This is the third year in a row that we've stayed at the Ocean Hotel (dinner included) for the Christmas Fantasy Weekend. The first two years were great but this year was a MASSIVE disappointment. Every corner seems to have been cut. The visit to Father Christmas was dismal compared to last year. The children no longer get a present to unwrap - just chocolate. The food was poor quality compared to before. The pantomine was the same as last years but a lot less funny - very very disappointing. There was hardly any entertainment on the Sunday. I could go on moaning but I'm sure Butlins know where they've made the cutbacks. We pay alot of money every year but will not be doing it any more. It's the children I feel sorry for.

we went on a sun holiday £9.50 upgraded to silver. I would advise you to do so if your budget allows . If you are disabled the place is quite unhelpful, the parking etc is not convenient unless you manage to book one of the very few disabled places with parking at extortionate prices. The shows were all very lovely and worthwhile, people queueing up to 2 hours and we wondered why, to get good seating of course which would be all gone by the time you got in,it was like a mad dash.. quite scary .it would also be nice if Butlins could arrange disabled seating areas for wheelchairs.
The food and the drink was expensive, ie a squash at the bar £1.40 - thats right cordial with tap water... the reps were all smiley and cheery, ready to help- but if you asked a question you went right out of their comfort zone, question left unaswered -asking them to ask management was met with a blank stare. On the plus side there were a lot of friendly customers who has been there before and were able to supply the answers the butlins staff couldn't.
the accomodation was far from any parking, airport trolleys are provided which you push with difficulty, again not disabled friendly at all. But the staff offered to help when you could find one. The apartment we were in had a kitchen, living room/diner , 2 bedrooms, shower/toilet. very warm, heaters in each room. kitchen appeared clean but all the dishes and glasses were filthy, encrusted with dirt. welcome pack of tea towel, sponge,liquid and tea/coffee, uht milk provided, excellent as you needed to wash those cups before using, bleach would have been most welcome to soak them for 5 mins. hard to manage a wheelchair over the door frame bump, a person will need help.
the rooms were surface clean, dirt , old hairbands on top of cupboards, under beds etc..
No carpet clean or dustpan or mop provided.
the swimming pool was big and lots of fun, lots of slides etc .. lots of staff lifeguards .. changing rooms were not so nice, perhaps matting would be nice as it was slippy and soaking wet with so many customers, or more mopping with disinfectant to get rid of the smell.
Please don't get me wrong, all in all we enjoyed it , but it was expensive
If I had paid full price I would have been upset. we stayed in the Oyster Bay complex. N or P I think. The entertainment offered was varied and too much to chose from, we had fun and would go again if it was a bargain break, I certainly wouldn't pay full whack. I am just saying what I observed.

we wasnt happy with the food and the room really seem we paid over £721 pound just for three nights for the new year we didnt think it was worth that amount of money.

Having booked a 90's weekend at Butlins I was a bit apprehensive on the quality and what I had let myself in for.
I needn't have had any concerns, admittedly I did pay for an upgrade to the meals and accommodation, as on arrival I was swiftly and pleasantly guided to my chalet. What a surprise, everything was clean and, OK a little shabby, but very comfortable. I do have one gripe, the tea making facilities were downstairs but the only tap and sink were upstairs.
After unpacking my wife and I did the grand tour. The place was buzzing and everyone was having fun. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I wasn't overwhelmed by the plastic glasses but can see why they are used.
Now for the food.
An excellent choice for breakfast, Continental, full English or even both and all served fresh and the English was piping hot. The evening meal was not a dissapointment either. Once again plenty of choice, it's rather difficult when you have the option of Roast beef carved for you with all of the trimmings, or crispy battered fish and chips, or pork stroganoff just to name a few. And to top it off, a superb range of hot and cold deserts.
The evenings entertainment was of a good standard too. I think I came away a stone heavier than when I went.
I just have one small comment, the entertainment during the day was virtually non existent, having said that, it was a great break and we will be going again soon but this time as a party.