Are you planning on visiting any of the LEGOLAND Resorts in the United States? Want to know how to save money and time? Read these helpful tips and honest review before you go. Our family recently went to the new LEGOLAND New York Resort and although the kids thought “everything was awesome”, there are many tips we wished we knew before our visit.
Free Tickets, Anyone?
Do not pay full price for your tickets. There are always ongoing deals such as “vacation packages” that include a discounted hotel stay plus tickets. Annual passes and BOGO deals are continuously available as well. A special discount frequently featured on their website is a free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. Participating LEGO stores often offer discounted tickets with a purchase of a seasonal item (this is how we scored 2 FREE tickets). Also, pre-pay for your parking online for a discounted price as well as to skip long lines when exiting.
The Handy App.
Download the LEGOLAND New York Resort Mobile App so you can plan your day around long lines, show times, and character “Meet & Greets”. There are numerous “Meet & Greets” throughout the resort, but they don’t last very long, so it is helpful to track them on the App. You can also make restaurant reservations or order your meals ahead to save time. Selected discounts are sporadically offered as well. Another essential feature on the App is the “Reserve ‘N’ Ride”, but it is important to remember that it fills up quickly. Honest review: I observed the resort can’t handle high volume very well. The lines can get lengthy and since a hefty fee has been added to the “Reserve ‘N’ Ride”, a weekday visit is highly recommended.
No Cash, Please!
Plastic is not just for the LEGOS! Prepare to use credit/debit cards or touchless payment methods such as Apple Pay. It is stated on their website and throughout the resort that cash is not accepted.
Mind The Weather.
LEGOLAND’s high elevation poses a risk for sunburns. Although large umbrellas have been added throughout the resort, shade is still very limited! Wear a hat and continuously apply sunblock. Stay hydrated and save money by taking refillable water bottles. Outside snacks are also allowed. The different areas are very spread out, so wear supportive footwear. Cool off or wait out rain by playing with LEGO bricks at the Builders Guild located inside the LEGO Castle.
Shop ‘Til You Drop!
The largest LEGO store in the U.S., The BIG Shop, is located near the entrance. Avoid making purchases at the end of the day because the lines get very long. Save time and avoid lugging bags around by using their “Package Pick Up” service, and retrieve your items later. Budget to make extra purchases since exclusive LEGO sets and souvenirs are sold.
Last-Minute Tip:
Review the minimum height restrictions on their website because the system is slightly confusing. For instance, your child may be tall enough to ride, but only with a supervising companion or a supervising adult. The supervising companion is defined as: “A guest 14 years of age or older, who understands rider instructions, can assist other guests complying with rider instructions, and meets all ridership requirements to ride by themselves”. The supervising adult is determined as: “A guest 18 years of age or older, who understands rider instructions, can assist other guests complying with rider instructions, and meets all ridership requirements to ride by themselves”. These requirements may present as a challenge for families with multiple small children.
Important Updates!!
The opening of the LEGO City Water Playground has been postponed, and it is now expected to open Memorial Day weekend! But you can still enjoy fun water rides in the LEGO Pirates area. Be prepared to get soaked, so wear a swimsuit or pack a change of clothes. Body dryers are available for an extra fee. In addition to the LEGO Pirates area, the LEGO NINJAGO World was a family favorite. This area is always very busy because of its interactive and fun NINJAGO ride as well as the entertaining “Earth Beat” musical show. Two additional rides worth the wait: “Driving School” at LEGO City and “The Dragon” at LEGO Castle.
Upcoming Events:
Opening Day for 2023 is March 31st! Opening weekend special events: March 31st, 10:00am-11:00am: Meet & Greet with Stacey and Nick, the winners from LEGO Masters Season 3. Help them complete the new LEGO mosaic. Photo Op will be on Brick Street. April 1st, 11:00am-12:30pm: Jr. Master Builder Competition in the Palace 4D Theatre. A second Meet & Greet opportunity with Stacey and Nick will take place in the Palace 4D Theatre at 12:45pm.
The announcement for the 2023 “Brick-Or-Treat Presents Monster Party” and “Holiday Bricktacular” dates is coming soon! Check out their website for more information: https://www.legoland.com/new-york/
Have a Bricktastic Day!
