Santas Magical Kingdom at The Hop Farm, Kent Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“I went along with my two children, 3 and 5 and we...”
Written on: 26/12/2010
I went along with my two children, 3 and 5 and we absolutely loved it!
We saw a fantastic 4D film which both children were fascinated by, then led into a forest area which was very lovely and scenic. Here we met the snow queen who was friendly and beautiful! I am shocked by the 'hunchback' comment, she was more 6 foot blonde beauty than quasi modo!
We then saw some reindeer and wrote a letter to father christmas and all of the elves were incredibly friendly and accomodating. After this...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Taking my two children (aged 4 and 2) on Christmas eve...”
Written on: 24/12/2010
Taking my two children (aged 4 and 2) on Christmas eve was a brilliant idea. From the 4D film right through to the reindeer, the post office, craft workshop and seeing Santa himself the children couldn't stop smiling. The staff were very enthusiastic and willing to go out of their way to get the children in the Christmas spirit. A big improvement from last year, and I will most definitely be taking them again next year. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Well, I can see there is a mixed view of the...”
Written on: 23/12/2010
Well, I can see there is a mixed view of the attraction this year. I wasn't going to leave a review but I felt the improvements on the attraction this year needed to be given some credit. I took my two children Jamie and Amber last year with a friend and I have to say it wasn't brilliant. However, after careful persuasion we went again this year and i'm really pleased we did. The attraction is much bigger and the entrance is brilliant, it's a snow covered Christmas tree path and the children... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“2010 Magical Kingdom was £35 per person and only half...”
Written on: 13/12/2010
2010 Magical Kingdom was £35 per person and only half the size of last years. Last year we had a ride on a tractor/trailer to the venue and the attraction was many times better and bigger than this year. Last year a great circus performance after the kingdom and childrens rides made a really fantastic day out. But this year no circus, all the rides closed (except one). Even the childrens playground was closed off. I was not even allowed to take my children to see the shire horses. ... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“WAS looking too go with my family but unfortunately...”
Written on: 11/12/2010
WAS looking too go with my family but unfortunately the price is out of our budget,they obviously are very busy as no coupons or discounts are available. A shame really as I would have loved to take our kids but i cant justify £150 for a day out without travel expenses and food. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Having read these reviews before setting off to the...”
Written on: 04/12/2010
Having read these reviews before setting off to the magical kingdom i had high expectations. However, poor organisation, awful catering and a terrible performance by 'Mrs Claus' made it an overall disappointing and expensive day. The elves were very good and made an effort with the children but Father Christmas had hardly anything to say and didn't engage with the children much. Very overpriced for the experience. (read more)
★★★★★
“I took my two daughters and four grandchildren...”
Written on: 26/11/2010 by minximum (1 review written)
I took my two daughters and four grandchildren (ranging from 4 years to 14 years) to see Father Christmas. We all enjoyed the tour around the kingdom seeing polar bears that breath and all the other magical sites. Having real reindeer was especially good. It took us nearly two hours to see everything properly. When we got to Father Christmas's room it was a beautiful warm setting. Father Christmas was very chatty and we didn't feel rushed through. Altogether a lovely place to see Father... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Kids loved the experience but definately NOT worth the...”
Written on: 22/11/2010
Kids loved the experience but definately NOT worth the money and cannot justify the cost at all. I think that £10 per person would have been more than reasonable for what it was. The wholw idea of it all was very good but way over priced (read more)
★★★★☆
“We had a fabulous time at Santa's Magical Kingdom....”
Written on: 19/11/2010
We had a fabulous time at Santa's Magical Kingdom. Great from the moment we stepped into the walkway of firs and snow and were greeted by the elves. My 9 year-old daughter especially loved the 4D cinema - think 3D plus real bubbles, lovely smells etc; the craft room and real reindeer. Father Christmas was very sweet old man, looked like a real Father Xmas 100%. Loads to do outside the Kingdom itself too - also included in the price the 3D goblin adventure, magic tricks, driving school etc... (read more)
★★★★☆
“We visited Santa's Magical Kingdom at the weekend and...”
