This year our family did something we have never done before. We went to the North Pole! We got to see Santa’s workshop and visit with elves and help make toys. We had “Santa Soup” AKA hot chocolate with warm cookies, and after seeing the elves’ classroom and sleeping quarters we got to see Santa and get a picture made with him.
North Pole Experience
Now you might wonder how we made it all the way to the North Pole in a weekend. Well, it was actually quite easy. We drove to Greer, Arizona where there is a portal to the North Pole. Living in Phoenix and experiencing warm temperatures most months out of the year, it was a great break from it all and seeing snow for the first time my son thought it was the best time ever!
We learned about all of this by going to the North Pole Experience website. There we found out we could stay for a very reasonable price in a nice cabin at the Molly Butler Lodge and the price includes your dinner and breakfast.
North Pole Cabin
The cabins are comfortable, cozy and what we loved most was the space we had to run around and enjoy the snow. The game room was well supplied where everyone could enjoy a pool table, chess table, ping pong table and a foosball table. The all you can eat buffet dinner was delightful and we all got very full bellies enjoying the food! Our son is a picky eater and so you may want to be aware that while they do have a lot to choose from it might be a good idea to take a snack before the trip through the portal. Most nights I am told they have a kids’ area with chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese but the night we were there they did not have those available.
Be prepared for the cold weather by wearing a warm coat, gloves and scarf over your clothes or nighties. You get a lot of time for this experience. The time on your ticket for the tour is when you arrive at the Molly Butler Lodge to eat your dinner and you are given 45 minutes to eat. After your delicious meal you are then taken to the trolley to begin your experience and approximately an hour and half later you are brought back through the portal and to the Molly Butler Lodge where your children sit with Mrs. Claus to hear Christmas stories read, 
then color pictures for Santa and complete their wish list that is mailed right from the Lodge.
There truly has never been anything like it and our family will never forget our experience!
