A Halloween event charging £57.50 per family ticket has been branded the ‘new Willy Wonka Experience’ and a ‘huge disappointment’ by visitors.
Cardiff Bay’s eagerly-anticipated Halloween Festival opened on Saturday and is being held over half-term week.
Having previously been held at Coedarhydyglyn Park, near Culverhouse Cross outside Cardiff, the 2025 event is being staged in Cardiff Bay – with a ‘ghost ship’ taking families from Mermaid Quay out to the ‘island’ at Alexandra Head.
One woman who attended on Saturday said it was the ‘worst event’ she’s ever been to.
Her review on Facebook reads: ‘Never one to do this but if you have booked the Halloween Festival in Cardiff this year at the new location try and get a refund!
‘It’s honestly the worst event I’ve ever been to.
‘After paying nearly £90 for the five of us, waited 45 minutes to get on the ‘pirate boat’ which was actually just a water taxi, to then enter through what looked like a Covid jab queue and get inside to pay for absolutely everything separately, even £5 per person to do arts and crafts, £9 per person to walk round a maze in a tent, £9 to dance per person – the list goes on.
‘Not even sure what the original £90 was for. Actors dressed up not even acknowledging anyone, wandering aimlessly, and no atmosphere. Honestly the most disappointing event I’ve ever been to! Such a shame as previous years have been fab!’
Another woman who paid to attend the event with her child on Saturday was equally displeased.
A Halloween event charging £57.50 per family ticket has been branded the ‘new Willy Wonka Experience’ and a ‘huge disappointment’ by visitors
Cardiff Bay’s eagerly-anticipated Halloween Festival opened on Saturday and is being held over half-term week
She said on Facebook: ‘If anyone’s thinking of going to the Cardiff Halloween Festival, don’t bother! What an absolute load of c***!
‘Expensive for absolutely no reason! Even with the “boat ride” (that we would have had to wait an hour for).
‘After spending £84.90 for two adults and a child to get in and to do “all” activities, you still have to pay extra for things inside and it is not at all cheap!
‘But a free pumpkin, which were all stacked up and smashed to pieces. I am honestly so, so gutted – there was no Halloween feel to it all!’
One father who took his children to the event on Saturday morning said he was left ‘severely disappointed’.
He wrote on social media: ‘On entry to the festival it became pretty clear quickly that minimal effort had been made to make the festival Halloween themed – the music was more Christmas/cringe music.
‘I noticed that many attractions were not even open and half built. I understand today (Saturday) was the first day, but that’s no excuse. People have paid a lot of money for this. I was infuriated that it cost £18 for a pizza fries and a fruit shoot equivalent for my toddler this is outrageous robbery!
‘It seems that every attraction was an extra cost. Sure you get a free pumpkin, but you can get one in the superstore for a pound!
‘The best part was the boat back to the car park. Please do not waste your money. I would like to have my money back, but I’m dreaming obviously. You will be dissatisfied, as were many other people on the boat back. Value for money – 0/10.’
One person said it was ‘giving Willy Wonka Experience’ vibes, referencing the infamous Glasgow event in 2024 that left attendees furious and demanding refunds.
Emma ‘Emerald’ Devine-Davie commented on a Facebook post by saying: ‘I feel really terrible posting this, but it was terrible. Been to the last couple of Halloween Festivals and they have been absolutely brilliant, so we were straight on to book this year.
‘However, not good, not enough decorations and literally everything inside has to be paid for…and not cheaply!
‘The staff however, are lovely and it must be a struggle for them. If you have tickets, go and enjoy what is there, but don’t have high expectations and be nice to the staff that are working there. Kids get a pumpkin and it’s a couple of hours out.’
One person said it was ‘giving Willy Wonka Experience’ vibes, referencing the infamous Glasgow event in 2024 that left attendees furious and demanding refunds
Jonathan Higgins was less forgiving, posting: ‘Went last night and it was a total rip-off! £65 to get in? My street decorations are better. Don’t waste your money, folks! Have a movie night instead and save your cash.’
Scarlett Jackson said it was the ‘worst place’ and added ‘do not go’.
Becky Luke wrote: ‘The 2024 event was actually great bar the weather – it’s such a shame they’ve swapped to something that sounds a bit lacklustre.’
Event organisers have apologised to those who attended on Saturday and assured people that things will improve over the rest of the attraction’s week-long run in Cardiff Bay.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Halloween Festival said: ‘We’re very sorry that some guests did not have the experience we wanted for them during our opening day.
‘Severe weather in the 24 hours before opening meant some areas were still being finalised, and we are contacting those guests directly affected by this today to make things right.
‘While many of our included experiences and live performances were available, some zones were not ready in time. Our team has been working throughout to ensure everything can open and be fully operational for future visitors.
‘Halloween Island offers a wide range of included activities, such as Live shows, Walk-throughs, The Carnival of Games, Monster Boogie, the Pumpkin Village (with a free pumpkin for every child), our tiny pumpkins play area, Storytelling sessions and numerous Photo Opportunities. Optional add-on experiences are described during booking and on arrival.
‘We are listening closely to feedback and making improvements every day. We have a wonderful team who care deeply about creating magical memories for families, and we remain determined to deliver the fun, family-friendly Halloween experience people expect from us throughout the rest of half term.’
