Lapland UK 2008

[LIZS]

Lapland UK seems to be happening again this year albeit I think at a different location (Bewl Water, Kent). Booking opens 8th September. Mixed reviews last year.

There you go... that's a real review by a real person.

You take a risk when you post utter rubbish, on a self moderating site like this, most canny people can spot the bull from a mile off.

Agreed, a real person that has actually visited this year. I could have done with a few more of these when I was looking prior to visiting.

FS it was shame about the details during the Santa visit. From my experience and for information to anyone else who is due to go, I was asked to look at a card at the Santa passport check and to confirm the children's details written on it. I was then asked whether I wanted to add any more information, which I did. I don't know whether FS got to see the card, whether there wasn't one or it wasn't passed on but it is probably worth confirming they have got the details at that point. I think I would also have been pretty disappointed if this part had gone wrong.

Can't imagine it would be busy, no-one can afford to go!!

I think mamamea is right about filbertfox.

FF I did all that. Asked to look at the details and checked them. Even changed a couple of things. That's why wrote a VERY NICE!! e-mail saying how disappointed I was that FC said nothing personal at all.

I just want to post on here because I get a frisson at the though of being under suspision (I have a tenously foxy name)

as you were! >

FF - dod you go THIS year or last? From the ice skating I assume this year. ...fox appears to think last year if I read it rightly.

ff says she went last Mon

lol @ vixen

Sorry, I meant FS

Went about 10 days ago.

Here's a FREE alternative to Lapland UK with:

live reindeer
land train and grotto
showers of falling 'snow'
craft workshops
mini 'tea cup' roundabout ride
carol singers and harp player
roving entertainers
Shetland pony and trap
pets corner with rabbits and guinea pigs
weaving, spinning and willow work
prize draws.... all this is planned (according to the website, anyway).

The event is called the Charlton Christmas Cracker. It's at Charlton House, Charlton SE7 on Saturday afternoon, 13 December. I saw it on the Greenwich Council website - www.greenwich.gov.uk

So for all you Greenwich people, it could be a good alternative to the more expensive christmas events out there.

Good tip, BahSomeBug!

i have just re read this post due to task avoidence and suddenly feel under suspicion of being a troll and/or working for lapland uk??!!

I had a lovely time there with my hubby and DD, we paid £65 each - it gets more expensive as it gets closer to chrimbo, like many attractions do, and whilst i still think it was a bit expensive, My DD has not stopped talking about it, we were looked after very well - we were over an hour late getting there due to 4 accidents on the motorway and it being closed whilst we were still on it but despite this, the staff reassured us we would still get to do everything and we were not made to feel rushed.

Everything except the family photo with santa was included this year, and this was optional - ok most people buy this, our was actually excellent and made a great pressie for grandma

or am i not allowed to say all this because i am obviously either a liar or working for the company [hmmm]

It is the only big family christmas thing we have done this year,we dont do shopping centre grottos (local one £6 before any photo) and i think if you price up a theme park before food, souviners, rides etc its not alot differant

Oh and FC did talk to our DD about her interests and friends.

Respect to those who are happy to pay for this sort of christmas experience - I am sure there's lots to be said for them.

I do think, however, that there are plenty of free (or far cheaper than £65.00 per person) similar christmas event alternatives.

I haven't looked much, but I did happen to notice several free local events which had a santa and live reindeers, for instance.

All you have to do is look in your local paper, events listings magazine like Primary Times, or on local events websites.

Ah yes, Santas Grotto is free in Bluewater - photo is an extra fiver. They have real reindeer too. And for the price of a family of 6, you could go to CenterParcs for a week - they have a winter wonderland theme going on at the moment.

It's a very, very expensive attraction - I just can't see it being within many peoples budgets.

BTW I like your name BahSomeBug

And do you know what I'm most excited about?

When the Rotary Club bring Santa round the neighbourhood on his sleigh collecting for a childrens charity.

