What To Expect When Visiting Gulliver's World, Warrington

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Disclosure - This post was last updated July 2023 

When we talk of theme parks we always think of Alton Towers or Blackpool Pleasure Beach as they are probably the closest to us. We always seem to forget Gulliver's World which is a shame as it's only less than 30 minutes away from us and it's a great park with lots of rides for all ages including a brand new land Gulliver's Gears and two brand new rides Grand Prix Racers and Overdrive. The theme park is reasonably priced and would make a perfect day out this Summer.

Gulliver's World, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 9YZ

Gulliver's World is easily accessible by car, train, bike and unlike most theme parks parking is free. Gulliver's World boasts more than 25 rides in 9 different themed lands with almost half the rides suitable for families with children under 90cm when riding with an adult. As well as family rides there are a few perfect for thrill seekers too. Gulliver's World also has lots of themed play areas which are perfect for little ones to pass the time if they don't want to go on certain rides.

Entering The Park

Tickets can be booked online and if so you will receive a discount on your admission price. Tickets are priced as adults and children, senior, children under 90cm are free and then there is a concession rate too. 

To receive the best price you are advised to book at least 2 days in advance. 

The Rides

Like I said earlier most of the rides at Gulliver's World are suitable for younger children and up. There are a small selection of thrill rides which is good if you are visiting with siblings, family or friends of different ages. There is something for everyone and makes for a lovely family day out. 

Although it's not actually a circle when entering the park if you can imagine entering the park at the top of the circle and you can choose to go clockwise or anti clockwise. You will see everything this way. We always go clockwise and it ensures we see all the attractions and rides. 

The themed areas begin with Wonderland to the left as you enter the park. Here you can enjoy Veteran Cars and The Mad Hatter's Tea Party. There is also a play area and a maze too. 

Continuing clockwise you will reach Western World. Here there is another huge play area themed around the wild west. A water ride call Apache Falls, a drop tower ride called Desperado Drop and Billy Bob's Bi Planes. 

Next you will reach Gully's Cartoon Studios. The Wriggler, Gully's Grand Prix and Ellie's Animal Merry Go Round are all situated in Gully's Cartoon Studios and suitable for younger guests.

Smugglers Wharf was one of our favourites areas as it features the parks wooden rollercoaster, The Antelope. You can also head to Smugglers Boating School to drive your own boat, hop on board the pirate ship or the spinning pirate ship Pirates Cove. There is also a play area here too. 

Lilliput Land has old school rides such as the carousel and dodgems. It also has a walk through haunted house. 

Gulliver's Gears in the newest land and is themed around race cars. Both rides Grand Prix Racers and Overdrive are not suited for those under 100cm for Grand Prix Racers and under 120cm for Overdrive. A nice land with old fashioned pedal cars mixed in and a play area too.

Discovery World has the classic ride The Log Flume and also a Tractor themed ride. 

The Lost World is theme around Dinosaurs. As you walk you may spot dinosaurs hidden amongst the trees and bushes. Flight of the Pteranodon, Hatchery and Dino Safari Tours are perfect for dinosaur fans and if you want to grab some great views of the theme park head to the Sky Tours Observation Tower.

Last you will head in to Safari Kingdom which is home to water slide Togo Tower, Adventure Canyon, Temple Raider, Jeep Safari and Tree Top Swings. Here there is also another play area and also a mini golf course which is included in your admission.

Entertainment

There is plenty of entertainment at Gulliver's World. Make sure you check out the entertainment timetable online or at the park so you don't miss out. This is just a sample of what type of entertainment is on offer.

