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Winter Wonderland FAQs
- General Information
- Ticketing and Concessions
- Parties and Group Bookings
- Families and Children
- Visitors with limited mobility
- Safety at Winter Wonderland
- Sustainability Policy
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
DO I HAVE TO PAY TO GET INTO WINTER WONDERLAND?
No! Winter Wonderland has no admission fee – you simply turn up and pay to go to whatever takes your fancy.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LIDL MAGICAL RINK, BIG TOP SHOWS AND GIANT OBSERVATION WHEEL?
You can buy tickets in advance for the Lidl Magical Rink, Giant Observation Wheel, Zippos Christmas Circus, Winter Cirque and Room On The Broom shows, to ensure you get the time and date you want. The Ice Rink always sells out well in advance and the Big Top shows are also very popular. But please remember tickets are not changeable. See Ticketing and Concessions (below) for further details. Please arrive 20 minutes before your ticketed time for the Lidl Magical Rink and Big Top shows. Zippos Circus show times are 11.00, 12.30, 14.00, 15.30 and 17.00 daily. Winter Cirque show times are 19.00 and 20.30 daily, Room On The Broom show times are 8th-10th December, 11.00 and 15.30 only.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST FOR?
Lidl Magical Rink sessions are 1 hour long (please arrive 20 minutes before to get your skates on!), a ride on the Giant Wheel lasts for 10 to 15 minutes (please allow time to ride the wheel before 10pm), Zippos Circus is 50 minutes, Winter Cirque 60 minutes and Room on the Broom 55 minutes. Again, please arrive 20 minutes before the Big Top shows.
HOW DO I GET ON THE OTHER RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS?
They are accessed by Winter Wonderland tokens, available at the 9 token booths dotted around the Winter Wonderland site. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to get on your favourite rides before 10pm.
HOW MUCH DO THE TOKENS COST?
Each token costs £1. Kiddie rides start at £2 and prices for other rides start at £3. Everyone who rides needs a token (even parents riding with children) and we try to keep the prices at a reasonable level to allow for this. Please remember, tokens can only be used on the day of purchase – they are not exchangeable or refundable.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD, DRINK AND SHOPPING?
All of the dozens of bars, cafes, restaurants and over 100 shops accept cash and some accept cards. Food and drink prices vary depending on whether it is a table service indoor restaurant or take away chalet, but we hope we have provided for all tastes and budgets – from Continental food and drink to traditional English cafes and bars. Some of our restaurants are offering a table reservation service via Top Table. Please visit www.toptable.com/venue/?id=29467 and search for Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park to see what is on offer. The Angels Christmas Market features over 100 stalls from arts and crafts to gourmet gifts – for all your Christmas shopping needs!
WHAT IS THE MEAL DEAL?
To keep your energy levels up, have a sit down! You and your party can book a table in the warmth and comfort of the Spiegel Saloon. You can reserve a table for a group of 6 for up to 1 hour, or select the full Meal Deal package. The Meal Deal package includes a choice of 2 courses, drinks, Christmas crackers, a children’s gift, ride tokens and a souvenir mug. Perfect for that special occasion! Book early to avoid disappointment as limited covers are available. Adults £39.95, Children £29.95.
To reserve a table go to www.toptable.com/venue/?id=29467. To check menus, availability and to book your Meal Deal package go to hydeparkwinterwonderland.ticketsolve.com. Please note, there is a minimum of 2 per booking and small groups of 3 or less may be required to share a 10 seater table with another party.
WHAT TIME IS WINTER WONDERLAND OPEN?
Winter Wonderland is open every day from 20th November 2010 to 4th January 2011 (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 10pm, rain or shine! On our opening day, 19th November 2010, Winter Wonderland is open 4pm to 10pm. Father Christmas resides in Santa Land from 10am to 6pm throughout the whole event.
HOW CAN WE GET TO WINTER WONDERLAND?
Winter Wonderland is in London’s historic Hyde Park, near the Hyde Park Corner Gate entrance. For all transport links and travel information, see our Travel page www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/travel
DOES WINTER WONDERLAND HAVE A CHARITY?
