After finished we went to shop - no more expensive than any other attraction.
Overall, the day was brilliant, there is room for improvement but it was still well worth the money. Proabably wouldn't go back next year but maybe the year after.
If you are yet to go, wrap up warm and just relax, don't stress- your kid(s) will love it. The day is definitely what you make it, use the site and day to create your own magic don't just rely on the elves and staff. We said the the frost on the ground on the way out was the magic and it was starting to fade as we got closer to the car park. When we got back to our old VW campervan it was covered in sparkling frost and we told DD it was FC magic (as he had mentioned to her about the van). She nearly cried though when DH went to scrap it off the windows!
Brilliant day!