Tuesday, 31 May 2016

A Visit to Legoland!


Just over a week ago we had a very exciting day planned. We were off to Legoland Windsor. We have been wanting to visit for absolutely ages but have never got round to it. It's not really that far from us, it took us just over an hour and a half which isn't too bad at all. We arrived at 10am, bang on opening and the car park was already filling up. The weather was dry, although cloudy to start of with but this actually was quite nice to wander round as it wasn't too hot.

My husbands sister and her husband live around half an hour away from Windsor so it seemed the ideal opportunity to meet up with them and their little boy, Alfie's cousin. One of the things that had been putting us off going was the entry cost. We had heard from several people that it is mega expensive to get in and they are not wrong. We don't mind paying an entry fee for a great day out but when I saw the cost online I have to admit I thought it was pretty steep. 

So there are several different prices. You can either pay on the day and pay the full cost (a staggering £50.40 for an adult and £46.20 for a child), you can pre-book online and if you book several days in advance you can save a fair amount. E.G, if you book 7 or more days in advance the price comes down to £27.00 a ticket (for either adult or child), if you book 2-6 days in advance the tickets then cost £40.00 a ticket. You can also choose to purchase a 1 or 2 day ticket depending on how long you want to stay.We were planning on using one of the vouchers we had been collecting from Kellogg's cereals which was a free adult entry but because my sister-in-law has Merlin annual passes they could get us all in for guests meaning we paid £10.00 each, so this was a huge help.

A beautiful view over to Windsor Castle which you can just make out.
This is the 1st time that Alfie has been to something like this, his first choice of a day out is usually the zoo so taking him to a theme park is very new for him and initially he was a little overwhelmed! It took a little while for him to warm up and become excited about what Legoland was all about and what it had to offer. 

To get to the actual park itself the best way down is to use the funicular train which takes a couple of minutes to the bottom of the hill. Once you get to the bottom you are immediately surrounded by Lego and lots of it. The place is soooo big it's hard to know where to start. 

There are several different lands throughout, these include: 

  • Duplo Valley
  • Adventure Land
  • Pirate Shores
  • Land of the Vikings
  • Kingdom of the Pharaohs
  • Lego City
  • Mini Land
  • Knights Kingdom
  • Heartlake City
  • Adventure Land




We started at Lego City and the first ride the boys went on was Fire Academy where it's a race against time to power a fire engine across a short distance and put out a 'burning' fire.........definitely an energetic way to start the day off. Fun for Daddy and son without a doubt!


We then headed over to the Coastguard HQ which we could all go on. This was alot of fun, it consists of sitting in a battery powered boat and driving it around a course avoiding obstacles and admiring the Lego models placed around.......there also may be a bit of water squirting too which was funny. One of the things that I wondered prior to visiting is whether Elarna would be able to go anything, I needn't have worried as there are several rides suitable for under 3's, there is a list available here which tells you which are suitable, we particularly liked the fairytale brook which we went on later in the day. Alfie was able to go on most rides, because he's a little bit on the short side there were some that he couldn't go on but mostly he could go on a majority. 



We then took the Heartlake City Express train which heads through the park with lots of Lego models to look at and enjoy.......there was also the chance of getting a little wet too!


We then went on my favourite ride (other than fairytale brook) which was the Atlantis Submarine Voyage, this was beyond cool! You get inside a yellow Lego submarine and it takes through an underwater journey where there are masses of tropical fish, stingray and SHARKS all surrounded by lots of underwater themed Lego models. It was absolutely brilliant and if the queue hadn't have been quite so big I would have loved to gone round again. It was such a unique and fun ride that we all could go on and enjoy. After we had been on this the boys made a little mini Lego shark outside, this cost £3.50 and it was cute little memento for them to keep. It was also nice to have a few minutes to sit quietly and chill.



After all this fun and excitement it was definitely time to grab something to eat, the boys were getting hungry and a bit fractious and we all needed a drink and a sit down. We headed over to Heartlake City and went to the eat as much as you want pizza and pasta restaurant. Do you know what as far as it went for food there was plenty of choice and the pizza was delicious (it tasted very similar to a popular chain pizza restaurant!), I liked that it was eat as much as you like as we could just help ourselves and get our moneys worth, overall it cost around £50 for 4 adults and 2 kids, not bad considering! After eating we managed to catch one of the 2 shows that they put on in the display area. We watched the pirates of skeleton bay (there is another one which is called Lego friends to the rescue), it was a great show, sadly I didn't get any pictures as I was squeezed onto a step with Alfie but it involved lots of swashbuckling adventure, acrobatics and throwing themselves into the water.........very good and the kids seem to really enjoy it. 


