10 tips for your visit to Legoland

Planning a trip to Legoland Florida? If so, you are in the right place!

10 tips for your visit to Legoland

1. Get there early. As with most Florida theme parks, you'll want to get there early (about a half hour before the park opens) if you want to avoid the lines. This will give you time to park, go to the bathroom, put on sunscreen and whatever last minute preparations you need, so you are completely ready to enter the park when it opens.

  

2. Go to the back and work your way forward. Most people go to the right when they enter a theme park. Going to the back first will allow you to do the popular Legoland rides before the crowds hit. 

3. Stay at the Legoland Hotel. Guests at either the LEGO Hotel Florida or the Legoland Resort on Lake Dexter receive early admission to the Legoland Theme Park. This is a perfect time to get in some of those rides that form long lines during the day (especially the coasters).

4. Register for Mindstorm robotic challenge. If your children are over eight years old, head to Imagination Station and register for the Mindstorm robotic challenge as soon as you enter the park. There are three different challenges to choose from and they fill up quickly. The last time we went, there was also a challenge for kids six and over, so ask at the gate what ages can sign up for the Mindstorm challenge. This was a favorite activity for both of my sons (including the 11-year-old).

5. Double check your child’s height before you head to the park. Die hard Lego lovers do not have any age limits!  That said, most shows and rides are geared for the 10 and under crowd.

6. Keep your friends close on the Aqua Wave Racers and Quest for CHI. Water cannons next to the Aqua Racers ride can soak the participant. They are controlled by stands along the water’s edge. Guests can fire at will and of course family and friends will be firing at you. In the Quest for CHI, onlookers can use water cannons to spray those on the ride, but those on the ride can also spray the onlookers, so watch out on both sides. 

7. Don’t miss the Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty Water Ski Show. The Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty is a throwback to the days when this theme park was Cypress Gardens – which was known for their southern belles and water ski shows. To get the best view of the show, sit on the left side of the pirate ship. You want a good view of the ski ramps. If the theater fills up before you get there, sit on the lawn between the two stadiums. You won’t have as good a view of the pirate show, but you’ll have a great view of the water skiers. If you go on a slow day, sit on the front row next to the VIP section. If the VIP people don’t come, kids may be allowed to spray the pirates with the water cannon (which is normally reserved for VIPs). The show pavilion is also a great place for lunch. Not only will you get to sit in the shade, but you’ll have something to do while you wait for the show to begin.

8. Bring mini-figures to trade. Who knew this would be such a highlight? Tell your kids to bring ta few to trade. Every Lego employee wears mini-figures on their name tag. Employees are very gracious and willing to trade immediately. There is also a “Mini-figure Ambassador.” This employee can be hard to track down, but they'll have almost 100 mini-figures pinned to them ready to trade.

9. Take advantage of Package Pick Up. If you purchase something at any of the gift shops, Legoland Orlando has package pick up, which means you can send your purchases to the front of the park and pick them up on the way out instead of hauling it around the park with you.

10. Take a Shuttle from Orlando. If you are staying in Orlando and don’t have a car, or would prefer not to drive, there is a shuttle that provides round trip transportation from the Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Avenue to Legoland. The day we checked out the Legoland shuttle, round trip was only $5 per person.

5 Bonus Money-Saving Tips

1. Get a discount on tickets: The best way to get Legoland tickets at a discount is to buy tickets ahead of time. You can save money to by purchasing your tickets online at the Lego website, www.Legoland.com before arriving at the theme park. Before you purchase from the website though, check for discounts elsewhere online. Visit Orlando’s Magic Card gives you a discount on admission to Legoland Florida and other Orlando dining and attractions. MouseSavers also has discounts on Legoland prices from time to time. If you’ve got a Costco membership, check there as well! Their e-tickets generally come within the hour of purchase – but I’d order them at least the night before, just in case.

2. Purchase parking online: Save $2 by purchasing your parking online at the Legoland site before you arrive.

3. Pack your lunch and snacks: Legoland Orlando has some great dining options and works hard to offer choices for those with allergies or needing gluten free options, but to save money, you may want to pack your own lunch. There are lockers at the front of the park to store your picnic until lunchtime. If you don’t want to do that, consider leaving the park for less pricey dining options. You may re-enter the parking with a valid parking stub during the same day of your visit.

4. Come prepared: You will get wet on the Quest for CHI ride at the Legoland park. Come prepared with ponchos, rain gear or a change of clothes. Bring a change of socks too, there is nothing worse than walking around with wet socks and shoes. Legoland Orlando does have ponchos available for purchase near the Quest for CHI ride, but you’ll pay a lot for them.

5. Hold the souvenirs: The Lego sets are so tempting, but resist the urge to give in to your child’s pleas. You’ll find the merchandise at cheaper prices outside the park.

Disclaimer: I received Legoland Florida Resort and Legoland Water Park media passes from Legoland in exchange for my honest review. Although writers are often provided with complimentary goods and services for the purpose of review, we at inCredible Canuck only recommend places we would stay ourselves and things we would use.