Christmas is on track
A VISIT to see Santa and a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine trains – it was like all my son Jacob’s Christmases had come at once. eaters in your family there would be something they would like.
Once in the theme park the scene was set with a train ride pulled by little green engine Percy.
This took us to see the reindeers who were happily munching away in readiness for their big job for Santa on Christmas Eve.
We were told all about the animals – what they eat, what their natural habitat is like – and it whet our appetites for a visit to the park’s zoo.
There is quite a range – big cats including a tiger, black leopard and lynx, then there are kangaroos, reptiles, monkeys and birds.
We liked the parrots who called “hello” as we came near. At one point four parrots were all calling to Jacob, which made him laugh. Next it was time to try out the rides. Amber spotted the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster for her brother. Jacob was the right height for it, but as is often the way with little ones, he was dead against it.
After walking in through the ride entrance he turned on his heels and came marching back out.
Luckily, Mark and Amber did enjoy it and ended up riding the roller coaster four times.
Not all of the park was open because November and December are out of season but there was still lots to see and do.
Slippery
Indoors there was a Slide and Glide ice rink. If you have seen the scene in Bambi where the fawn ventures on to the slippery surface you will get the picture. Then Ma Mark and Amber went in to T The Polar Express 4D cinem cinema experience. Th The film is a Christmas class classic that they both like and they came out saying t he 15- minute 4D vers version was “brilliant”. D During our day in the par park we spent most tim time in Thomas Land. W What a fab place this is. Jacob felt confident enough to go on most of the rides and Amber was happy to give them a try with him. There are about 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land with all the favourite characters.
You can ride Bertie Bus, fly in Harold’s Helicopter Tours, operate Cranky the Crane, and drive one of Sodor’s classic cars.
Jacob loved the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster which was just the right side of terrifying and prompted some excited screams.
My highlight was singing Let It Snow with the Fat Controller and his Fungineer friends, much to the embarrassment of Amber.
Then it was time to visit Father Christmas. Jacob was very excited as we entered the Castle of Dreams.
An elf guided us to a door, and as we walked in Jacob said: “Hello Father Christmas.” I always get a bit emotional whenever my children do anything like this. The school nativity has me weeping like a baby.
Jacob sat next to Santa and, after a chat, told him he was not quite sure what he wanted for Christmas – could he let him know later?
And to finish the day we watched a brilliant firework display over the lake. Our day at Drayton really was a great early Christmas present. FACTFILE Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas is on selected dates this month. Prices with Santa visit: adult £22, children £17, two-to-threes £12, under-twos free. See draytonmanor. co.uk to book or call 0844 472 1950.