After we'd all got alot more energy we walked over to Pirate Shores. Adi, my husband was desperate to take Alfie on one of the bigger rides, sadly his cousin who is a bit younger wasn't quite tall enough for some of the bigger rides so I waited with Elarna (who eventually had a power nap) and the boys queued for the pirate falls log flume. Now this was the one that had a bit queue, we'd been quite lucky up till now but I would say we waited a good 45 minutes for them to come down(with some incredibly annoying pirate music that was on a loop!). I think it was worth it though as Alfie had the biggest smile when he came down! He is such a thrill seeker like his Daddy. However.........he was soaked. I knew he was going to get wet but he was drenched! Luckily I had put a change of clothes in but not a new hoody so this meant that he either froze or we spent an extortionate amount on a new one......I'm sure you can guess what we did. £20 later he had a new, dry hoody! Sadly at this point the rain did start to fall and although it wasn't heavy it was starting to get a bit colder. We decided not to do any more water rides and head over to Duplo Valley, although not until the spinning spider was tried, much to my delight watching my hubby turn a shade of green as he was spun round very fast!



As we headed to Duplo Valley the rain did start to become a bit heavier, the splash towers and drench safari were open and we were debating letting Alfie go on it but 1. we had no more clothes, 2. we'd have to buy home some more swimming trunks and 3. he was really chilly so we decided against it. Instead we went on the fairytale brook which was so cute. They are little leaf boats that gently take you around a brook with lots of fairytale Lego characters, it's very gentle but very cute and I loved it. If I hadn't already got a wet bum from the wet seats and was a bit warmer I would have loved to have gone around again. Instead we decided on one more ride and then to head home. Our final ride was the Duplo Valley Airport. They were these crazy helicopter that you directed up and down and round and round.........because it wasn't very busy we stayed on these and I think we had about 6 goes. It was a good last ride before we left. 



Lastly we walked through Mini Land which as the name suggests mini replicas of all sorts of landmarks made out of Lego. Honestly, it blows you away, there is so much to see and the detail in some of them models is incredible. I couldn't put more pictures on as I took so many but I picked out a few of my fave's. I especially loved some of the moving items such as the trains and ferries, just so much detail and thought had gone into it. 




Overall we had a fantastic time. It was fun for everyone, not just the kids and so much to see and do. I think that's the downside really,  that it's just so big that it's impossible to do everything in one day. Not that I'm saying there's too much to do as I guess it is to entice you back but there really is too much to try and cram in to one visit. We are already planning our return trip, I'm hoping that we can stay in the Legoland hotel as I showed Alfie the themed rooms and he said that he would just love to stay and actually so would I! So perhaps in a few months I can grant him his wish. I'm already looking forward to our next visit. 

Has anyone else visited Legoland? Did you love it as much as us?

* Please note, I wasn't paid in any way for this review I just wanted to write about having a great family day out!


41 comments:

  1. I used to love going there when my kids were younger, now they are teens they are too old! Tips from someone who has been many many times:
    Get there for half an hour before opening then you get parked closer and onto rides much faster.
    The very wet rides have massive driers you can stand in for a few £ and dry off. Alternatively, buy a good quality splash Mac you can use for a few years.
    We always get the train back up from minivans but walk down, you see some unexpected things that way.
    You didn't mention driving school? Kids can get their own plastic driving licence from there and it's the one thing my kids real remember - getting it in the little route for the little ones and then graduating to the bigger route at age 6/7. My daughter at 13 was devastated when she crammed her legs into one of those cars and realised it was the last time she would manage it!
    I think that's it, you look to have achieved a lot in one day!

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  2. A fun way to spend a day and so much to see and do. Best to go when it isn't school holidays though or queuing for rides takes most of your day. Glad you had a good time. #TriedTested

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  3. Great post we visited over the bank holiday weekend. We always find something new to try and my boys really enjoyed the helicopters and boat ride x #triedtested

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  4. What a lovely review- it looks like you all had a really enjoyable day- apart from the bit rain you had! I've never been and have a few year yet until my kids start asking to go visit places like this- just as well, I need the time to save up for entrance prices haha! Thanks for sharing xx #triedtested

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  5. This is one of the places I have always wanted to visit...
    It sounds like you had a fantastic time x

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  6. This review was really interesting for me as we're planning on visiting Legoland in the summer months - we haven't been their yet, either! It looks like you had an amazing day out, lots of fun and lots of photos. It is expensive, but we've a few vouchers, so hopefully it won't feel too bad on our pockets!
    #TriedTested

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  7. I love Legoland and can't wait for A to be old enough to enjoy it. Because of the price we want to make the most of it though it is alot cheaper to buy tickets in advance which we'll do. #bestworst

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  8. It looks brill! Can't get over how steep the prices are though hun! I think the annual passes I guess help with that. I'm glad Alfie got on some of the big rides even though he got soaked!!! Lovely pics xx #bestandworst

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  9. I remember going to Legoland when I was younger and queuing for ages to go on the rides! I'd love to go back with my girls! #bestandworst

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  10. I've never been but think we will go this summer as the eldest one is quite into lego at the moment and want to go before it loses its appeal to her. #bestandworst

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  11. Glad to hear you had such a fun time! I know monkey would just love to go but we are waiting till LM is a bit bigger I think. Xx

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  12. We've never been and I must admit I don't see the appeal, so at those prices I probably wouldn't try it. Great that you got such a bargain!

