My little one, Rowan and I were kindly invited to visit the “Princess Academy” at Beyond Imagination Emporium on Easter Saturday. I was probably more excited than my 3 year old, However, he does love Olaf – so naturally, our natural choice was to book to visit Ana and Kristoff at the Emporium!
Beyond Imagination Emporium is located on Tower Street, Harrogate – just off West Park, so lovely and central. I actually didn’t realise that there are limited free parking spaces right outside the venue, however I parked in the pay and display car park & paid £1.40 for 2 hours, not bad at all!
Stef gave us a wonderfully warm greeting when we arrived, and we sat in the shop front with all the other princes and princesses. Given this was a Princess Academy, the majority of the group were beautiful little girls, however we absolutely felt just as included. Equally, there is no specific dress code or obligation to dress up (but fancy dress is allowed and encouraged).
After giving an enthusiastic, but brief introduction to The Emporium and all the magic that lies within it, Stef showed the children two figurines – one of Ana and one of Kristoff and popped them into the Enchanted Storybook. We all made a wish and then were invited upstairs, to visit a magical “portal” where Ana and Kristoff had amazingly appeared in front of the giant (and rather magnificent) Enchanted Storybook! Then it was time for the party to begin.
The characters welcomed and spoke to all the children as a group, and then invited us to take a seat at the table and get stuck into a crafting activity (this week it was an Easter chick made from paper plates, felt, googly eyes & feathers, sparkles etc.). Stef kindly came around the tables and served the children drinks and a mini cupcake to enjoy. Whilst we crafted, the characters came around the table to speak to us and encouraged us with the activity. The costumes were fantastic and of a high standard, and their voices and mannerisms were very in keeping with their character too! Throughout the hour we were there, adults have access to teas, coffees and biscuits (Stef very kindly served most of us I think, as we were too busy getting involved – we couldn’t help it!)
After the crafting, we played games, and the characters encouraged all children to get involved (but with no obligation if your child is shy, like mine!). This was followed by a story, read by one of the characters. As this was Easter weekend, the children were treated to an Easter Egg hunt in the emporium which was lots of fun and enjoyed by all! The session finished with photo opportunities which Rowan loved.
It sounds cliché, but from start to finish our experience was magical. The amount of effort and passion Stef puts in really shows, and I love to meet a like-minded fairy tale lover! She was present throughout, ensuring that the session ran smoothly with discretion. I would not hesitate to recommend the Princess Academy to little girls and boys alike and will definitely be back soon.
Reviewed April 2023 by Mumbler Champion Elfie and Rowan
Disclosure: We were gifted our tickets to the Princess Academy however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed it! (otherwise that could have been awks!)
