We have been to center parcs many many times over the years since 1985, with numerous different groups of people, young and old and it has never been anything but a fantastic holiday. The only exception I will say is that Oasis Whinfell Forest, having been originally owned by another company doesn't quite match up to the standards of 3 villages. I agree that things can work out expensive but that can easily be rectified. We always book with friends so we split the cost. We always take our own bikes and rackets and always do our main food shop off site ( either bring it with you or nip to the nearest town ). Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it and there are plenty of cheap or free things to do if you are on a budget. The accomodation is very comfortable, the pool a real hoot ( the rapids will have you crying with laughter) and the whole place is very child friendly. We always go either just before or just after Christmas as this is not only the cheapest time but also when we are usually most in need of a break. The other bonus is that it is pretty quite then too - have never experienced large crowds or Benidorm in a dome syndrome and I hate crowds and have visited CP inexcess of 20 times. Another top tip is that if you aare booking online, put "center parcs discount codes" into Google - we managed to find a code that knocked ?75 off this time - not to be sniffed at.