10:00 am - Rise and Shine Concert (Magical Main Stage)

11:00 am - Gilly Tot's Bubble Fun (Magical Main Stage)

11:30 am - Meet Elmer (Magical Main Stage )

1:00 pm - Buddy's Pirate Adventure (The Starlight Theatre )

2:00 pm - Gulliver's Royal Crowning (Lilliput Castle )

2:30 pm - Meet the Clangers! (The Starlight Theatre)

3:00 pm - Glittermixers Character Concert (The Starlight Theatre)

3:30 pm - Meet Elmer (Magical Main Stage )

5:00 pm - See You Soon Show (Magical Main Stage)

Food and Drink

Gully's Grill at Gully's Cartoon Studios serves burgers, hotdogs and fries. There is space to eat inside or out and there is also a large indoor soft play area for children. 

Costa Coffee situated in Lilliput land offering hot and cold drinks and a selection of snacks. 

Big G Diner at the entrance has a variety of savoury snacks and some festive specials!

Diamond Lil's at Western World serves up hot dogs, pizzas and selected festive favourites.

There is also lots of places to buy drinks, sweet treats and ice cream throughout the theme park.

Special Events

Throughout the year Gulliver's World offers visitors to enjoy a whole range of special events or discounted entry days or weekends. We have visited on many of the special events over the years including Grandparents weekend, Food donation weekend where admission was hugely discounted if you brought a food bank donation and our favourite, Christmas at Gulliver's.

There is still lots to enjoy for the rest of year so if you are looking for something extra special then check out these events. 

Come and See Elmer at Gulliver's World

23rd Jul-4th Sep 2023

Fireworks Finale

2nd September 2023

Jamboree Weekend

16th-17th September 2023

Grandparents' Weekend

30th Sep-1st Oct 2023

Fright Fiesta

14th Oct-3rd Nov 2023

Fireworks Spectacular

5th November 2023

Christmas at Gulliver's

Staying Over

You can now extend your Gulliver's World fun by enjoying a stay at Gulliver’s Hotel and Lodgings. There is a selection of contemporary hotel suites, glamping tents, lodges, dens and cabins to choose from.

Gulliver's World is surrounded by woodlands and adjacent to Sankey Valley Park, providing you with a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Gulliver's World Theme Park is within walking distance of the accommodation, making it an ideal base for a family short break.

For more information on Gulliver's World, openings and to book visit Gulliver's World, Warrington.

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Michelle

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Mardi Gras At Alton Towers

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This post was last updated May 2023

The second of the six events this year at Alton Towers Resort is happening from 20th May to 18th June and it is Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday happens the day before Ash Wednesday or 47 days before Easter. It’s a carnival celebration which highlights and celebrates the last day of eating rich fatty food and therefore giving up a certain type of food for lent.

Alton Towers transform Towers Street into a carnival celebration with lots of themed stages reflecting different areas of the park. The main stage on the front lawn has entertainment throughout the day and you can watch from one of the many picnic benches. For those that would like to sample foods of the world 'food street' is also just under the walkway alongside the towers. You can enjoy a range of foods including our favourite King donut.

Whilst walking around the park be prepared to see stilt walkers, dancers, musicians and lots of other family themed entertainment.

The Mardi Gras celebrations are included in your ticket so you can enjoy everything Mardi Gras has to offer at no extra cost.

You will also find some Mardi Gras souvenirs in Tower Street shop including hats, beads and T-shirts.

Alton Towers can be so busy, rushing from ride to ride so it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided.

As I said earlier this is the second of six events happening at Alton Towers Resort this year. Next is in September when Alton Towers will be transformed for Oktoberfest. Prepare for spooks, chills and family fun in October when Alton Towers is transformed for Scarefest. Another personal favourite of ours is the fireworks display that happens in November and then a nice way to finish off the year is celebrating Christmas time at Alton Towers.

As well as Mardi Gras there are lots of new things to enjoy at Alton Towers Resort including David Walliams World featuring the Gangsta Granny Ride and the four Retro Squad Rides. 

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Michelle

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Visiting Disneyland Paris During Halloween Season

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Last Updated - September 2023 

Halloween season is lots of fun and even more special if you are heading to Disneyland Paris. We have always enjoyed visiting Disneyland Paris during Halloween and there are lots of tricks and treats to enjoy at the hotels and the parks to keep you busy. If you are planning a trip this Halloween season then I've gathered some information to make the most of your visit. 