Written on: 16/11/2010 by Michelle Twin Mum (1 review written)
We visited Santa's Magical Kingdom at the weekend and I have written a full review on my blog - take a look -
http://mdplife.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-santas-magical-kingdom.html
Thanks, Michelle
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“Well what more could I say about this truly...”
Written on: 16/11/2010
Well what more could I say about this truly spectacular experience. It was a fun filled time which left us with many happy memories. From the moment we stepped into the Kingdom we were wowed by the moving animals the lights and snow.
As we got into the experience our excitement continued especially after going into the awesome 4D cinema, we've never seen a show like it where everything was moving right in front of our very eyes!
The whole adventure was a mystical and fun filled...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Great fun and our children (aged 3 and 4) absolutely...”
Written on: 16/11/2010
Great fun and our children (aged 3 and 4) absolutely loved it especially seeing Father Christmas. A great family outing and the 4d film was excellent. (read more)
★★★★★
“The whole experience was very positive, the children...”
Written on: 15/11/2010
The whole experience was very positive, the children found it magical. i think that we would have loved to have used the fair ground activities more if we had been aware at the begining that they were open for use. The characters are all very engaging and friendly. The general staff were welcoming and pleasant. i think i felt i didnt know were to go at the beginging but that is a minor thing. Overall the experience was very positive. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Perfect for children from about 3 years to 14. (plus...”
Written on: 13/11/2010
Perfect for children from about 3 years to 14. (plus what adult would not enjoy naughty elves, a joyful mother christmas and the amazing man himself!)
My two kiddies were so excited, from the moment we walked through the snow covered trees to the individual chat with Santa. I enjoyed everything, but then I am such a kid myself. Best parts being the sweet shop and the singing Yeti. The only down side was a little more insulation required between rooms. I have already recommended several...
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Too expensive for a family! The 3-D film was...”
Written on: 13/11/2010
Too expensive for a family! The 3-D film was brilliant and the kids loved it! The attractions outside were very good especially the cars! Father Christmas was excellent but I can't say the same about Mother Christmas and the elf's routine. Unfortunately at times it seemed a bit disorganised and there was a long wait in some places. (read more)
★★★★★
“Father Christmas was superb. The children loved him...”
Written on: 12/11/2010
Father Christmas was superb. The children loved him and the whole experience. Thank you. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I thought the setting was beautiful, really magical....”
Written on: 12/11/2010
I thought the setting was beautiful, really magical. The film was brilliant and Father Christmas was good and the elves were friendly (I liked how most of them got down to the children's level to engage with them). I thought Mother Christmas and the magical elf with her need to work on their routine as the story was a little boring and the magic was not very good -perhaps some singing would be better especially as the elf there was so good with his accordian! The presents given out were... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Overall very good. Father Xmas - the most important...”
Written on: 12/11/2010
Overall very good. Father Xmas - the most important bit for my kids - was excellent.
However, it would be good to vary the crafts from last year, to make the experience feel 'new'. Likewise, Santa's cuddly toy could be different - my three year old daughter noticed it was very close to the one she was given last year.
The film was much better than last year's puppet show - though we missed seeing the circus which was superb!
(read more)
Santasmagicalkingdom's Comment
Written on: 12/11/2010
Hi,
<br/>
<br/>Thank you for submitting your comment about Santa's Magical Kingdom. We are pleased you liked the attraction and appreciate all feedback. Both the crafts and the presents have been changed from last year. At Santa's Magical Kingdom we like to offer families a new experience each year and I am sorry you felt these were still similar.
<br/>
<br/>Many thanks
<br/>
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“Very enjoyable experience, will definitely recommend...”
Written on: 12/11/2010
Very enjoyable experience, will definitely recommend to friends/family. I think it is perfect for the age group up to 7 years old. Bit confusing at the beginning as we were booked in as a group, wasn't sure at the entrance if we all had to meet there to enter as a group and be taken to the kingdom by a elf? My son loved the film a the beginning, that was spot on. We enjoyed the golden ticket, very good idea with the letter writing and the chimney that was my favourite!!! also the note... (read more)
Santasmagicalkingdom's Comment
Written on: 12/11/2010
Hi,
<br/>
<br/>I work for The Hop Farm and Santa's Magical Kingdom and I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write a review about our attraction. We are really pleased that you enjoyed yourself and like the new experience. The rides you mentioned are included in the ticket price and can be used before and after the experience and this will be made clearer to visitors arriving in future. The point you raise about waiting for Santa has already been noted and the system tweaked slightly so that it wont happen again.
