Now I am a grumpy Daddy, and when Mummy suggested that we trek half way across the country to go to Lapland UK (and pay what seems a pricey entry fee) I wasn't the happiest of bunnies - especially as I found the Lapland New Forest website and it seemed significantly cheaper. But Mummy insisted on Lapland UK and as you know Mummy always gets her way...
But I have to admit that when we got there I was still in a grump and whilst I wasn't going to spoil the day, I was ready to pick up and remember any fault so that I could tell Mummy what a waste of money it had been (and don't take that tone of voice with me reader, we all do it...)
Now if you are going to LAPLAND UK don't bother reading any further - just know you will have a good time. I haven't really done a spoiler (incidentally Darth Vader is Lukes father, the girl in the Crying Game is really a dude and Bruce Willis is a ghost in the Sixth Sense) but reading the rest of this could spoil your magical day and I wouldn't want to do that.
Now anyone left - you are presumable thinking about going or considering it for next year. My advice - do it!
Once we got there and had to queue up with about 35 other people I took my first and only fault to pick with mummy - initially it felt a wee bit like cattle being herded, but that was forgotten as soon as we went in.
The activities were organised like clockwork, the whole thing was magical for children and adults alike. The good points...
* The activities were fun and clearly entertained all the children and most of the adults.
* The animals - reindeer and huskies - were all clearly well looked after. The huskies particularly seemed to be enjoying meeting people.
* The ice-skating was included and there were elves to help those not so steady on their feet.
* The meal included in the price was decent and there was a good variety to suit everyone - even grumpy Daddy
* There were surprises - we found a couple of tee-pees where a couple of Santa's elves were reading stories.
* AND most importantly - Santa. The queue for Santa was only 10 minutes (with activities for children in that time). Importantly, the queue is nowhere near Santa's house - when you go and see Santa you go down a snowy path with his elf - it makes the child feel so much more special then standing in a long queue just outside the grotto. Santa knew my sons name and the soccatots team he plays for (it was worth it just for that look of surprise!). Santa even had a present for Mummy and Grumpy Daddy too.
Now the real reason why I have bothered posting. I see that there is a lot of bad press about a Lapland New Forest and from the pictures and reports I have heard the two are not even comparable.
I would hate to see Lapland UK who made a truly magical day for my family in any way tarnished with the same brush.
So Lapland UK - Yeah
Lapland New Forrest - M'eh
And yes - Mummy was right...