What To Expect During Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival

Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival is back for 2023 and begins on the 1st October right up until 5th November. 

Disneyland Park

From the moment you head in to the park you will be greeted with pumpkins and Halloween decorations as they line the streets with tricks and treats ready to pop up anywhere to give you a spooky surprise.

Main Street is one of our favourite places to take photographs as it is always decorated perfectly for the Halloween season. There will be lots of Mickey pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls ready to be snapped. 

The decorations and music at Disneyland Paris really add to your whole experience and they do it so well.

What Characters Are In Disneyland Paris For Halloween?

Halloween brings out the villains and you will definitely spot a few of your favourites. Halloween season is the only time you can spot some of the villains so you won't want to miss them.

Maleficent will be lurking around Sleeping Beauty's Castle so make sure you check out Fantasyland.

If you fancy seeing Captain Hook head to Adventureland and look out for the Jolly Roger.

Also meet the Mischief Makers - Chip, Dale and Goofy.

Mickey's Halloween Celebration

Disneyland Paris wouldn't be the same without a parade and this Halloween join in with the Mischief Makers as they entertain you during Mickey's Halloween Celebration.

Nightfall With Disney Villains

As the sun sets, Disney Villains bewitch Sleeping Beauty Castle with projections, music and water fountains for a freakishly fun moment.

Hollywood Studios

From 1 October, evil villains and other mischievous characters are invading Studio Theatre for your goosebump-inducing pleasure. A screamingly good time awaits those courageous enough to spend time in the presence of these rebellious rapscallions.

The Tower Of Terror

Welcome to the dusty remnants of the once-glamourous Hollywood Tower Hotel. Going up? Hop inside the service elevator and discover the surprises that lie on the upper floors - we’re sure you’ll fall quickly for this old Hotel’s quirky charms. Oh, and make sure you strap in, you never know what can happen in a rickety old lift.

As well as all the spooky shenanigans you can enjoy all your favourite rides. 

Opening times and ride closures are updated on the Disneyland Paris website under plan your visit so make sure you check that out before your visit so you can plan your days. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways

Have you visited Disneyland Paris during Halloween season? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

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Michelle

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How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

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This post was updated September 2023

You all know we love Alton Towers. I have been visiting since I was a little girl and I love how the park has developed and expanded over the years just getting bigger and better every year. A few years ago Alton Towers announced lots of events that would happen over the year including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest and our personal favourite Scarefest. We often get asked how scary is Alton Towers Scarefest? What I love about Alton Towers is they cater for all ages and you can make it as family friendly or scary as you want as there is so much going on. 

What To Expect When Visiting Scarefest, Alton Towers 

Alton Towers really do get their spook on when it comes to the Halloween event and you can expect all kinds of tricks and treats. 

Open till 9pm every night you can experience your favourite rides in the dark, 4 scare mazes, family fun and new for 2023 Daz Games - Panic 

How Scary Is Scarefest At Alton Towers?

The park itself isn't scary however like I said early it can be as scary as you like with 4 scare mazes and new for 2023 Daz Games Panic. These chargeable attractions are not for the faint hearted, trust me I've done a few. Whilst they make you jump and scream (I did both) the actors inside these mazes don't touch you they are just there to give you a scare. 

What Is Daz Games - Panic?

This is a new attraction for 2023 and it claims it will take you on the first adrenaline-inducing escape room meets live action scare maze for the ultimate horror experience.

I do love an escape room however you are plunged into darkness and have just 7 minutes to complete a series of tests that will challenge the mind and body as you try to locate the symbols and escape…. all whilst evading capture from the inhabitants within.

Racing against the clock you'll have to think fast and stay calm as you take on an AI-themed assault of the senses… all before the game strikes back and traps you within. Forever

What Scare Mazes Are Available This Year?

