As the calendar rolls over to December, the atmosphere develops a bubbling air of excitement as we move towards Christmas. It has always been my favourite time of year. The streetscape changes in my neighbourhood as lights begin to flicker along verandas and “Santa Please Stop Here!” signs appear in gardens. If only we lived in a storybook village where carols were sung outside our windows every night too – everything would be perfect then!
For the past couple of years, my daughter’s best friend has flown to Melbourne just before Christmas each year to visit Santa’s Magical Kingdom which they have raved about. With December being the busiest time for year for us teachers, I have made excuses every time Miss N has asked if we could go too. Imagine my delight when earlier this year it was announced that Santa’s Magical Kingdom was coming to Sydney!
We headed to Homebush last weekend for the opening session of Santa’s Magical Kingdom. I didn’t know what to expect. The kids had visions of Disneyland so were initially a little perplexed when we headed into one of the Showground halls. The line was long BUT we walked through the doors exactly on 10.00 am – the time on our ticket.
There is a lot going on when you walk in to Santa’s Magical Kingdom. We could see lots of rides, an iceskating rink to our right, a snow walk straight ahead and lots and lots of lights. What we didn’t have was a map, something the organisers should perhaps consider, so we let the kids take the lead and we followed them.
Our first stop was the ice skating rink which was a lot less busy than I expected. The elves handed out skates in desired sizes and provided penguins to those who found independent skating a little difficult. Parents were provided special socks to put over their shoes so they could join any child needing a hand. I should mention that the rink, although looking and working much like your typical rink, isn’t actually made of ice but some type of plastic which doesn’t melt. Master R loved it and found it easier to skate on. We spent a good 30+ minutes watching the kids skate here.
Next stop – the carnival rides. Miss N was very impressed with her options which included The Crazy Roller Coaster, Cliff Hanger, Pirate Ship, Tea Cups, Star Stream, Fun House Maze, Groovy Bus, Antique Wave Swinger, Fun Slide, Medium Size Santa Sleigh Slide. She’s a real dare devil and chose the Roller Coaster (yes, a real roller coaster!) and the Cliff Hanger. Be warned – they are super scary. The Cliff Hanger flies the kids around in a huge loop like Superman. They are buckled in on their tummies. As the ride started I actually screamed “I can’t watch!” and hid behind T as Miss N whirled around and around. Motherhood has certainly changed my perspective on these things. When it finished, Miss N asked if she could go again. With the line filling she quickly moved on to the roller coaster then the slide. Be warned – if your kidlet is under 130cm they MUST be accompanied by an adult on every ride.
Half way through our session, the International Christmas Spectacular Show began. It’s a 30 minute circus show featuring trapeze acts, jugglers, illusions and more. It also features a lip syncing Santa Claus which has the younger kids screaming in excitement. I did have trouble keeping my kids engaged when they knew the rides were outside, but in fairness, they have seen quite a number of circus performances.
It was time for Snowland. Mention snow and my kids go silly. Whilst it isn’t real, it didn’t fail to delight. Miss N even met the Original Snow Princess which put a pretty huge smile on her face and helped to get her in the mood for gingerbread decorating! There is no count on how many times you create a gingerbread man so if your kids love them, you could go back a few times over the course of your visit.
We only scratched the surface of what is on offer at Santa’s Magical Kingdom. You will also find a LEGO Brick Zone, Mrs Claus Storytime, a craft village, and of course, a visit with Santa.
I think Santa’s Magical Kingdom is best suited to children 7 years and under, although it could be enjoyed by older kids who would enjoy the rides. It can be experienced daily from now until 24 December, 2015. Tickets are available directly from ticket master from $35.00 each.
Thank you to Santa’s Magical Kingdom for the provision of a family pass so we could review the experience.
Wow. That is on magical Christmas land. 🙂
Overall a dissapointing experience 🙁 I was there today for the 2pm session. Half of the staff looked like they were over it all…… yes – it was a hot day…. but I paid for this event and it’s not a cheap day out for a family!!! The event was advertised as airconditioned venue and that it should comfortable in there despite the heat…. not quite the case…. as reflected in most of the staff working there.
The only highlight was the circus show…. the rest…..not quitea santa’s magical kingdom as promised!
My other main complaint is that kids safety is not a main priority with the jumping castle today. One little girl was allowed to go into the jumping castle with her boots on!! I pointed this out to the staff and she told me that she knows and that the little girl could not take off her boots! I told the staff my concern that the girl could easily step on another child with her boots or even worst accidentally kicking another child in the face while climbing the steps in the jumping castle. The staff just shrug her shoulder and ignore my concern. I am very surprised that all other kids have to take off their shoes before entering the jumping castle except for this one child! For safety reason, if this little girl cannot take off her boots, then she should not be allowed to enter the jumping castle! If injury/injuries happen to a child in that jumping castle, I sure hope that this particular staff, the company and the parents of that little girl is held responsible!
Oh gosh Margie, that doesn’t sound like a great experience at all and quite the contrast to the session we attended (although the circus seems to be consistently good).
Did your kids get to go on many rides?