Yes, Winter Wonderland always has an official charity. In the last three years the event has raised over £30,000 for Help A London Child, a project set up for London’s most disadvantaged kids. For 2010, our charitable partnership is The Royal Parks Foundation. For further information, please go to www.royalparksfoundation.org. We feel that focussing our efforts on only one charity each year provides that charity with the ability to raise a considerable amount of money to really make a difference to their organisation’s work. It also gives them a loud voice in terms of messages about their aims and fundraising efforts. Please also visit the Royal Parks Foundation website if you would like to purchase a ticket for unlimited rides on our amazing Preview Night on Thursday 18th November, 5pm to 9pm.
2. TICKETING AND CONCESSION
HOW CAN I PURCHASE A TICKET?
You can buy tickets in advance from the Winter Wonderland website for the Lidl Magical Rink, Giant Observation Wheel and Big Top Shows, subject to availability and booking fee. For time slots and prices go to www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets. The Giant Observation Wheel is open all day on a queuing basis – pods are loaded 4 at a time, maximum 8 people (including 2 children) per pod - but Ice Rink sessions and Big Top Shows must be booked as a designated time slot or show time. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to ride the Giant wheel before 10pm.
WHAT ARE COMBINATION TICKETS?
If you buy the Lidl Magical Rink, Big Top Circus Shows and Giant Wheel tickets together as a Combination Ticket, fantastic savings can be made, particularly for family tickets. Book in advance – Combination Tickets are not available on the day. See the Combination Ticket option on www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets. Once you enter the number of tickets you’d like, the discount shows at the checkout.
CAN I BUY A TICKET ON THE DAY AT THE BOX OFFICE?
Yes, but these are subject to availability and we strongly recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment - your chances of getting the show time or skating slot you want is less likely than if you book in advance. Please arrive in plenty of time if choosing this option. There are 3 Box Offices on site.
CAN I EXCHANGE MY TICKETS?
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable
HOW DO I COLLECT MY TICKETS?
You have the option of having them posted to you or you can collect on the day at one of the 3 Box Offices on site, if you live overseas for example. Select the option you want at checkout. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time if you plan to collect on the day.
WHAT DO YOU CLASS AS A CONCESSION?
Concessions, carrying the ID listed, are:
- Low income (Proof of entitlement to benefits)
- Full time students (NUS Card)
- Over 60s (Bus Pass/Drivers License/Passport/ID Card) • Military Personnel past and present (Military ID or ex-serviceman’s card)
- Dependents of current military personnel (MOD Dependents Card)
- Royal Parks employees (Staff Pass)
PLEASE NOTE, concessions are only available during OFF PEAK HOURS (Monday to Friday before 6.30pm, up to 17th December), with the exception of Disabled concessions who can book for ALL sessions.
VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES:
Please call 0871 620 7064 to book your tickets and you will receive ONE FREE TICKET across peak and off peak times for your companion for the Ice Rink, Big Top Shows or Giant Wheel.
WHAT IS AN OFF PEAK TICKET?
Off peak tickets are for shows and sessions starting before 6.30pm Monday to Friday up to 17th December, and come at a discounted rate.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PRIVATE POD AND THE VIP POD ON THE GIANT
OBSERVATION WHEEL?
There is one luxury VIP Pod on the Giant Wheel, exclusive for 4 adults in plush decor with leather seating, a glass bottom and a fridge to keep your Champagne chilled!
VIP Pods are £60 per pod, with Champagne £85 per pod.
You can also book a private pod for up to 6 adults and 2 children under 12.
Private Pods are £45 per pod, with Champagne £70 per pod. ONE POD PER SESSION
To book your time slot, go to www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets.
Please note, those with a booking for a Private Pod should make themselves known to the Wheel staff on arrival.
WHAT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY TICKET?
If you purchased your ticket from the Winter Wonderland website or have a general enquiry about tickets, please contact help@aeglive.co.uk.
If you bought your ticket from another agent, please contact them directly. For group tickets (20+) and school bookings, please contact 0844 412 4650. For hospitality and private parties contact celebrations@aeglive.co.uk.
Remember, you must bring your ticket with you in order to join your session or show time.
