Style Icon’s The Fashion Word: Flashing Lights at Winter Wonderland
The festive season just wouldn’t be the same without Hyde Park Winter Wonderland! I couldn’t help but think of Kanye West’s song “flashing lights” upon entering this magical world! Adults can have just as much fun as their children in Winter Wonderland simply because there is something for everyone. I felt like a kid myself in a candy shop; totally lost in an abundance of dazzling lights and colour, and the need to experience everything. With over 100 rides and attractions on site it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Childhood memories suddenly come flooding back to me of when I first visited Disney World in Orlando; every child’s dream to embrace such a unique world that simply makes you feel happy. Winter Wonderland does just that! My advise would be to head down to Hyde Park before all the fun ends on 3rd January 2016 for yet another year!! As there is so much to do and see, you really need to set aside at least 4 hours to make the most of Winter Wonderland. The good thing is it opens from 10am until 10pm so there’s plenty of time to see the main attractions which include: Ski Zillertal Ice Rink, The Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Circus, Giant Observation Wheel, Bar Ice and over 200 chalets in the Christmas market.
Thrill Rides – Hangover
Our first stop was the Hangover Drop Tower Ride which reminded me of ‘Terror Tower’ in Disneyland Orlando! If you are a confessed adrenaline junkie, then this ride is for you with a drop height of approximately 80m. The gondola itself rotates in two directions, and the ride drops from the middle initially as a teaser which was enough for me. Unfortunately, no matter how much I screamed OMG there was no turning back as the ride slowly raised all the way to the top the second time around. Once at the top, however, if you are brave enough to keep your eyes open you’ll experience the most beautiful view of Central London while floating in the air but this doesn’t last for long as the ride drops suddenly with you wearing your heart on your sleeve; screaming for dear life! Overall, it is a fun ride suitable for 18yrs and over.
Magical Kingdom
For something a bit more subdued, and more down-to-earth, it’s worth seeing the Magical Kingdom; the biggest ice and snow sculpture experience of its kind in the UK. A slightly more chilly experience but definitely one for all. Wrap up warm as temperatures are at a frosty -8°C (17.6°F). However, you somehow find pleasure in taking pictures of the ice sculptures including frozen animals, and princesses. Towards the exit, there is a stand where you can buy a hot drink! We were also given complimentary foot warmers!
The ice rink was incredibly busy so another trip to Winter Wonderland is in the pipeline to experience this at a quieter time. Before visiting Zippos Circus, it was pleasant walking around Hyde Park to take in the other attractions. There are so many food stands – enough choice for everyone depending on what you fancy to eat. I would suggest the grilled salmon with salad; cooked on a wood fire giving it a delicious smoky taste! Yummy!! We had complimentary drink tokens! Ironically, the hangover ride made me feel as though I had a hangover literally so I opted for a soft drink instead of wine. There were lots of entertainment in the form of singing performances which were great fun to watch. The Zippos Circus is a thrilling fun-filled family circus spectacular including a troupe of acrobats, a contortionist, jugglers, Cuban dancers and more.
Overall, my experience of Winter Wonderland was so enjoyable! Thrown into the mix is the thrill and excitement of scary rides juxtaposed against the calmness of sight-seeing, and lighthearted entertainment among other fun activities to engage in. There is indeed something for everyone even for the “girls who wanna have fun” as Cyndi Lauper would say.
Written by Natalie Robinson aka @styleiconnat
