This would have been my second year of going. Family loved it the first time and would have given them a 5 star until they scammed us this year after just booking two weeks ago. They canceled everyone's trip. This is more like the Grinch experience. Will not offer refund and only will push to following year. Do not give your money to this company and book anymore trips with them. Horrible way to do business. read more

We booked our tickets for 2020 season while Covid-19 was in full swing planning all to wear masks and sanitize. The North Pole Experience just cancelled 2020 season not long after we purchased our tickets and will not provide a full refund, or any refund for that matter, even though it's months away, and we did not cancel- THEY DID. Utterly disgraceful and fraudulent. Will be contacting Better Business Bureau and leaving our reviews elsewhere as they can not get away with this. We are already losing out on our pricey AirBnB that is non-refundable due to their cancellation. We should be getting a full refund ASAP instead of given the run around. read more

Fun for my 7 year old. We enjoyed this much more than the Polar Express. You take a bus from Little America hotel. The ride is comfortable and you are led by elves. You visit several rooms in Santa's workshop. There's lots too see and do. Here are some of the things: the kids help the elves dress the bears for other kids. You visit Mrs Claus' bakery and eat hot cocoa and cookies. You see the mailroom and where they wrap the presents. You go to elf university and at the end of the tour, your family takes a picture with Santa. I recommend the North Pole Experience over the Polar Express. read more

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My expectations is low and the workshop not to bad but for kids they like it for adult good for taking picture and they could make it better for Example more time in making toys or dressing up the bear and it would be good if they give the kid the beat they dress up in the other hand Santa gave each kid teddy bear. The university elf school all talking nothing make more Interesting for adult and kids. The A+ on this events the donuts was awesome be sure to try, the give away bear is a nice gift for kids and the free photo to upload very nice Christmas gift touch since this event is expensive. I forgot to mention the choco drink not to bad. read more

A great experience for young and old. Pricey but well worth the ticket price. So much to see & do & experience ending with a visit with Santa. The night time tour is best. Enjoyed completely! read more

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Purchased tickets less than 24 hours before a cancellation of the event was issued only to be told no refunds were being allowed and the tickets would roll over to the next year. I was offered to give them away or sell them. The new "guarantee" vaguely promises purchasers protection in the instance of weather or COVID-19 cancellations failing to identify what that means leaving the customer to mistakenly assume that means being issued a refund. I even purchase additional insurance under the impression that if a situation like this were to occur, I would receive a refund. I will be disputing this charge with my credit card company as "services not rendered" and easily receive my money that way, but I will NEVER support a company that uses fraudulent and misleading marketing to stay afloat. It is immoral to tie up hard working people's money during a pandemic. read more

Too bad I have to write such a horrible review because we did love this place. We purchased tickets for 2020 and just received notification the other day that they were canceling this years workshop due to covid and they are NOT issuing refunds. They are transferring over to next year instead. I spent over $200 on this and now we can't go this year and have to wait ANOTHER WHOLE YEAR before we can use the tickets. I have other things I'd rather spend the money on that we can actually go do THIS year. What a joke! I am BEYOND angry. read more

Personally, I would never come here again or recommend my friends/family to go here. I'm not sure if they overbooked on the time we had our experience/ tour. But it was just waaaay too many people which made the experience not enjoyable. My family and I wished we were able to leave early but couldn't since they took us on a trolley. And for some odd reason the trolley was dark and all windows were covered... when we got to the room where they hand out hot chocolate and cookies, we didn't even have a spot to sit on because of the amount of people that there was. So we had to stand on the side. And they handed out hot chocolate and cookies to everyone, except us. We had to ask for hot chocolate, it was not even offered to us. And one of the elves/employees looked irritated when we asked for some hot chocolate. There was THREE of us and she only brought out two. When we asked her to bring us a third one, she asked "oh you want another one?" Like ummm yess? Why is it that it was offered to everyone in there except us? And we didn't even get a chance to get some of the little cookies. Overall, the experience it self was not worth our time driving out there for. read more

My kids had a wonderful time from the fun and exciting trolley ride to the workshops and elves. My 9 year old daughter's favorite part was getting to sit with Ms. Claus and drink hot chocolate. They loved dancing with her and the elves. So with all that being said. Santa was very Impatient with our large group. We paid just as much money as the next group and should not have been rushed off and told "NO there's more people waiting" with out my nephew getting a picture with Santa. It would of took the same amount of time if we went in individual groups instead of a big group but no we weren't allowed to get that photo. I understand getting overwhelmed by a large group but that's why there should be elves helping Santa so he doesn't hurt a kids feelings. read more

