We bought our tickets a few weeks back when they went on sale. Perfect timing with our spring break (and thankfully a different week from Oakland County). The crowds were manageable today with only a 15 minute wait to enter the center. We stood in a short line taking in the sights, anxious to get in and check it all out.
We added on the activity pack at $4 for each kid. That included the yellow lanyard and pages hanging on it where they can get stamps (like the Sea Life aquarium) at each section, fill things out as they go, or wait until they get home to complete. Since this is probably the only time we'll go this year (maybe one other time over the summer or for Sean's birthday if he wants), we added it on. But, I don't see the need to get this each time. The kids rarely used it while they were there and the lanyards were long so they hung well below their tummies.
As we entered, they took your picture in a couple of different poses and then waited until a large enough group was ready to enter the first room. A video came on all around the room explaining how Legos were made, letting you design a mini figure by using the joystick and a button, etc.
As you exit that room, an employee hands out Duplo Legoland Discovery Center pieces for each kid to take home. That was a nice touch!
We were directed to go on the Kingdom Quest ride next. The line took about 10 minutes and we were able to fit 5 in a car (perfect for our group today). This is just like the Toy Story Mania ride or the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin ride at Disney World. Essentially you're given a toy gun and it has a laser coming out of it. You shoot the bad guys, the spiders, the bats, and anything else that's in the way of getting the Lego princess. It shows you your score and takes a picture of you on the ride.
As we exited the ride, we were led into the Miniland room. This was definitely my favorite! A complete replica of the landmarks in Detroit. The room became dark at times and the lights of the buildings came on to mimic nighttime. I was worried this room wouldn't keep the boys' attention, but they had buttons they could push to make certain Lego models move, light up, or play music. It was really cool!
The last giant room had so many things to do! It was sensory overload as we walked in! Sean headed right towards a giant tub of Legos to build things, while Evan wanted to get on the next ride.
To your left as you enter this room is the other ride (I forget the name). It's like Dumbo or The Magic Carpet Ride from Disney World. You pedal while the ride is going. The faster you pedal, the higher you go. Stop pedaling and you drop. It was fun, but even with a short line it took a long time. The employee has to check every buckle and then as it ends, he has the key to unlock each person's seatbelt. They really need a second employee to make the wait a little more bearable.
Further to the left is the Duplo play area with a slide, tubs of Duplos, and buttons on the wall that make animal sounds. Also there's a Lego Friends section where kids can build or stand next to girls made out of Legos.
The boys wanted to go to the play structure next and it was awesome! An employee managed the door to let them in and out, so I could actually sit on a bench outside of the structure and let them do their thing. And they had a blast!
Sean made a friend and they were like two peas in a pod running around together, holding hands. So cute!
The last section was the Build and Test area. Bins of wheels and Lego parts were available for kids to build their own vehicle. They had ramps and racing ramps for the kids to test out their creations. Sean and Evan spent so much time in this part. And I was really in awe of how willing Evan was to sit there and get help building a car.
We decided to take advantage of the fact we were right next to the 4D theater and we took a much needed break. The movie was cute! 10 minutes about Lego Chima that included bursts of air, sprinkles of water, and different color fog let out during the show. It felt good to sit down and rest for a bit.
After the show, we let the kids build more cars and test them on the ramps. They moved back over the tub of Legos at the entrance to this section. Finally, we took some pictures with the model Lego Minifigures before it was time to leave. We easily spent 3 hours there and everyone was hungry and ready for our lunch reservation at the Rainforest Cafe.
They feed you out through the Lego Store...smart business move, Lego. We managed to make it out with only the purchase of a Minifigure for Sean. Both boys got free pins for their lanyards with Emmet on them and we were off! We had a great time at Legoland Discovery Center and can't wait to try out Legoland Florida next April!
Lunch was delicious, as usual. The Rainforest Cafe always pleases. This year Evan was brave and didn't freak out during the thunderstorms! They wore their hats, they loved their Sparkling Volcano (well worth the $15 dessert we could all share), and everyone left with a smile on the face.
A quick stop in the Disney store for some odds and ends and we were on the road. Considering we left the house at 8:30am this morning...it made for a long day. Both kids fell asleep on the ride home and we played outside until bedtime.
The highlight of our spring break, for sure!
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