THERE is a sweet smell in the air at Cadbury World – a mixture of chocolate and magic.
It has been 25 years since I visited the factory in Bournville, Birmingham, as a nine-year-old, but I’m as excited as I was then.
I’m here with my pal Lauren Wilden, 33, who joined me all those years ago, and her daughter Millie, six.
We are tucking into Dairy Milk even before starting the tour, as staff stuff chocolate in our hands.
Then we step back to the Aztec-age rainforest to learn about the origins of cocoa beans. Next, it is Victorian England to hear how John Cadbury first sold cocoa from his grocer’s shop in Birmingham.
We find ourselves shrieking with surprise while learning about the process of shaking cocoa beans – and the benches we are sitting on shake and vibrate.
I remember Lauren and I loved a ride that wheeled us around a magical land of cocoa beans. Sadly, I learned it was removed this year.
But its replacement – the Chocolate Quest – is no less fun. Sitting in a cart, we are spun around and squirted with water while collecting points by clicking laser guns at interactive screens, helped by choc favourites Freddo the frog and the Buttons monkeys.
The charming Santa show really brings some festive cheer, with Santa and his helper Jingle joking and singing their way through a 15-minute performance that runs at weekends until Christmas Eve.
There is also a chance to meet them, which Millie loved. We learn about modern chocolate-making and create our own designs in a hands-on experience.
But the highlight of the day is the 4D Chocolate Adventure, where we are given 4D glasses before being taken on a virtual journey along rollercoasters and hot air balloons.
The outdoor playground really impressed Millie.
Lauren, from Cheltenham, said: “It’s really well balanced for the whole family to enjoy.”
Millie added: “I got to see Santa and the elves, which made it magical. I also loved how much chocolate I got to try.”
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