We did an afternoon time slot on a Saturday 2 weeks prior to Christmas. We brought 3 kiddos ages 4, 8 & 11. 2 out of the 3 are believers .. The 3rd one knew better, but was more than happy to play along. Total trolley time is 20 minutes (10 Min each way) the North Pole experience lasts 1.5 hours and finishes off with a private visit with Santa !! The kids loved every room, they loved the cookies and snowman soup, they loved the elves, and they loved all the little elf on the shelf helpers hidden around the different rooms. I highly recommend this trip for families with little kiddos . Next time I would like to experience it at night I think it would really add to the magic . read more

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Took part in the North Pole Experience for the first time today. After reading a lot of the other reviews, I am honestly surprised because it was nothing like some of the negative people described. All the main characters were great with the children and really made mine enjoy it. They interacted with her and made the experience real. Which in my opinion as long as the kids have fun then I think it did it's job. I really enjoyed all the decor and it gave me a lot of chances to take some great pictures. I even got my own cookie and Snowman Soup to enjoy. My only regret is that I did not get my tickets early enough to get a nighttime ticket. Next year for sure! Oh and definitely pick up an ornament at the gift shop. The little ones can go around and get the the elves to sign it, including Santa and Mrs. Claus read more

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Fun and cute. Great for kids ages 2 to 7. My 4 year old loved it while my 7 year old enjoyed it but felt embarrassed to do some of the dancing and didn't believe we were in the actual north pole. Each room is fun with lots of things to see and activities to do. We're glad we did this once but not more than that for the price. Kids got to keep a stuff bear which they already forget about. Best part though is the fresh mini donuts. So yummy. I should have asked for second. Yumo! read more

Scam, never again. Will be disputing with bank. Was assured before buying the tickets that it would still be happening with safety measures in place. Will never recommend to anyone. Awful business practices read more

BUYER BEWARE!! Not worth the $300 gamble. Purchased tickets due to NPX's "Booking GUARANTEE". Now NPX cancels 2020 season and will NOT refund customers and requires automatic rollover for Winter 2021. This is NOT acceptable or what was marketed. Now concerned about actually EVER receiving the experience. read more

My 3 year old daughter loved this experience! This was the FIRST time she was not afraid of Santa and I believe the whole experience leading up to Santa's appearance really made her believe in a little magic. I read the other reviews and am mostly baffled by how other reviewers perceived the experience. This is not designed to make adults believe they are going through a real portal to the North Pole .... however it is awesome for toddlers & a little older. All the Elves were wonderful with the children and each little experience ... workshop, bakery, Elf University, Santa letter writing etc ... were well done, well timed (for the age group it is intended for) and fun for all as far as I could see ... beaming smiles all around. I will be taking my daughter back again next year for sure! read more

The North Pole Experience - Santa reading his letter ... - Performing Arts Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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Decent experience ruined by snotty mom. Walked into next room to see a full grown women pushing my young daughter and saying she pushed her first. Really? 6pm show nov. 24th 2018 Definition of no class. read more

The North Pole Experience - Performing Arts Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

If you are thinking about doing the NPX, STOP and just do it. We all had so much fun. Great customer service by everyone. The staff really does a great job make this place memorable for the kids. read more

Overpriced, great set up. Need fake snow area, and if u charge a price like that I expect a free toy or printed Santa picture read more

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I have to give this a 5/5 stars simply because of how much detail is put into it. You arrive by bus and step into a little magical Santa World. Each room is so sweet and fun and the employees all do such a wonderful job. The ending, visiting Santa was just lovely. He was the most perfect Santa for the job, I can't stress that enough. He was truly wonderful. Mrs Claus wasn't as friendly or jolly but you're only with her for a moment. Highly recommend taking your little ones to this. The children with us ranged from ages 2-11 and they were all in awe. read more

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The North Pole Experience was a wonderful experience my family loved it!!! From the moment you get on the bus you really feel like your going to the North Pole. As soon as you arrive your greeted by Toy Solder's and that's where all the fun starts you tour Santa's toy shop!!! If you have never experienced the North Pole Experience then it's definitely a must you won't regret it!!!! read more

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Took my 3 year old special needs son for the first time last Sunday. We were repeatedly elbowed out of the way by other parents trying to get the "perfect" picture of their child. Other parents dressing teddy bears or writing letters to Santa. It was bizarre to see adults take up so much room at something clearly meant for kids. And the elves did nothing to make sure every kid got a chance, they were too busy ushering us room to room. The part that made me cry was seeing Santa. Santa couldn't understand that my son had special needs and kept asking what his "issues" were. Why he didn't talk. Why didn't I send him to therapies (I do!). Santa barely paid any attention to my son because he was so busy giving me unsolicited parenting advice. Complete waste of time and money. read more