HOW CAN I BUY A TICKET FOR THE PREVIEW NIGHT?
Our preview night is on Thursday 18th November, from 5pm to 9pm. American Express card holders can buy wristbands from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/americanexpress.The Royal Parks Foundation, Winter Wonderland’s official charity has also been allocated a number of wristbands which can be obtained via www.royalparksfoundation.org. Wristbands allow unlimited rides and attractions and are available for adults (£25) and children (£20).
3. PARTIES AND GROUP BOOKINGS
WHAT DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS?
Groups of 20 or more pay no booking fee, plus there are further exciting offers for groups. Coaches of 20+ come on any weekday in the first 3 weeks (up to and including Thursday 9th December) and each adult passenger will receive a free hot chocolate. Groups of 20+ booking any of the off peak circus shows or ice rink sessions also receive free vouchers. Please call 0844 412 4650 for further details and bookings.
SCHOOLS?
Winter Wonderland attracts hundreds of school and youth groups with special prices on the rink and in the Big Top available on 0844 412 4650. This year schools will get an exclusive insight into the legendary Zippos circus with our series of exciting circus based workshops designed for 8 to 11 year olds. Taking place in the heated Big Top and run by the performers themselves, pupils will be able to experience the inner workings of a circus, as well as enjoying lunch inside the circus café tent before taking their seats for the performance. Workshops are taking place between 23 November and 2nd December 2010. To book or discuss a workshop, go to www.britishmusicexperience.com, call 0208 463 3415 or email Learning@britishmusicexperience.com
Ice skating sessions last one hour and Big Top shows are 50 to 60 minutes long. Please arrive with your group at least 20 minutes ahead of your ticketed time. Tickets are available from www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets or for further information email tickets@aeglive.co.uk.
Please go to the Travel page www.hydpeparkwinterwonderland.com/travel for further information about travel and coach parking. For more information to help you plan your trip, CLICK HERE
ARE THERE ANY PARTY PACKAGES?
Yes! Check out our Prancer, Dancer and Dasher party packages (starting at only £65 per person), private ice rink hire options, children’s birthday parties in the Big Top and much more! For more information on hospitality bookings, CLICK HERE and for party celebrations CLICK HERE. For all party and hospitality bookings and enquiries email celebrations@aeglive.co.uk
4. FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
WHAT IS A FAMILY TICKET?
A family at Winter Wonderland constitutes 2 adults and 2 children (12 and under), or 1 adult and 3 children.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
At Winter Wonderland we class a child as 12 and under. Whilst the site is suitable for children of all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please note, some rides and attractions have height and weight restrictions. Children under 2 will not need a ticket for the Circus or Wheel if they do not occupy a seat (i.e. they sit on an adults’ lap – like on an aeroplane). Should your little one prefer a seat, this will need to be purchased at the child price. There is no minimum age for children at the Lidl Magical Rink, Big Top Shows or Giant Wheel. The minimum skate size on the rink is a children’s size 9 (maximum is an adult size 13) though everyone is welcome to bring their own skates subject to suitability checks (note - speed skates are NOT allowed). Ice Rink spectator areas are free to access.
WHAT AGE IS WINTER WONDERLAND AIMED AT?
Winter Wonderland is for everyone! We often welcome three generations of families together for a day out. There are rides and attractions for children as young as 2, with more thrilling rides for the older ones - and both young and old love to see Father Christmas! In addition, for the party animals, we have live music with entertainment ranging from pop groups to Oompah bands.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS?
Nothing! Father Christmas and his Elves welcome children to his grotto every day from 10am to 6pm – except Christmas Day. He returns on Boxing Day right through to 4th January from 10am to 6pm – ready to receive all those thank yous! He meets children of all ages on a first come first served basis, and the very VERY good children receive a special gift. Visitors are welcome to take their own photographs but an official photographer will be on hand to take special souvenir shots, available for purchase on the day.
WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE FOR BABIES?
Most of Winter Wonderland is flat and level for buggies, with only gentle inclines – we have even built a level crossing at the Santa Express! There are baby changing facilities at the disabled toilets near the Black Hole ride, opposite Santa Land and at the permanent park toilets near the bandstand
5. VISITORS WITH LIMTED MOBILITY
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE SUITABLE FOR ME?
