I know, I know, it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas. But with tickets already on sale and the attraction opening in less than a month I wanted to let you in on what Enchant Christmas is all about and why you SHOULD go if you can.
Last year we headed to Arlington to experience one of two Enchant experiences, Enchant : The Great Search, which is located in in Seattle this year. While Enchant: The Mischievous Elf is located in Arlington for the 2018 season.
They have an awesome advertising team but I kind of worried if it would live up to the hype. How big would it be? Would the kids get bored? Were we just going to be cold and miserable or would we get to experience some Christmas magic?
If you are on the fence about buying tickets, DO IT! I promise I have nothing to gain from you going, I’m not an affiliate, I don’t get a commission, I just think it is a awesome experience!
Below I’ll break down the best parts of enchant and a few suggestions I have (and what I would have done differently).
Go Early in The Season!
We went the last week it was open last year and I really regret going that late. Although the crowds were probably better, we got some awesome photos which would have made beautiful Christmas Cards. Plus I think the kids may have been a bit more into helping Santa find the reindeer if he hadn’t been at our house a few days before.
Get the Early Time Slot!
When you buy your Enchant tickets you have to select not only the date, but your entry time as well. I think a lot of people buy the later entry slots because lights look better at night, and while that is true, it is a mistake.
Because of the way the tiered admission works you can’t come in earlier than your allotted time but once you are there you can stay as long as you like (I promise there won’t be anyone chasing you out of the park). Which means by getting there early you get to skip some of the crowds while the people who select the 9-11 time slot will walk into the park filled with everyone who has already been admitted.
There are other things to do other than viewing the lights that are just as fun to do while there is a bit of light left. We grabbed some hot chocolate first thing and sat down at an empty picnic table to watch the skaters and go over the map we had been handed. You can also hit up the shops in the Christmas Market or go grab a bite to eat (the food area gets extremely busy later on).
It is Interactive for the Kids
Okay maybe I didn’t read the website as close as I should have.
I had no clue that the kids would have a “mission” to complete while we were there. For The Great Search the kids went from area to area looking for all 9 reindeer to collect their stamps. I won’t lie it entertained them more than I ever thought possible and they got REALLY into it.
It’s Picture Perfect
If you have a nice camera this may be a time to pull it out (just be sure to bring the strap so you don’t drop it as kids run by).
I know that the park was right off the highway amidst the mostly unattractive sports complexes littering that part of Arlington, and honestly when we first pulled up my initial reaction was kind of “that’s it?!” But once we were inside it felt huge and even as an adult it felt a little magical.
I used my iPhone to capture my photos and I don’t think I took a single one that turned out bad. THAT is how pretty this place is.
We plan to head to Enchant: The Mischievous Elf shortly after they open this season so I’ll be sure to update you on how that goes if you sign up for our newsletter!
