Visitor Alleges 'Creepy' Behaviour on Winter Wonderland Attraction
A visitor to London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has publicly accused male staff members of inappropriate physical contact during a virtual reality ride. The woman, posting on Reddit under the username u/pianopuppy, detailed an encounter on the Dr Archibald ride on December 15 which she described as deeply unsettling.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to her account, she was on the ride with a female friend when the experience took a disturbing turn. Both women were wearing VR headsets, limiting their vision, when they claim two male workers began touching them repeatedly. The woman stated the staff touched their legs, shoulders, and the back of their necks under the guise of trying to scare them.
"I was screaming, trying to pull their hands off me but they continued," she wrote. She further alleged that as she was leaving, one of the men grabbed both her ankles. The poster emphasised that while a quick scare might be expected, the prolonged and invasive nature of the contact crossed a line, noting that actors at horror events are typically forbidden from touching guests.
Official Response and Public Reaction
After complaining to Winter Wonderland, she received a generic response apologising that her visit "did not meet your expectations." The reply suggested the staff's actions were part of the horror experience, which activates on the ride after 5pm.
The Reddit thread sparked significant discussion, with many users labelling the behaviour unacceptable and pointing out standard industry rules against contact. One commenter urged her to escalate the complaint, suggesting the initial reply was an attempt to "brush it under the rug." However, another user commented that she and a friend had a similar experience on the same ride but found it amusing.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland said: "The behaviour described is not acceptable and is not part of the intended experience." They confirmed the matter has been reviewed by management and escalated internally, operating a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment. The guests involved have been contacted and offered a refund.
Broader Context for the Popular Event
This incident occurs amid wider scrutiny of the annual festive attraction. Winter Wonderland, which runs for six weeks from mid-November to early January and attracts 2.5 to 3 million visitors annually, was recently named Europe's most complained-about festive attraction. It has faced criticism for being overcrowded and overpriced, and last week footage emerged of a mass brawl on the site.
The Dr Archibald ride costs £9 for a standard ticket and is accessible to those aged 10 and over. Its after-dark horror edition promises "intense effects" and terrifying encounters, but the recent allegations raise serious questions about boundaries and guest safety at one of London's most prominent seasonal events.