Although im sure its a wonderful experience for the family im leaving a 1 star review. We had to cancel our tickets due to a death in the family. For a refund to even be considered, we had to provide the death certificate, funeral home services or the obituary. As if the passing of a loved one isnt difficult enough, i have to prove it to receive a refund? Sorry, but that's unacceptable for any buisness. read more

If you are comfortable being in packed rooms with no social distancing, no masks, and no functioning air purifiers, then this is the place for you and your family. read more

Happy to report this company reached out and gave us a complete refund in full. We recommend and will use this business again in the future if the opportunity arises. read more

Soooooo awesome!!! We've done The Polar Express 3 times already so this was a really great chance to do something similar but yet so different. IMO this is wayyyy better than the PE! It's organized & efficiently ran from start to finish. You grab your tickets, wait in line to board a chartered bus. Once on the bus there are elves that entertain you, it's cute!! Upon arrival you are taken through different interactive rooms ranging from Santa's workshop, to a letter writing room, a cookie & cocoa room, elf university, just to name a few. Of course it all ends with your Santa visit! Nothing was rushed, they even engaged our teens & even they walked away having a blast as well. We incorporated a visit to see The Grand Canyon on the trip so it was a really awesome experience. read more

Complete lies about social distancing and parties being separated. No one wears a mask and too many people for such tiny rooms. Seems like they are trying to cash in as much money as possible instead of caring about customers safety. Not what my 5 year old was expecting. Santa was coughing like crazy and no mask. Not a pleasant experience. read more

My husband and I decided last minute to take our 4 year old son to the North Pole Experience. It was the best decision we made! In my son's own words "This was the best surprise in the world." The attention to detail throughout the workshop was amazing and Santa's Elves were great, they made the whole experience even better. The one on one time with Santa at the end was awesome. We did not feel rushed at all and Santa was great! We will definitely be going back next year and try for the hotel package. read more

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The wife and I brought my oldest son here last night and it was much more than I expected it to be. My son enjoyed the whole experience and he's only 2 I'm so glad we made the trip up from Phoenix read more

The North Pole Experience - Performing Arts Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

I didn't know what to expect, we had never been before. I had booked a 1:30 experience and worried it would be as magical during the day. I can't really say if it's different at night but I don't think it would have mattered. They have the bus windows blocked so you can't see out them anyway. It seemed like the night times were much more busy, so I am actually glad we ended up going during the day. The entire experience was about 1.5 hours and you see many rooms inside the "factory" (not sure what you call it). The rooms were all decorated to the max and very well done. My 4 year old absolutely loved it and was into the entire thing. My almost 2 year old was bored and didn't want to be there. Some of the elves were very hard to hear, none of us heard a thing they said in the last room, I couldn't even tell you what it was. Some rooms felt rushed, like the room with Mrs Claus they give you hot chocolate and a small treat. Both my kids weren't finished by the time they were cleaning up and we were rushing off to the next room. Also, the last line you get into was waiting for Santa. You see the switch board that operates the portal and there is the sled. We were the last in the group in this room that had a rope to stand in line. We were a good five steps behind the people in front of us, again no one in back of us, to keep our distance and my 4 year old was watching the elf on the switch board, while we were trying to entertain my bored 2 year old. The elf then says, you need to keep moving up and made us take those 5 steps forward for whatever reason. I get it if people were still trying to enter but we were the last family and we couldn't go anywhere because we were in a small room. Anyway, overall I think it was pretty nicely done and to see the look on my 4 year olds face the entire time was worth it. I do think it has room for a few tweaks (room rushing, volume and some boring areas) but not bad. read more

This was our second year visiting NPX. My nephew is six this year and starting to have some doubts, but he still loved it! The quality of the decor, staff, and overall experience is on a Disney level, which is a high compliment. I especially love that when the kids visit Santa, it is only your group in the room with him for a private moment. That makes it really special. The NPX is helping me create wonderful memories with my nephew. read more

I'm pretty shocked to see that this experience is only rated a 3 1/2 stars. This place is a 5 star Experience for sure. It's well worth the money. The detail that is put into I­t­ is astounding. The kids actually feel like they're in the North Pole with Santa, Mrs. Clause and all of Santa's elves. They feel important and valued because they feel like they have contributed to the solution of the problem at hand which is the fact that the elves were behind on making presents this year. The kids get to help make toys in the factory. They also get to become honorary elves by going through the elves training. There is an underlying moral lesson learned as well. The elves talk about how everyone is special no matter what anyone looks like. Very sweet and magical experience that my 3 Kids adored. They all got treats and a teddy bear at t he end as well as getting to spend some private time with Santa. We never felt rushed with him either. He made my kids feel special. Loved I­t­! read more

