A theme park attraction has come under fire after families were charged an eyewatering £25 to meet Santa – but others have rushed to its defense.

Dreamland Margate’s highly anticipated Christmas World is free to enter and promises “whimsical fun” and “magical moments” with entertainment and food.

But customers who were left reeling say they were also charged £14 for a hotdog and a live performance made a guest want to “stick pins in their eyes”.

The organisers say they have received “amazing comments” about the event and endeavoured to “price activities so there is something to suit every budget”.

However, one mum said: “If you're looking to take your children - don't even bother.

“I have never in my life been to something so not Christmassy at all.

“Yes, I get it is free to enter but would have expected some more activities there.

“It was absolutely shocking.”

Others echoed her terse words on the social media networking site Facebook, with Karen Hedger responding: “Strewth, that's extortionate, how can families afford that?”

Natalie Dack added: “We did seven whole minutes there – absolutely dreadful”.

Some attractions deemed too expensive were £25 a child to meet the man in red and £14 for a hot dog.

One said: “I couldn't agree more.

“We saw Santa which was lovely and the elves were really good but when it was advertised it said a select number of rides would be open.

“It was two fairground rides and hook a duck.

“I paid £15 for three of us to go for a ride in Santa's sleigh - for it to be lovely views of all the rides we couldn't go on.

“There was absolutely nothing Christmassy for the kids to see as we went round.

“Such a shame and it felt like false advertising.”

Another mother commented: “Young kids might enjoy it because it's a Christmas-related activity nevertheless, but as far as value for money and the feel of festive spirit goes - it was highly disappointing.

“I've been to far better events at a similar cost elsewhere.”

A display by elf actors was also put on, but one visitor said they would “rather stick pins in their eyes” than sit through the half-and-hour show again.

However, not all shared the same anger at the quality of the attraction - which finishes today.

Some accused moaners of trying to bring down a local business.

One family went twice because they enjoyed it so much.

The mother said: “Yes you have to pay to meet Santa but there was a gift, bauble making and reindeer food included in the price so we thought that was very reasonable.

“The staff there were amazing and went out of their way to make it magical for the kids.

“The decorations are beautiful and overall we had a fantastic couple of visits.

“We also loved the elf show - keeping in mind it’s aimed at kids and not adults!

“Not sure why you would go out of your way to bring a local business down but each to their own I guess. We loved it.”

Another group chose not to pay £25 to see Father Christmas, but “really enjoyed” the experience.

“We made reindeer food & a bauble which were £3 each - hardly extortionate!” the mother said.

“We also went to the elf show and everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves!

“There were lots of elves wandering around posing for photos and chatting to people.

“If you didn’t like it that’s okay, but why criticise a local company which is trying to do something for local children?”

Another added: “ Wow! I really recommend taking your kids here. We are so lucky to have this on our doorstep.

“The elves are really fun and the kids really enjoyed the engaging show and various activities.

“A real value for money experience.”

We have endeavoured to price activities so there is something to suit every budget.

On its website, the amusement park promises Christmas World brings “whimsical fun and magical moments for the festive season”.

A spokesperson from Christmas World : “We have had so many happy visitors with many amazing comments from lots of families who really enjoyed their experience with us!

“The ticket price includes a visit to Santa’s grotto plus other festive activities, including Bauble Making, Snow Flurries and unlike some other festive offerings, we also have not charged adults for entry.

“Whilst we appreciate that Christmas can be a costly time, we have tried our very best to make this a magical Christmas for a lot of families and hope that we can add more things for next year!”

A spokesperson from Dreamland said: “This is the first year that Christmas World has been hosted at Dreamland and we are excited to grow the event over the coming years.

“Christmas World is free to enter and prices of activities are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

“We have endeavoured to price activities so there is something to suit every budget.

“For example, the indoor snowball fights are £3 per person.

“The grotto experience includes not only a visit to see Santa but also a gift and activities such as reindeer food making and bauble decorating.

“The event has been well attended with families enjoying the activities and festive fun.

“We are already looking forward to what Christmas World will bring to Dreamland next year.”