New for 2023 - Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge

Rumours are afoot that the old Altonville Mines are alive with activity once again. Following a breakthrough from local law enforcers, the notorious Skin Snatchers have been detained...but for how long? The ironically named Tiny, however, has evaded capture and is believed to still reside within the Mines. Explore at your peril and risk the adventure, if you dare.

The Invitation 

The Lakeside Cemetery invites you to join them for a grave experience that will live with you for eternity. Their friendly funeral director is dying to assist you as you descend in to the burial chamber, where you can choose your final resting place. Some caskets have already been filled while others are empty, waiting for you. Recommended 12+

The Attic: Terror of the Towers 

In Alton people talk of the Governess – how she’s haunted by the death of young children. She wants revenge, and she will do it by seizing the spirits of the living in retribution. They say her ghost haunts The Attic and that’s where you’re headed. Recommended 12+

Darkest Depths

Enjoy some extra-spooky swashbuckling aboard ‘The Mutiny’, a notoriously spine-chilling ghost ship. You’ll truly earn your golden Piece of Eight by venturing into the darkest depths, avoiding the hazardous calls of the treacherous Sirens, dodging the swords of terrifyingly ghoulish pirate mutineers and coming face to face with the Kraken – the legendary monster of the seas! Recommended 12+

We have done a few scare attractions over the years with Altonville Mine Tours our most recent and I can confirm they are very scary.

How Much Are The Scare Mazes?

Each maze is chargeable and can be pre-booked online. 

Daz Games - Panic

£10 or £8 for Merlin Pass Holders

Altonville Mine Tours - Tiny's Revenge, The Invitation, The Attic: Terror of the Towers  and Darkest Depths

£34 for all 4 or £27.20 for Merlin Pass Holders. All 4 must be completed within 2 hours. 

I think on the day you can purchase single scare mazes as we have done that in the past.

What Attractions Are Suitable For All The Family?

Alton Towers do try to make it suitable for everyone and over the years we have seen new attractions introduced which make it a family friendly event too.

New for 2023 - Burial Grounds

Burial Grounds is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone shadowed by the mighty Wicker Man where you'll encounter the rejectors of modern-day society fulfilling their terrifying primal instincts.

Trick O'Treat Town

Suitable for all ages Trick O'Treat Town is an interactive walkthrough where you must pluck up the courage to knock on doors. The residents of Spooky Avenue up to Witchy Woods love Trick or Treating so be prepared for plenty of treats and tricks too.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 2 adults can accompany a child without a purchase of a bag (£12 or £9.60 for Merlin Pass Holders)

Alton Ancestors

On Arrival you will usually bump in to the Alton Ancestors. They have left their gravestones behind and are back from the dead. One thing you should know about the Ancestors is they love to dance so make sure you check them out and even join in.

CBeebies Land Monster Ball

Join the CBeebies characters live in Big Fun ShowTime as they dance and play games. the show features Bing, Ubercorn, Peter Rabbit and many more of your favourite CBeebies friends, you can even dress up in your favourite costume.

Freaky Fun Zone

You won't want to miss the Freaky Fun Zone on the front lawns.  The five super-freaky Halloween characters put on the most spook-tacular shows, with meet and greets and photo opportunities. Little ones will love this as the characters are so much fun and very colourful. 

There are also many other reasons to visit Alton Towers during Scarefest including the Alton Towers Dungeon

Alton Towers Dungeon

As Scarefest descends on the Towers, enter The Alton Towers Dungeon for a little less laughing… and a lot more screaming! Will you be found guilty by the Bishop of Stafford, survive a visit to the Plague Doctor and make it out of The Witch of Burslem’s Cottage? Enter The Alton Towers Dungeon this Halloween, as we celebrate the most hideously horrible time of year with your delightful peasant screams… If you dare!

Recommended for guests age 10+ and a charge is applicable. Pre booking is advised. 

As well as as this scary fun you can enjoy your favourite rides in the dark as the theme park is open till 9pm every night during Scarefest. 