<br/>
<br/>Many thanks
<br/>Kate
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“The kids really loved it! ”
Written on: 12/11/2010
The kids really loved it!
Sparky (?) the magician elf was really good. The kids were completely mesmerized by his dog puppet and magic. The reindeer were very sweet (although a little sleepy) and Santa was fantastic - his speech was gentle and kind (even my daughter, who is a little suspicious of Santa, spoke with him). The elves along the way were also very good at getting the children excited and interested.
We felt the weakest link was Mrs Christmas - her story was a little dull, she...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“Excellent day out. Although we had a crisp November...”
Written on: 17/01/2010
Excellent day out. Although we had a crisp November day with blue sky day (which helped) we were at Hop Farm from the time the doors opened until they closed. We were all fully entertained both indoors and outdoors, all day plus we didn't stop for lunch, only a coffee break at outdoor park area (which the coffee could be inproved and rather overpriced).
However, the Santaland itself was very well organised, it was not rushed and the time with Santa was excellent. I would definately...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I have visited the Hop Farm With my family since my...”
Written on: 05/01/2010
I have visited the Hop Farm With my family since my first child was a toddler so have been on and off for the last 12 years... up until now that is, the Hop Farm is a joke it has gone from being a great day out to a ridiculously bad rip off offering nothing for young families...
Honestly it is actually quite sad to see a once nice visitor attraction turn into this, especially as a local with enjoyable memories of the place. It is now a shambles, dirty, poorly run and unnattractive, miserable...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Well if you thought it could be any worse you would be...”
Written on: 20/12/2009
Well if you thought it could be any worse you would be right. Most of the attraction now shut because of the Snow! What we got was perhaps the worst christmas experience of my life - Santa didnt even hand our kids the present - It was given out in the queue and not even wrapped. Friends had already been and said it was a total rip-off - We went (having already booked) hoping to prove them wrong - Sadly they were right - Simply DO NOT GO. Badly done Badly organised Plain BAD (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“If no stars was an option it would have been too many,...”
Written on: 15/12/2009 by karin langley (1 review written)
If no stars was an option it would have been too many, this place needs minus scores!
Absolutely awful, tired old muddy field, and the 'magical kingdom' in a windy, waterlogged tent. Outrageously expensive for what they are offering. You can see the little electronic elves free in the Glades shopping centre.
Sorry, but there is no way these positive reviews are genuine- just drive to the car park and make your own minds up before paying decent money to go in.Tatty, tacky rubbish.
(read more)
★★★★★
“We went to Santa's Magical Kingdom on 3rd Dec and had...”
Written on: 09/12/2009
We went to Santa's Magical Kingdom on 3rd Dec and had a fantastic day out. The animatronic characters and scenery were very well done and made the whole event very festive. The elves that greeted us all the way around the attraction were great especially Nelf and Rolo who spent a good 10 mins chasing my two children (8 & 6) around in a game of "it". Visting Santa was not at all rushed and he took plenty of time to talk to the kids. Their expression's were great when the presents dropped down... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Its quite simply awful. The experience is basically...”
Written on: 07/12/2009
Its quite simply awful. The experience is basically little different from walking along extremely cheap fairground scenery in a big top tent in very low lighting - your camera flash soon exposes the reality of the experience. £10 for the experience would be too much. The actors did their best, but its lame to be honest. I travelled 45 mins by car and still felt that this was 30 mins too long. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Santas Magical Kingdom was truely a magical day out....”
Written on: 07/12/2009
Santas Magical Kingdom was truely a magical day out. The elves that greet you throughout the day at each section are brilliant with them even entertaining the children with a sing a long of christmas songs whilst waiting to see Santa. There was lots of nice touches with the childrens letter going up the chimney and presents falling from the chimney when seeing Santa. The santa talked to the children and was great, did not get the feeling of being on a conveyer belt as you can get when... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Surprised at the other reviews! ”
Written on: 02/12/2009
Surprised at the other reviews!
