Welcome to my first blog on ThemeParkRM. I’ve got to say a massive thank you to my good friend Ross for allowing me to share some of my theme park adventures. So you’ve probably guessed by reading the title. Yes my first blog takes me to the Legoland Windsor Resort.
A Brief History
The site commonly known as St Leonards Hill on the outskirts of the town of Windsor was founded in 1947. It was the site of Windsor Safari Park. The Safari Park closed in 1992 and the site was Purchased by the Lego group to build a Lego themed resort. Want to know what the safari park used to look like? Take a watch of Mutiny on the Buses. Most of the assets of the old safari park have now gone but one attraction still remains. The funicular hill train. Today the park is operated as the Legoland Windsor Resort and is operated by Merlin Entertainments Ltd.
It’s a Small World After All
Don’t worry this isn’t the circle of life or the voice of Mr Bean as Zazu but I’d like you to join me first in the miniland of the resort.
It goes without saying that travelling the world in real life is extremely expensive these days but miniland takes you on a trip around the world but yes you’ve guessed it in Lego form. Take in the breathtaking sights of the United Kingdom from Big Ben to hot rod racing at Silverstone then head off to Europe to visit the tulips of Amsterdam or visit the Romance capital of the world Paris. Wherever you choose to first miniland has something for everyone. The miniland opened in 1996 and is made up of nearly 40 million Lego bricks. When the attraction first opened it took over 100 master model builders to build the land over 3 years.
I would recommend spending a good 30 minutes to 45 minutes walking around the miniland or if you’re like me I think I could spend a full day. Anyway here’s a few images of what lies in store for you when you decide to visit.
Themed Areas
Leaving the miniland behind let’s take a look around the other parts of the resort. Did you know you can explore 11 themed areas from knights and dragons in Knights Kingdom to the never sleeping Lego City. Let’s take a bit of time now to have a look at some of the themed areas in a bit more detail.
Duplo Valley
What better place to start with Lego for little adventurers. I’m sure when we all first got into Lego we used Duplo (the bigger building blocks) this themed area is bigger and better with loads of rides attractions and shows to entertain your little ones it even has its own little splash park.
Lego Mythica
I don’t know about you but as a kid building robots and stuff out of Lego was great fun, then fighting with them with my brother to see who’s broke first. Here at Lego Mythica that’s not the case. Step inside a world where Lego creatures really do come to life. I remember my first ever visit here and my jaw just dropping at the magnificent theming in this area.
Seeing really is believing.
The Sky Lion
Knights Kingdom
In my opinion a welcome addition to the resort is this area Knights Kingdom. With it being a merlin park. Yes you get my drift. This kind of thing is right up my street. Many years ago I worked at the magical kingdom of Camelot as a ride operator and of course many of you will know that Camelot was a knight orientated park. When visiting this area I wholeheartedly recommend a ride on Dragon but be careful that merlin doesn’t put a bad spell on you.
Lego City
From the knights to the hustle and bustle of the big city. There really are big boys toys here. Set sail on the self drive boats around the city or become a fireman and receive a 999 call to the burning Lego city.
Heartlake City
If you love your friends and love spending time with them. In Heartlake city everyone is a friend. Meet Emma, Mia, Olivia, Stephanie & Andrea and sing a dance along to this friendly area. Well worth some time here as well to enjoy the Pirates of Skeleton Bay stage show when you’ll be setting sail for the Legendary Golden Cutlass
As you’ll see the Legoland Windsor Resort has something for everyone no matter what your age is.
Maybe by this time you’re feeling a little peckish. Let’s talk
Food & Drink
Eating out options at Legoland Windsor Resort are endless no matter what your appetite is. From Ice creams to the good old traditional English Fish n Chips to the award winning Brick Chips. I opted for the fish n chips on my visit and in my opinion it was good value for money.
Summary
Well what did I think?
What’s not to like about it! I’ve loved Lego from a very early age and it’s kind of something that sticks with you for life. The park is amazing the detail of the theming, the cleanliness of the resort and most of all the staff can’t do enough to help you.
What attractions do I recommend?
Ride wise definitely Dragon Coaster, Coastguard HQ and Monster House Party (I know a song that will get on your nerves) you’ll be singing it for hours.
Would I visit again?
Absolutely 100%
Thanks for reading. Until the next one
KEEP BUILDING and maybe one day one of your mythical creatures will come to life
Gareth very much enjoy’s his visits to Theme Parks just like Ross, in fact, you will be most likely to bump into Gareth at Alton Towers where he spends plenty of time!
