One of our favourite Christmas traditions is visiting Alton Towers each year for Santa’s Sleepover. This is a tradition that we have enjoyed for almost 20 years now and over those years we have seen the
Alton Towers Resort change and evolve with new activities added each year. This year we enjoyed a breakfast with Santa for the first time.
Usually we visit Santa on our first day over at CBeebies land in the theme park and whilst this is still an option we were staying in an Arctic Explorer room so had the chance to have breakfast with Santa instead.
Breakfast was booked for us at 9:15am on the day of our departure. There were two sittings, one at 7:30am and one at 9:15am. I can’t say how busy the 7:30 sitting was but the later one was extremely busy in fact it was full and we did see a very disappointed family who had obviously booked but there was no room for them.
If you have enjoyed breakfast at the Alton Towers hotel before in the secret garden well the Breakfast with Santa is just next door in the Emperors Suite. We were advised to arrive at 10 minutes early and even by this time the waiting area was full.
When the doors opened there was a stampede to get through the door and find a table however there was no need as we had all been allocated a table already.
We were given a table for four and I will say it was a squeeze. Not only was the table of four small but we were packed in between other tables and it just felt a little overcrowded. Having said that little J didn’t seem to mind and was quite happy tucking in to the pastries that were on the table already.
Once everyone was seated we were welcomed by Sir Algenon who is the explorer mentioned throughout Alton Towers. He told us of a time when he met Mrs Claus and then suddenly she arrived. She had prepared a lovely breakfast for us all but before it was time to eat we had to help decorate the tree. Some of the tables had tinsel on and some had presents. We had a present and little J took the present down to the front and placed it under the tree while Mrs Claus and the elves sang a very upbeat and happy song.
Then a special visitor arrived down the chimney - Father Christmas. He was sat throughout the breakfast by the tree so you could visit him, have a photo taken and receive a gift. Mrs Claus and the elves were happy to have their photos taken too.
Once the buffet opened everyone was on their feet to get some food. It was about 9:50am by this time so I can imagine there were quite a few hungry tummies by this time.
The selection of breakfast was just as you would expect. Cereals, fruit and pastries then hot food such as sausage, egg and beans.
There was plenty of food and it stayed available throughout right until it was time to go.
When it was little J's turn to see Santa he went very shy as usual but Santa was great and chatted to him before posing for a photo and then giving little J a gift. He received a cute elephant hand puppet.
Once everyone had finished their food and had their photo with Santa it was time for him to return to the North Pole to prepare for the big day. He sang a lovely duet of ‘Its the most wonderful time of the year’ with Mrs Claus as they made their way through the tables and towards the exit.
Little J really enjoyed the breakfast and was entertained throughout.
What We Loved
A nice addition to the Santa’s Sleepover experience.
It was something we hadn’t experienced before so was good to try something new.
The room and tables were decorated perfectly for the festive season.
Great selection of food and drinks available throughout.
Chance to meet Santa and receive a nice gift.
What Could Improve
The number of people in the room. The room was overcrowded.
There was no professional photograph with Santa as promised. We had to take our own.
The gifts were not wrapped and were not as good as previous years of seeing Santa at the resort.
Overall it was a nice experience for little J and I think we would definitely book again if it is an option next year.
Michelle
