Yesterday we went to Barton Square at intu Trafford Centre in Manchester, to visit this year's Christmas Santa's grotto. For 2016 the grotto has been turned into The Polar Expedition, and Santa is accompanied by lots of friendly Eskimo Elves.
The staff at the grotto were fabulous, I really couldn't ever ask for more. We apologised for being so late and asked if it was possible to fit us in. Were made to feel completely welcomed and offered a glass of water for our 8 year old. A rearranged visit was absolutely fine as they weren't full, and in fact there were 4 spaces 20 minutes later. They couldn't possibly have known at that point that I was a reviewer, and all of the Eskimo Elves even stayed in character throughout! Simply awesome, truly what Christmas is about. Thank you.
When you enter, you are in a Reindeer Stable with school benches to sit on, while the very talented Elf 'Sherry Trifle' introduces us to a baby reindeer, Norbert, and we find out his special secret. My boys were well into it, all the children sung their hearts out. The more the merrier for this part of the experience I think.
After a quick singsong and once we've said 'Goodbye' to Norbert, it's a short walk past some nicely realised animatronics, until you reach the really very impressive VR polar ice cap.
Everyone in the area is shown on the large screen, alongside projected live animals. My 6 year old loved it and was the first to walk forward to tickle the virtual polar bear. Then it's off to see Santa, who was marvellous! He really was very lovely and warm, with a big booming voice, and even though my boys have moderately unusual names, the Eskimo Elves seamlessly introduced them.
Our photo with Santa was really nice, and my 8 year old really, really wanted a bauble. On it's own that's £10, but we actually bought a print to display too, at £15 for both. That's a fairly standard price, and while I always feel it's harsh to make you pay for a photograph, there are a nice selection of options.
Overall I think intu Trafford Centre's The Polar Expedition grotto represents good value for money. It's unusual for adults to have to pay for a grotto, but I feel in this case justified as you can only take limited numbers at one time. The present is excellent quality, and the VR experience is very different and memorable for everyone.
The staff were who made it fabulous though. In character, but no annoying voices or silliness, just genuine warmth and attentiveness. Gorgeous costumes, and a great set which completely took in my 6 year old, all together it made for a very immersive and magical experience.
Our visit to The Polar Experience was free for review. Please be prompt when arriving as when the grotto is busy it will not be possible to give you an alternative time slot - we had luck on our side.
oh wow this looks so amazing, just love the photo of the Orca whale! I do nearly all my Christmas shopping online but before the end of November every year I travel to somewhere new in the UK for a shopping weekend but it's mainly just for me to get excited & see all the Christmas lights!
I'm so pleased you finally had a good time, you deserved it after what you went through to get there!