Some people are easily pleased.My Wife,Myself and most importanly my four
year old son thought this to be the most disappointing attraction of the
dozens we have visited.
How anyone can compare to disneyland is laughable, it is amazingly
about the same price.
Do yourself a favour and go to your local garden centre to see Santa
and save £70. In no way,shape or form is this good value for money.
My Son at Four years old is quite aware of the difference...
(read more)
★★★★★
“santas magical kingdom, is just that MAGICAL, children...”
Written on: 28/11/2009
santas magical kingdom, is just that MAGICAL, children loved everything about it, theres just so much to do,the magical kingdom is on the same scale as disney,its stunning. (read more)
★★★★★
“Visited Santa's Magical Kingdom at the Hop Farm on...”
Written on: 21/11/2009
Visited Santa's Magical Kingdom at the Hop Farm on 21/11/09 and had an absolutely wonderful day. 4 adults & 3 children we spent all day there and didn't manage to do everything on offer. The Magic Kingdom was fantastic really child friendly and well thought out with so much to see and do. Our 3 loved writing their letters to Santa and seeing them go up the chimney, we saw Mrs Claus, reindeer, a puppet show and really enthusiastic elves two of whom entertained us with an impromtu sing song.... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“Me and my 5 year old son visited Santa's Magical...”
Written on: 19/11/2009
Me and my 5 year old son visited Santa's Magical kingdom at the Hop Farm on Sunday the 15th of November. And i just want to say what a fantastic time we had! I don't understand why the comment above says it's not christmasy? It's christmas from start to finish? was this reviewer blind? I also want to congratulate the two boys in the puppet area, they were fantastic and my son now wants to go back to see them! Thanks again guys for a brilliant day! Can't wait to come back next year.
Matthew...
(read more)
★★★★★
“go to santas magical kingdom at the hop farm, i went...”
Written on: 17/11/2009
go to santas magical kingdom at the hop farm, i went on sunday with my 7 year old and she loved it she is still talking about it now, she could,nt take it all in, it was beautiful, santa was brilliant, the elfs are great, the circus was fantastic, we had so much fun, i would recommend it to anyone, i don,t want to say to much though because it will spoil it, it was just realy worth going, just to see the childrens faces. (read more)
★★★★★
“Have just spent a thoroughly enjoyable day at the new...”
Written on: 16/11/2009 by geoffb2 (1 review written)
Have just spent a thoroughly enjoyable day at the new Winter Wonderland at The Hop Farm near Paddock Wood in Kent. We had considered taking our twin 2.5 year olds to Lapland UK which is even closer to us but at more than 3 times the price, decided against it. The Hop Farm tickets are £25 per person and great value. The day didn't look too good with 80+mph winds and torrential downpours but we had booked ahead so went anyway. Almost all of the attractions are under cover so weather not really... (read more)
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Santasmagicalkingdom's Comment
Written on: 14/12/2010
Hi Scott,
<br/>
<br/>Thank you for your comments.
<br/>
<br/>I'm sorry you felt the attraction was smaller, Santa's Magical Kingdom has been redesigned for 2010 and this year actually covers a much bigger site, with more areas for families to enjoy. We like to offer families something different each year, which is why the train ride was replaced with a longer snow covered Christmas tree entrance which leads to a secret door, along the way children are given baubles to decorate the trees with. In keeping with this the circus show was replaced with a 4D cinema and interactive ice walkway, which has proved very popular among families. The Hop Farm attraction, which includes the outdoor play area and animal farm, is closed throughout the winter as it was in 2009 and has never been advertised to be open during the Santa's Magical Kingdom event.
<br/>
<br/>We have however opened a small number of rides which are free to Santa's Magical Kingdom visitors, unlike last year, including the carousel, magic factory, driving school, roundabout and train, which are available all day. I am again very sorry you feel the price is not justified, especially as there is more on offer to families this year.
<br/>
<br/>I hope this has answered some of the points you have raised. We value your personal opinion and like all potential visitors to be given a first hand, honest view of the attraction.
<br/>