Immersive 4D virtual reality sleigh ride led by D.A.S.H. around the world and into space, followed by a chat with Santa and a small gift.
West Orchards is bringing back its Meet Santa Magical VR Sleigh Ride this Christmas, with the experience running from 25 November at Santa's Sleigh Lodge on level 3 of the shopping centre, near the green car park doors. It's a bit more than your usual grotto visit: the whole thing centres on a virtual reality sleigh ride led by the centre's own D.A.S.H., who takes you around the world and even into space before Christmas Eve.
It's a full 4D setup. You'll wear an HD VR headset, with two front fans and surround sound to bring the scenery to life. The seats move too, tilting forwards, backwards and from side to side to match the 360-degree journey, so you're not just watching the ride—you're in it. The whole session takes about 15 minutes: a two-minute safety video to get you sorted, followed by the three-minute ride itself. The sleigh carries up to eight riders at a time, and if you've got very young ones who can't wear a headset, they can sit at the front and watch the adventure on a TV screen instead. Once the ride is over, each child gets to have a chat with Santa and takes home a small gift.
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On selected dates, the experience stays open until 8 p.m., which is worth keeping in mind because the main shopping centre closes at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are £10 per person, with a minimum booking of two, and everyone who goes needs their own ticket. You'll find it at Santa's Sleigh Lodge, level 3 of West Orchards in Coventry, near the green car park doors.