We traveled here from the Bay Area as a surprise for our kids 9 and 6. We had a good time but I think the key ages for the experience is 5-8. We had to sell it a bit. We purchased the dinner and breakfast buffet based on info that there aren't a lot of dining options around ( I would not do that knowing what I know now.) The buffet is over priced for the variety and the food isn't that great. There are way better options in the city and our hotel included breakfast and dinner As far as the experience the Inn is decorated beautifully for the season and all the staff is really friendly and plays up the elf stuff. The ride over is on a nice clean temperatured bus and the "North Pole " is pretty cool too. My only thought is to break up the group size in half. I know time is money but $50 a person and your kid gets pushed aside by helicopter parents or they have to fight their way to the front and miss out on an experience because there aren't enough bags.... ehhh not do good. Would I do this again knowing what I know now?... not if we didn't enjoy other things near by.. the crater, Sedona, Grand Canyon... good luck! read more

Go at night! That would be my biggest suggestion to keep it magical. My family had a great time. I really do think the best age to take kids is around 5-7, not too young and not too old to truly experience and believe! You begin your experience by going on board a bus, where you get transported to the Northpole. Upon arrival you visit different workshop rooms, some with activities for the kiddos; help load toys, build bears/toys, some mini donut treats, writing your santa letter and finally getting to meet and take a picture with Santa himself. Overall a 5 star experience for my kiddos and family. read more

If there were more stars, I would give them! Visited NPE this past Thanksgiving week, and starting with the trolley ride from Little America Hotel to the North Pole, the North Pole Experience was just marvelous!! I will recommend it to anyone who has an interest. They do an amazing job from beginning to end. The layout of each room of Santa's village is fabulous, the Elves are fun hosts and my children are so ecstatic to have visited the North Pole, I am overjoyed. As a grownup, I was fully engaged also! Mr. and Mrs. Claus are quite gracious, with Mrs. Claus visiting with the children over cookies and hot cocoa, and Santa spending time with each child. LOVED it!! read more

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We are a Family with special needs kids one of our kiddos is in a wheelchair. The elves where helpful and the whole experience was wheelchair accessible. Generally speaking we get good customer service, but this was exceptional. read more

We've done the NPX twice. The second time was better than the first time, but both times were great. You take a magical trolly through the Aurora borealis to the north pole. You get to Santa's work shop and take a tour through the old toy factory, new factory, gift wrap, kitchen, and see santa. Kids get a stuffed bear, diploma from Elf University and a free picture. The elves and great and Santa is wonderful. read more

I must say I was maybe a little to excited for the months leading up to our trip. I had heard a lot of great things and was disappointed with the experience. I must say after spending $200 in tickets, plus hotel plus driving up to Flagstaff I at least expect them to be able to deliver our photo with Santa. I kept my ticket and took a picture of my code. After multiple inquiries I have now been asked to send an email with the exact time we met Santa and what everyone was wearing. Are you kidding? This mama was just trying to make sure everyone was happy and warm... no clue what time it was let alone what we were dressed in! Save yourself the money and time! This place is not worth it. read more

This was a wonderful experience. We had our 11, 9, and 2 year old. The elf's were so friendly and kind. Very helpful. They went above and beyond to make this a VERY special experience for the whole family. The groups were not too crowded. The end experience with your family and Santa was awesome and it was so cool how it was just our family and Santa with his elf's. It wasn't rushed at all it was a very cool experience. Way better the standing in a long mall line. I can't say enough great things about this experience and it will definitely be a new Christmas tradition. read more

I am disgusted by this business. They have taken advantage of a number of families during the pandemic. They took money from our family and many others who were trying to do something fun at the end of a very difficult year. We were assured that they had taken precautions due to COVID and were only booking at 40% capacity. Then, once they sold all their tickets, they've turned around and canceled the event, refusing to refund anyone's money. They are claiming that the event has simply been "postponed" until December, 2021 and therefore they don't need to offer a refund. I am in shock at how they so willingly take advantage of families and use this time of crisis as a way to steal from hard-working parents. Shame on them. I will never visit and I hope this open message will save others from being taken advantage of. read more

This was our first time attending with our son who is 14 months. We were lucky to find 2 tickets together and while not the best time (1:40 dangerously close to nap time) the experience was wonderful. I didn't know what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised! From the "trolley" ride, to the explanation of the "portal", to the costumes and the characters, everything was really well done. I especially loved how everyone stayed in character. We will definitely be back and I've already told several friends and patients about it. read more

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