nt2 - I don't think it was particularly special, but then I don't like being corraled and made queue for what seems like ages in a tent, rushing on for a 1 hour slot and then being made queue for ages again to give the boots back.
I don't want to be too negative - it was fun, but it could have been done a lot better. There was a childrens skating area, but (for good and bad) adults weren't allowed skate there. So the children could skate without being run over, but you also couldn't help teach them (because you are an adult . . .)
Also the childrens play area which I just passed through was held in what looked like a big shed - just didn't have the Christmas atmosphere for me.
I know one of my early-teenage neighbours used to go skating there almost every day and obviously enjoyed it, but he was there with 'the lads' so the context would be different.
I would love to hear from anyone who went there with kids last year and found they enjoyed it.
z