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  13. Aw, I've only ever been to the original Legoland in Denmark, when I was a little girl many, many years ago. We don't live that far from Windsor so I imagine that we'll take Caspian in the future. Looked like you all had a super time and thanks for sharing all the info #bestandworst

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  14. Lego-land looks great fun! I really want to take my son, the prices are a little eye opening, but you look like you get what you pay for!- great fun!.

    Great photos too!

    #Bestandworst


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  15. Oh, that looks fun. We haven't been for ages but Rev T wants to go for his birthday so I think there will be another visit shortly. Thanks for showing some of the new things we'll need to look out for

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  16. Wow this place looks amazing! It sounds a bit pricey until you consider the price for Alton Towers as it certainly looks like there is a lot more for little tots to do here and there is definitely a lot more than I expected to see for them. I just thought it was all like the "mini-land" bit which you showed us at the end (which on it's own does look fantastic, but I assumed that this is all there would be!) I'll have to show this to the hubby!
    Thanks for hosting #bestandworst xx

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  17. Looks like you all had a lovely day! We took our little one for her 2nd birthday last summer and had a great day out. Although like you I was really surprised at how expensive entry to the park is. Youre so lucky you were able to get guest entrance prices with your family, that makes such a huge difference! We were a little overwhelmed by how much there is to do there and where to start, but narrowed down the different lands and rides based on age limitations and ended up on lots of the rides that you guys did too :-) Emily #bestandworst

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  18. Really interested to read this review as we are planning to take out two there soon. It sounds absolutely amazing! Thanks for the extra info - lots of good tips in here!
    x Alice
    #bestandworst

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  19. Lego land is one of the few theme parks I've never been to and I must admit that the ticket prices aren't really enticing me. Fantastic that you was able to get in for £10. If I do ever decide to go I will be sure to book at least 7 days in advance. Glad you all had a great day despite the weather.

    (Unhinged mummy aka Janine)
    #bestandworst

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  20. I'd love to take our kids to Legoland but as you say, it's not cheap - and for us it's too far away to do it as a day trip which ramps the cost up even further.
    I'm glad you had a great time!
    Thanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x

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  21. We love Legoland Windsor and its really close to us, last time we visited though I was a bit too small to enjoy the massive rides ;) Looks like you had a great day #triedtested

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  22. What a fab time you had! We've just been too, I wonder if we crossed paths? We visited all the same rides as you, other than the log flume. We just weren't in the right mood to be hauling two drippy toddlers around with us. Those helicopters were hilarious though weren't they, my son almost gave me whiplash! #bestandworst

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  23. I cant believe how expensive it is, I know it was expensive but I think my jaw dropped when I read that. It does look like had a fantastic time and looks like there is a lot to do, so maybe you do get your money's worth. #bestandworst

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  24. This looks like a great day out and will be somewhere I'd love to take my little man when he's a little older! Thanks for such an in depth review, it's always great to see these places from a fellow Mum's perspective! #bestandworst

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  25. I've been wanting to visit LEGOLAND for ages too! Thanks for a great review. Lovely piccies too. Thanks for hosting #bestandworst and happy blog birthday X

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  26. I can't wait to visit LEGOLAND in the Summer. We've got merlin passes so can't wait to use them. It looks like a fab place to visit. Loved your review #TriedTested

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  27. I have never been but it looks fab great post super photos thanks for hosting #bestandworst

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  28. Looks absolutely amazing. I particularly like those elephants. #bestandworst

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  29. That's a really helpful review. I always forget to factor in the cost of feeding everyone. Discounts and cash back definitely seem the way forward!

    That spider is pure nightmare fuel!

    #BestAndWorst

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  30. Aw wow this looks amazing! We have decided to go for Noah's birthday in July and can't wait - even thinking we need two day. #bestandworst xx

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  31. Ahh that looked really great. Great photos as well. #binkylinky

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  32. We are going at the end of July I can't wait it is a surprise for my son and daughter :) xx #binkylinky

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  33. We are going in July i can't wait! #binkylinky xx

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  34. Wow my little nephew would love this - he's obsessed with Duplo! It's definitely somewhere I've always wanted to visit so we will have to get Taylor into lego once she's a little older! What a fab family day out :) xx #bestandworst

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  35. Oh we really need to visit here.
    Looks like so much fun! #PoCoLo x

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  36. Its my son's dream to go there but its just too far and if we go itll be too expensive hehe.

    But it really does look great & FUN! #pocolo

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  37. I went when I was younger, but don't really remember much other than queuing up for ages for to go on the rides! Have fun! Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky

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  38. Back again thanks for linking to the #binkylinky

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  39. Looks like a brilliant day out - its a place I most deffs want to take the kids. Glad you had a great family day out x #bestandworst

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  40. I've never been, but imagine the kids would love it. Sounds a fun day, but that spider looks absolutely horrifying! #bestandworst

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  41. I've never been, but would love to go sometime. It looks like it's best to spend a weekend there if you want to do lots then? It's quite a trek for us from Scotland, but there seems to be so much to do. Thanks for linking up to #Whatevertheweather Xx

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