The entire Wonderland is a huge area but well-ordered and easily navigable and it wasn’t crowded when we were there – late morning to mid-afternoon – just a good festive buzz in the air. First stop was the Explorers’ Rest with Crystal Ski Holidays, where twinkly lights, warm sheepskins, cosy bubble cars stacked with skis and comfy wooden cabins conjured up the mountains while we sipped on glühwein (us) and hot chocolates (them).
Fortified and warm we headed for The Giant Wheel by Disney +. At 70m it’s the highest transportable ferris wheel in the world, from which the views were spectacular, not just of all the colourful fun below but well beyond across London’s iconic skyline. Inspired by the view from above, next stop was Munchen Looping, ‘The Very Famous Oktoberfest Rollercoaster’, made for two of the four of us, which included five loop-the-loops (spot the Olympic rings below) and was apparently brilliant, if you’re that way inclined.
For smaller people there are plenty of magical rides – carousels, spinning tea cups, bumper cars, gently flying Dumbos, The Ice Slide (grab an inflatable and you’re off…), to name a few, plus a Santa’s Grotto and lots of chances to win cuddly toys bigger than you. For the thrill-seekers, there are terrifyingly high swinging things that you wouldn’t catch me on but clearly a whole lot of fun if you’re a fearless adrenalin junky. We went on a quirky VR-headset-based time machine ride and Ice Mountain which was dizzy-making and laughter-inducing.
Our lunch came in the form of Bavarian Bratwurst in the Bavarian Village which was a great themed area filled with food and drink options, heaters, firepits around which to huddle, and large covered zones festooned with lights, gingham and hay bales.
Zippos Circus runs three shows a day in the Mega Dome which is pretty spectacular (spectacular) and with everything from donuts and churros to roasted chestnuts and crepes, you’re fully immersed in all things festive
and fun.
A visit to the Winter Wonderland is a treat – it’s certainly not cheap - but you’ll have a fun-filled family time if you decide to build this into your Christmas plans. Wrap up warm and go have fun.
For more details and to pre-book your tickets, visit https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
@hydeparkwinterwonderland
