Tag Archives: days out

Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas extravaganza

Posted on by Abi

Helping to launch the Big Bloggers Christmas Giveaway last week has left me feeling remarkably festive and I’m really looking forward to all the upcoming events. One activity in particular has been marked on the calendar in big bold letters and that’s Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas extravaganza!Drayton's Magical Christmas2

The park closed its doors earlier this month with its awe inspiring War of the Worlds firework display. But we only have to wait until Sat 21st November for it to re-open as a magical winter wonderland.

Thomas Land is due to be draped in decorations, fairy lights and Christmas music, there’s even going to be a snow shower three times a day!!

Drayton's Magical Christmas3As you might expect the whole theme park will not be open, but there will be over 25 rides and attractions still to enjoy in Thomas Land and beyond. Here are some of the highlights:

  • The zoo is always a must see for me and I’m told that the Reindeer are already getting excited to help Father Christmas prepare for the big-day ahead.
  • The Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster is due to run as long as the weather doesn’t drop beneath 5 degrees Celsius.
  • A wondrous outdoor ice rink (there is a £2 charge for 15 minutes)
  • 30 foot lightshow Christmas tree set to music
  • The Apocalypse tower drop is being turned into a 54 metre high Christmas tree (with star on top!)
  • The 4d cinema will be showing a special 15 minute movie experience from the Polar Express

Not forgetting the main event… a visit to the enchanted Castle of Dreams! Cheerful Christmas elves will take visitors through to see Father Christmas and each child will receive a free gift and golden ticket to return for the new season in 2016*Drayton's Magical Christmas1

At the end of each day there will be a dazzling firework display bound to leave you bursting with festive cheer.

Drayton Manor recently celebrated winning ‘Best UK Attraction for Children’ award at this year’s Group Leisure Awards – for the eighth time and the second consecutive year! So that alone should be enough reason to visit.Group Leisure award winners - resized

If your children are a little too young or old to visit Santa, you can buy park tickets only, without the Father Christmas visit, with tickets priced at £15 for 12 years and over, and 4 – 11 at £10.

Drayton’s Magical Christmas will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays** from Saturday 21st November to Monday 14th December, then every day from Thursday 17th December to Wednesday 23rd December and Sunday 27th December to Thursday 31st December. Pre booking Christmas tickets is essential due to demand.

 

Please check the website for more information and a complete list of dates and to book your tickets.

* Golden Ticket terms and conditions. The Golden Ticket admits one free child during the 2016 season when accompanied by a paying adult.

**The park will be closed on Monday 23rd November.

 

 

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Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular Review

Posted on by Abi

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Last night I took my family along to the best firework display I’ve ever seen! Full of atmosphere, drama and sparkle it’s an event you really shouldn’t miss. But if that isn’t enough to convince you then read on for sneak peaks in today’s Drayton Manor’s War of the Worlds Fireworks Spectacular review.

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We arrived shortly before 4pm and delighted at the Halloween decorations strewn around the park (nothing overtly scary for the little ones either 🙂 ).firework9+

 

As the sun went down, the lights came on and a wonderful sense of atmosphere flowed thoughout. Some areas (like the zoo) shut at 5pm, but most of the rides have been covered with lights and can be enjoyed right up until 9pm. The carousel is always a firm favourite and creates a magical blur of lights and sounds in the evening.

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Shortly after 7pm we made our way to the lake to wait for the firework display. The show started at 8pm but if you want a front place view you have to get there reasonably early. Although I should add that the fireworks are huge so you can actually see them from most of the park. There’s also a screen provided from one of the lawns which is great if you’re taking smaller children.

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At 8pm Liam Neeson’s voice came over the speaker and we knew that the Fireworks were about to start. For those unfamiliar with the War of the Worlds musical, Liam provided the narration.

firework5+The fireworks began in stunning style as they shot high above the lake. All perfectly timed to the music it made for a truly breath-taking display.

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Complementing this was a kind of smoke cloud set upon the lake showing images from the critically acclaimed musical, plus an alien spaceship to one side which was shooting lasers!

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I’ve seen many fireworks over the years and certainly some very impressive displays but never such a perfectly choreographed event that utilises images, lasers, music and the most stunning and gigantic fireworks! I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you can get there.

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The fireworks close out the 65th Anniversary season at Drayton in epic style and they continue tonight and tomorrow (31st Oct, 1st Nov, but fireworks at 7pm) so there’s still time to get tickets and book a visit to the event.

 

firework8+For more information and to book your tickets (you know you want too!) then pop over to Drayton Manor’s website here.

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Finally a short video showing the amazing fountain that rested on the lake playing images from the War of the Worlds musical.

 

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#Littlemoments at Drayton Manor Theme Park

Posted on by Abi

PanoramaDraytonFor dedicated readers it should come as no surprise when I say that I love Drayton Manor theme park. It’s a wonderful family day out and as a proud blog ambassador I get to experience the park on a regular basis. I visited just a couple of weeks ago for a Blogger Ambassador Day where we learnt all about future events and special days out. We also watched Drayton’s new TV advert where they talk about the wondrous #littlemoments that can be had at the park. Of course little moments matter in everyday life as well and you can use the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram to let everyone know what touching little moment you’ve experienced recently.

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Incidentally I had to show the little moment we had at Drayton Manor, we had arrived early and on a tip from one of the Drayton team headed straight for the zoo. Apparently this is the best time to see the Tigers and various other big cats. We’ve failed on every other occasion and the Tigers and Lynx have eluded us. Not this time…

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As if that wasn’t enough I also have the crème dela creme of #littlemoments we managed to see the new Lynx cubs playing with their parents!

Cue huge smiles all round.

The zoo is a really fantastic part of the park and definitely worth an early visit if you want to catch some of the more shy animals. All this week 3-7th August is the Big Bug Bonanza where you can find fascinating facts, photos and videos of your favourite bugs.

Also coming up this month on Sunday 16th August is Roller Coaster Day. Experience the best thrill rides with fellow enthusiasts. Chest mount Go Pro cameras are allowed on all the rides which means you can take the moment home with you.

There’s plenty more on the horizon which I’ll share with you soon. But I thought I’d finish by showing you a peek of the VIP rooms which are located above Sodor Airport in Thomas Land. The themed rooms are fantastic spaces and each opens out to a balcony which overlooks the park.

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