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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party Review

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Review 2023. Last weekend we went to the O2 to see the first-ever Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party! Harry is particularly keen on the iconic Hot Wheels monster trucks which come in all different sizes and characters. And this was the chance for him to see some of his much-loved toys come to life. Having visited Monster Jam in the Summer I was intrigued to see how the different arenas and the dazzling dance party element would add to the experience.

Ad – we were invited to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live in return for this review – all words and opinions are my own.

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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Review

The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party was held in the O2 which is completely inside and so much more suitable for a Winter experience. We had tickets in block 111 which fell into the Group 1 ticket for the morning show time of 11am. These tickets meant we were close to the front. This was unexpected but a number of the closer seating areas had been covered over to ensure safety. I was really impressed as it meant that we were a lot closer to the monster trucks than I had anticipated. Group 4 tickets were also available, these were on the next floor up. There was a price difference between the two with Group 1 being slightly more expensive.

The set-up of the arena is such though that you should have a good view from any of the tickets. The traditional O2 stage is not visible. Instead, the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks perform in the standing element of the arena taking up the whole of the bottom making a large competition floor. Plus there is a large screen at one end which gives close-ups and is used throughout for scoring.

In the centre of the arena, there were brightly painted scrap cars which added to the boy’s excitement. As they tried to work out what was going to happen in the show.

Exciting Crash Zone Pre-show Party

Prior to the event, there was a pit party which allows you exclusive access and autograph signings to the favorite drivers and different Hot Wheels Monster Trucks that are taking part. Fans of all ages can get the chance to complete an autograph card from their favourite drivers and pictures of the trucks. A crash zone ticket is included in the special VIP tickets along with a souvenir pass in the form of a lanyard exclusive. The Hot Wheels crash zone pre-show party is reserved for crash zone attendees only. It is not possible to upgrade tickets on the day. As we arrived when the doors opened it meant that we could get an ariel view of this. Plus all the lights are on meaning photos are a lot easier.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks merchandise

Of course, Harry in particular was keen to pick up some souvenirs from the merchandise stalls which are located within the O2. I was pleased to find that the queues were not as bad as I expected them to be. Expect to pay £20 for a kid’s t-shirt, £5 for a flag £30 for a 24-1 scale die-cast truck. They also had some smaller monster truck toys which varied between £7.50 and £9. It was far too tempting when we knew we were just about to see the real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels. Payment is by debit or credit cards only.

Is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour loud?

One of the other things you can buy in the merchandise stands is ear defenders. Having seen Monster Trucks before we knew they would be loud. But totally forgot ours! So I was pleased to see that you could buy some for £15.

As the show takes place inside and the O2 is completely covered the noise does really reverberate around the arena. Even as an adult, there were moments during the epic performances when I thought ‘WOW that’s loud’. So our top tip is to bring or buy ear defenders. The show itself is suitable for families of all ages.

How long does the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party last?

In total around two and a half hours, with an interval, pre-show warm up and the actual Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live 2023 show. This does not include the pre-party photo opportunities.

Pre Show Warm Up

We attended the morning show and arrived when the doors opened at 10.15 am. The warm-up started at 11 am and involved an introduction to each of the drivers and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks taking part. Our compares were Alex Baker and Freddie Shepard. Both were dressed in white glowing suits to keep with the theme. There were seven trucks in total these were monster trucks – Mega Wrex™ Tiger Shark™, New Gunkster™, Ace Race, Bone Shaker, BIGFOOT and DEMO DERBY. Harry was pleased to see his favorite hot wheels with their outrageous designs. It was nice to see that a couple of the monster jam drivers were female.

We were also introduced to the Freestyle Motocross Team which performed some stunts later in the party. During this session, we were also told about how the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Glow Party would work. The stunts that each would pull and how points would be awarded. There were four different point-scoring activities with the ultimate winner receiving a trophy at the end.

The first part

The first session was Wheelies. This saw each of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks take it in turn to wheelie over the parked cars in the arena. Each truck was awarded a score and there was audience participation with Freddie Shepard heading into the crowd. He worked his way around the arena throughout the show asking people to announce scores. As well as giving some prizes out and toy giveaways.

After the first challenge, there was the chance to catch a t-shirt. As someone walked around the arena firing them into the audience.

The next challenge was Doughnuts. Again each truck took turns to see how tight they could make their doughnuts. Which is quite a challenge on a concrete floor. This was probably the loudest part of the show.

The final challenge of the first half of the show was the long jump. Each Hot Wheels Monster Truck took turns to jump the now squashed cars. With the winner being the one that managed to jump the furthest. Watching them go over the cars has got to be one of the highlights of the show. The epic size of the Hot Wheels tyres come crashing down.

To add to the drama before the interval we were treated to a spectacular dinosaur car-eating monster. Making a special appearance is the only opportunity to see him in the entire show. The transforming robot Megasaurus also breathes fire and really got the crowd fired up when it demolished its lunch!

The second part

There was a short interval of about half an hour. Giving people the chance to get some food and drink and use the facilities. During this time the Freestyle Motorcross rides set up an inflatable ramp. They opened the second half of the show by flying through the air and performing all sorts of thrilling stunts. Many of which were met with oohs and awws from the crowd.

Then we watched as the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks took part in their freestyle competitions. Again each truck took its turn to wow the crowd, I think the freestyle run was my favourite part it definitely has us on the edge of our seats. They were really impressive the boys especially enjoyed it when they did their amazing tricks. We did have one casualty, Bigfoot that ended up on its side.

The show finished at 1.30 pm sharp with Gunkster being declared a worthy winner.

Top Tips

If you are planning on driving to the O2 arena then you need to book parking in advance. It often sells out. Car park 1 is for the arena although there are three other car parks designed for the shopping outlet which could be used for additional parking.
We travelled by train and had intended on going on the London Cable Car afterwards but the weather was awful so we headed straight home. However, if you want to extend your day then this could be a good option.
Bring your own food and drink but only small bags are allowed into the arena. Drinks and food are expensive and there is limited choice mainly chips and chicken or a burger and chips.
Book one of the many restaurants for lunch. If your children can hang on then the show finishes promptly at 1.30 pm so we had booked a restaurant in advance for lunch. Although there are lots many get booked up quickly and the last thing you want to do is queue with hungry kids.

Conclusions

We had a fantastic time watching the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party it is such a unique experience watching the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. The event performances ensure there is something for the whole family making it a great value family day out. The boys loved their first time at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party™ We are keenly awaiting news of their next appearance as the children are very excited to see them again!

Have you seen Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live 2023? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live 2023 tour dates

As well as appearing in London the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will be touring the UK and Europe in the coming months. There have already been dates released for the popular family entertainment tour. You can use the links below to view ticket availability.

*Denotes an affiliate link. This means should you go on to buy tickets that I will receive a small commission. This does not affect the price that you pay

Birmingham April 2023*

To find out future locations head to the Live Nation website.