Winter Wonderland STL — Attraction in Ladue

My boyfriend and myself were anxiously looking forward to taking my family on a carriage ride in Tilles Park. I brought 2 sons and their girlfriends, my 4 grandchildren and nephew along to enjoy something they've never done before. The lights and park were beautiful and they all loved it, however, I feel that we didn't get the experience we were hoping for. As soon as we boarded the carriage, our driver Ashley, introduced herself and her horse "Scooby do" and told us that they worked for tips and snacks. She asked if we had any questions. I asked about getting a photo of us all together and she said we would be able to at the end. She then asked if we were the 9:00 pm or 9:30pm reservation and I told her we were the 9:30. She responded by saying that's great, we are running ahead because its only 9:10....I have plans after this, just sayin. She rushed through the park so quickly that we couldn't even take any pictures. At one point our horse was at a gallop and she passed 2 carriages in front of us. Once we returned at the end, I told her I'd like to get a picture of us all in the horse and buggy. She said she couldn't get off the carriage and I said well, could we wait a second so these next people coming up beside us could take our picture. She said we didn't have time for all that and she offered to take a picture from her seat. She wasn't even looking at us, she was looking all around. She took the picture and you can't even tell we are in the carriage much less being pulled by a horse. As soon as we got off the carriage she took off to get her last group. I had hoped to make this a tradition for my family however "Ashley's lack of professionalism and respect for the customers she was employed to serve left a bad impression. I guess her plans were much more important than our experience. l felt the price was reasonable and we watched other carriages moving slowly, taking pictures, making memories and truly enjoying their carriage ride. I don't know if I will pay my hard earned money to give it a try next year or not. Loved the park and lights....did NOT feel our driver was very...

This is not a review of the light display, which I am sure is very nice from what I have heard. This is a review of the absurdity of not cancelling the carriage rides when it is raining so hard that no one in their right mind would be out. This was last Friday evening after Thanksgiving. The forecast had been for 100% chance of rain for Friday evening for days, and when the call was made at 3:30 not to cancel it was pouring rain and the forecast was for heavy rain for the rest of the evening. The only explanation for not cancelling the rides that evening is simply greed. I would be amazed if 10% of the rides scheduled for that night actually went through the park. Money is only refunded if the rides are cancelled. Of course the guy that made the call not to cancel couldn't tell me if anyone showed up for their carriage ride. How could he possibly know when he was most likely at home where he was warm and dry. The county Park system needs to take a closer look at their cancellation policies. ...

Winter Wonderland is awesome! I have gone on the horse drawn carriage a number of times, a few times with my kids when they were young and now 2 times with my grandkids, it is always fun, it's been cold and snowy and it's been 60 degrees but once you climb under a blanket (gotta bring your own nowadays with covid-19) and the clopping horse hooves start weather doesn't matter...it's incredible how many lights they have and to watch a 2 year olds face literally light up from the dozens and dozens of displays is worth the price of admission!! I recommend Winter Wonderland whole heartedly and if at all possible, go through in a horse drawn carriage, it's not terribly expensive and the kids (and you) WILL LOVE IT!!! I'll keep taking the...