We really enjoyed it but wouldnt recommend paying the full amount - better to go off peak. The gifts were really good, the food was appalling. Before anyone asks I dont work for them and I'm not Dot! I read that previous post with interest and wasnt expecting much to be honest but was pleasently surprised. Some of the criticisms on that thread:
elfs wearing trainers - I did laugh when I saw they'd had shoe covers made this year! Spotted one Elf in Uggs though..
expensive drinks - they were all £1-2 so much cheaper this time.
Gifts - I thought these were good. A lovely Huskie soft toy (DS had just met the real ones they had there)Night before Xmas book, large hardback rrp £4.99 on it but looked more. And for me quite a nice hessian shopper good size like the big Sainsbury's one.
Food - This is new but needs more work. Portions were kids size, for adults and kids! Got DH & DS first and theirs had been sitting around and were rubbish. Went back for mine and new batch came out and was very nice. BUT too small. Vegetables were hideous and overcooked and no-one took any. Desserts were good, but too small and first batch had been sitting around too long. Mine was delicious!
Reindeer - two last year and six this year. BUT, the enclosure were far too small and they all looked really bored - they were virtually sniffing each others bums they were so close together.
Saami Exhibition - a joke. empty. boring. smelly. The tipi smelt of petrol for some reason.
Ice-skating - brilliant. Saw lots of buggies going round too on the ice. This was the saving grace but you could go to Kew Gardens or Natural HIstory Museum for just as much fun really.
Father Xmas - he was fab. real beard, spent lots of time chatting and very convincing.
Toy workshop - put hair in the rocking horse and stick his ears in. Kept DS's interest.
Mother Xmas - nice big gingerbread man to decorate. Not good having to insist he didnt eat it until after food. Portions so small he could have eaten the gingerbread man and finished his dinner....
Would I recommend? Yes, but not paying full price - off peak much better