We have tried to make the walkways of Winter Wonderland as even as possible, with ramps to bars and cafes where we can. Wheel chairs are welcome on the Ice Rink, there are pods in the Giant Wheel and spaces in the Big Top shows designed to accommodate wheel chairs. Please tell your ticket agent if there is a group of you so we can try to accommodate. Remember for the Lidl Magical Rink, Big Top shows and Giant Wheel a companion can go FREE with every registered disabled visitor. (See Ticketing and Concessions – above)
There is no ride-wide policy for the suitability of the fairground (token) rides for those with disabilities. This is due to variant conditions - e.g. unfavourable weather, the type of ride – and the nature of the disability, as some rides will require more support than others. The individual ride operator on the day will determine whether the ride is suitable, for safety reasons, and how they will grant admission.
WHAT PARKING FACILITIES ARE THERE?
Pay and display parking is available at Grosvenor Gate, Cumberland Gate and Alexandra Gate. This is free for Blue Badge holders for 4 hours and £2.40 an hour for all others. See the Royal Parks website for more information www.royalparks.org.uk or call them on 020 7298 2000. The location of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City Of Westminster website at www.westminster.gov.uk or call them on 020 7641 6000
WHAT ABOUT TOILET FACILITIES?
Disabled toilet facilities are available near the Black Hole ride, opposite Santa Land and at the permanent park toilets near the bandstand. See our event map for locations www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/map
6. SAFETY AT WINTER WONDERLAND
CAN CHILDREN BE UNACCOMPANIED?
At Winter Wonderland we class a child as 12 and under and an adult as aged 18 and over. Whilst the site is suitable for children of all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No children will be admitted to the event unless accompanied by an adult. Whilst in the park, children must remain under the supervision or control of an adult at all times and the site and attraction managers reserve the right to determine the ratio of adults in relation to children required for adequate supervision. Please see our Terms and Conditions www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/T&Cs for more details.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS TOO WINTERY AT WINTER WONDERLAND?
Winter Wonderland is an outdoor event so make sure you dress appropriately as we open in rain, snow or shine! There are over 1000 covered seats in multiple seating areas across the site, providing warmth and shelter in varying degrees of enclosure - some of which are heated. There are also many benches throughout the site for you to rest your legs whilst soaking up the festive spirit! The Lidl Magical Rink operates in all weather conditions and no refunds will be given due to inclement weather. In the unlikely event that ticketed events are closed, alternative sessions will be offered subject to availability. Please see our Terms and Conditions www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/T&Cs for more details.
ICE RINK ADVISORY?
Ice skating can be hazardous. The use of the Lidl Magical Rink is entirely at your own risk. Winter Wonderland is not responsible for any injuries arising from your use of the ice rink. Skaters must follow the instructions of the marshals at all times. The Rink Manager reserves the right to remove those deemed as a risk to the safety of others. The Ice Rink operates in all conditions – please bring suitable clothing as no refunds will be given due to inclement weather. Each child must remain under the control or supervision of an adult at all times and the Rink Manager reserves the right to determine the ratio of adults in relation to children required for adequate supervision. Please see our Terms and Conditions www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/T&Cs for more details.
7. SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
Visitors are strongly encouraged to travel to Winter Wonderland on foot, bike or by public transport. Please see our Travel page www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/travel for details on how to find us. Winter Wonderland will provide suitable facilities for visitors, traders and operators to recycle their waste and all site waste will be sorted off site to divide out recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Cooking oil will be recycled as bio-fuel. Power, lighting and water usage is kept to a minimum by careful planning. Traders and operators will be encouraged to procure products from sustainable sources where possible and the vast majority of the Winter Wonderland infrastructure is permanent or is re-used year after year. Winter Wonderland uses local staff and crew where possible and encourages traders and operators to do the same.
And finally...
IS FATHER CHRISTMAS AT WINTER WONDERLAND REAL?!
Why not come and ask him yourself! And don’t forget to say hello to all his magical elves too. We hope you’ve been very VERY good this year... |