Simple things are always the best.

they have live reindeer in bluewater?isnt that a bit cruel?
I am self employed as is hubby and we do not earn mega bucks. we just wanted something special this year - as i say, i dont think its mega expensive for a full day out including food.We could never afford the real lapland.

I do not work for Lapalnd UKand am not a troll.

Sorry some of you had such a shit time last year, I had a great time this year as did my children, husband and parents.

Of course its not as good as going to the real Lapland, but if anyone thought it would be then you're an idiot!

If you don't want to spend that kind of money (which is fair enough as I've said all along it is expensive) then fine but don;t have a go at people who are writing positive reviews about a great day out they've had or accuse them of being PR for the company.

If you already have tickets - go you'll have a fab time, its nothing to do with the other 2 that have been slated.

mahumbug i love simple stuff too, dd and i are involved at the toy service for church,and gave money to the rotary santa at tescos, go to school fair etc

I spent most of last night making 75 peppermint creams for christmas craft gifts kids are making.we did gingerbread lat week

But LaplandUK was our special thing. When i did my first post on this thread, it was because alot of people doubts other reviews due to Dotfox

then i come back and see suggestions that all positive posters are trolls.

then its suggested by paying £65 i must be uberrich - i wish!

i am just another mumsnetter trying to post a view as quint has said - this isnt a bashing post for anyone who liked lapland uk -is it?

My daughter saw Santa at Bluewater the weekend it opened - which was about the middle of November! and I can confirm that there was real reindeer there. They did look a bit fed up but maybe they were waiting for their supper or were fed up with people gawking at them. Santa was free to visit although we opted not to have a picture taken but you did get a present - it was a condensed version of Wind in the Willows. My dd was quite happy with that.

Just thought I'd post that .

we are going on the 19th and really looking forward to it. i read terrible reviews last year and still decided to book. they have obviously learnt many lessons but isnt it always the case when something is so new.

have watched the video on their site and yes i feel very glad i booked it. its not the same as the real lapland but then its not. and yes the snow is fake but theres not a lot they can so about that is there.

days out are like anything and are what you make it. for the chldren its magical its only us that notice the other bits. if you go with the impression this is going to be crap then 1. you should have saved your money and not booked 2. it probably will be.

will report back but i know one thing for sure - i will make it every second of it extra special for ds 7.

" if you price up a theme park before food, souviners, rides etc its not alot differant "

No really, it is.

You are going off-peak for £65.

A day out at the theme park (Alton Towers, Chessington) will cost about £16 - there's absolutely no reason to pay full price, and BOGOF vouchers are everywhere. And at every theme park I've ever been to, rides are included. As for food at a theme park, you can bring your own, or it's £4-£6 depending on what you eat. So that's £20 for adults, and maybe £30 for kids if you buy them a souvenir (although not everybody will want to, and it's nice not to pay for things you don't want).

Even if you pay full price (god only knows why anybody would), it's still much cheaper, and you do get a full day rather than four hours

"then i come back and see suggestions that all positive posters are trolls."

Now now, don't distort what was said.

Well I'm sure they could have doe it cheaper for say £25, oh hang on a couple of others have done that and it was crap!

Tehy have to pay the staff and we all know if you want your staff to be happy and do a good job you need to pay them well, it is proper log cabins not B&Q sheds, apparently it takes 3 months to put up and take down, I've been to Alton Towers and Chessington - the food is shit and far more expensive than £6. It may be out of season for those theme parks,but I think that this is probably high season for a christmas themed event! Rental of the park, all the scenery, lights, snow, snow machine, insurance, health and safety stuff and where do you manager to go ice skating for less than £5 for an unlimited time - not somehwere where childrn think they have elves helping them after they've just met FC. All the fab costumes, the gift, I suppose you could make that optional but your children might be a bot upset to see some kids walking around with a present that they weren't able to get. The reindeer, huskies and handlers - should I go on?

Mummy Christmas have a great time, as an adult you have to suspend your disbelief a bit but as long as you enter into the spirit of you you will have as good a time as your children.

Mamamea - have a fab time in Eygpt, I'm sure you will also have a great time