Also if you want to make the most of your visit to Scarefest you can stay over at the resort where the spooky fun continues. 

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

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- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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Disneyland Paris At Christmas - Ten Things I Missed in 2020

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This time last year Disneyland Paris announced they were to remain closed over the Christmas period. When I read Disney's announcement of the closure it brought tears to my eyes as this time of year is usually when we are preparing to head to Paris for a Disney break and it's sad that last year we couldn't go. Disneyland Paris at Christmas time has become a little bit of a tradition and I then got more upset thinking of all the things I will miss because we were unable to go. 

Watching Big and Little J's face when we tell them we are going to Disney that night

John and I are very good at keeping secrets and we manage to make it right up till before the journey to the airport before we tell the boys we are going. We usually get an early evening flight so we always have the suitcases packed and in the car, pick them up from school for a quick change of clothes and head to the airport. Their faces are priceless even though we usually go every year they never know when so are always surprised. 

Arriving At The Hotel

Again we usually keep the hotel a secret until we are almost there. We have stayed in all the hotels over the years and I love watching them guess which one we are staying in based on little clues we give them. I love walking through the hotel doors knowing we all wake up in Disney the next day.

Walking down Main Street from the Christmas tree to the Castle. 

The Tree and Castle take my breath away every year. Seeing the tree as you enter the Disneyland Park never gets old, it's my favourite. I love walking down Main Street with the castle in the distance, Christmas decorations all around and the Christmas songs playing. It's just the best feeling ever. 

Planning Our Days

Christmas time at Disneyland Paris is fairly quiet compared to other times of the year so we usually head there for 3 full days and that is more than enough time to do everything we want to. I don't usually plan the days beforehand however we usually spend a day in each park and then do half a day in each park on the last day. I love watching little J as he gets out the park maps and starts planning where we are heading to first and what rides to go on. 

Our Little Thrillseeker

Although he is only eight little J has been riding some of the bigger rides in theme parks for a few years now as he is very tall for his age so is over the minimum height required. Every year he chooses a new ride and is more than happy to push himself out of his comfort zone. Although a family ride his first thrill coaster at Disneyland Paris was Big Thunder Mountain, then he moved on to Crushes Coaster and last year it was RC. I think last year he would have chose Indiana Jones Coaster or Tower of Terror. 

Big Thunder Mountain In The Dark

This has been one of our favourite things to do at Disneyland Paris for as long as I can remember. There comes a time in the late evening where Frontierland goes completely quiet. Big Thunder has almost no queue so we keep going round and round riding again and again and it's just one of those small things that we do and it makes us happy.

Meeting the Characters in their Christmas clothes

Like all the other seasons the Characters dress in their best for the Christmas season and we love meeting Christmas Winnie, Christmas Stitch and a personal favourite Christmas Jack Skellington. Again the queues are always pretty quiet so we never have a problem meeting them and I find they spend lots of time with the boys than they do at other times in the year. 

Choosing A Christmas Decoration

Our Christmas tree is filled with Disneyland Paris decorations that we have bought over the years. Some have the year on, others don't. It will be really sad not adding a Disneyland Paris Christmas decoration to the tree this year. 

Watching The Tree Lighting Ceremony

Every evening Mickey and Friends gather at the bottom of the huge Christmas tree and put on a show for everyone which ends in the whole of Main Street going dark whilst we then watch the tree light up as Christmas carols play in the background

Spending Time Together

Although over the past two years we have spent more time together as a family than usual it is always nice to spend quality time together especially on holiday away from screens and distractions. It's nice to chat, laugh and watch the boys enjoy the magic of Disney together.

Disneyland Paris is so magical especially at Christmas time and there are so many more things that I missed last year but I know it's was best to stay safe. This year we are hoping to visit at Christmas time for the first time in two years and I cannot 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways.

Have you missed Disneyland Paris since it's been closed? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you have missed the most

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Michelle

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