Firstly the Buy-a-gift experience was a nightmare. I went through, organised 6 for 5 tickets, and hit confirmation email through. Then when I clicked through to try to book it said my dates weren't available - in fact, there weren't ANY dates available, and I started to think I'd been turned over. Left it a few hours and tried again but still the same, so I thought I'd have to try to claim a refund during office hours next day. However the next day the dates were available and I was able to book. NOWHERE in the email did it say you might have to wait a while to book, I clicked the link in the order email and thought that was that.
Anyway, into the experience:
6 of us stretched it out to an hour and 10 minutes, but as others have said, VERY expensive for something we could have completed in around 40 minutes.
It was a treat for my wife for her birthday to get the whole family together, so that was worth it.
We went on a Sunday at 1215 as well, so it wasn't busy. I'd imagine it would be a lot more difficult to get pics if it was at a busier time.
Also, digital only download of all the "professional" pics (staff clicking a button) wasn't possible, you HAD to buy a physical print (cheapest one was a 6x4 at £12.00) then ADD the digital download for £7.00 on top.
Coming out into the cafe was a little bit anti climatic as well. Would have been nice to have had the cafe INSIDE Central Perk.
Could have had a few interactive displays rather than just static sets (Joey's TV unit was a pretty poor plywood reconstruction, you couldn't even get in the TV unit!!), although I do understand most things have to be nailed down these days!! Also disappointed Joey and Chandler's chairs didn't recline, despite being recliners (screwed down so they couldn't recline).
Also, gift shop RIDICULOUSLY overpriced. £25.00 for the Friends photo frame you can get on Amazon for less than half the price.
Firstly the Buy-a-gift experience was a nightmare. I went through, organised 6 for 5 tickets, and hit confirmation email through. Then when I clicked through to try to book it said my dates weren't available - in fact, there weren't ANY dates available, and I started to think I'd been turned over. Left it a few hours and tried again but still the same, so I thought I'd have to try to claim a refund during office hours next day. However the next day the dates were available and I was able to book. NOWHERE in the email did it say you might have to wait a while to book, I clicked the link in the order email and thought that was that.
Anyway, into the experience:
6 of us stretched it out to an hour and 10 minutes, but as others have said, VERY expensive for something we could have completed in around 40 minutes.
It was a treat for my wife for her birthday to get the whole family together, so that was worth it.
We went on a Sunday at 1215 as well, so it wasn't busy. I'd imagine it would be a lot more difficult to get pics if it was at a busier time.
Also, digital only download of all the "professional" pics (staff clicking a button) wasn't possible, you HAD to buy a physical print (cheapest one was a 6x4 at £12.00) then ADD the digital download for £7.00 on top.
Coming out into the cafe was a little bit anti climatic as well. Would have been nice to have had the cafe INSIDE Central Perk.
Could have had a few interactive displays rather than just static sets (Joey's TV unit was a pretty poor plywood reconstruction, you couldn't even get in the TV unit!!), although I do understand most things have to be nailed down these days!! Also disappointed Joey and Chandler's chairs didn't recline, despite being recliners (screwed down so they couldn't recline).
Also, gift shop RIDICULOUSLY overpriced. £25.00 for the Friends photo frame you can get on Amazon for less than half the price.