Recently visited Legoland for the Fireworks, which was a mixed bag (but probably a better experience for anyone at Fright Nights).
Despite the very cold weather, not too many rides seemed to close, however there were definitely a lot of shut downs (perhaps the most I’ve seen at the park). This included Sky River, Dragon, Jolly Rocker, Laser Raiders and a lengthy one on the Ninjago ride.
Operations were a mixed bag, with most being neither quick or slow. The Dragon however was just on two trains, which given it was a super peak day was a little disappointing. Boating School also seemed to be short on operating vehicles and was only using two of it’s three lanes.
The fireworks were enjoyable even if they are not the best I’ve seen. This year’s display didn’t really stick to a theme, but included soundtracks from popular Lego IP’s and attractions such as the Lego Movie and The Pirates Of Skeleton Bay. I liked how they also had a pre-fireworks show, which made the wait between noticeably more bearable. It’s a park that needs good crowd control.
N.B grab a viewing area at least 45 minutes before the fireworks start if you want a good spot, otherwise it will be incredibly difficult and crowded.
Whilst I would like to end this on a positive note, can’t help but feel some things need addressing.
Legoland Windsor is a Park I’ve visited almost every year since it’s early years as child. Whilst I have enjoyed many of my visits over the years, I cannot help but feel the place seems to have lost much of it’s charm and spark.
Some will say it has always been a large corporate advert, but that was not always the case. At least compared to now. In the early years, the park was a charming innovative place full of creativity, imagination and exploration. From it’s quirky pathways, hidden Easter eggs and imaginative themes and storytelling.
Since the late nougties, the place has developed into a more touristy, greater commercialised and much more ‘in your face’ attraction. With many of the charming features changed or removed for more simplistic/less interesting ones. Many original brick built/styled features seem to be getting removed for bland generic/unlego features. Whether that be the sides of the teacups, the giraffe on the train or replacing the original ‘brick built’ boating school animatronics.
This year alone, I have noticed all the park toilet signs have been replaced by generic signs, already simplified from the even more lego-esque style from the past. They have rethemed the once quirky Papa Moles into the bland generic themed Studio Cafe, which has no correlation to the rest of the area like the old theme used to. They have also ripped out the old balloon school animatronic on the top of operating booth (which levers which?).
They have also chiselled away yet further theming from The Dragon Coaster. Whilst still great, this is very saddening to see being one of the first coasters I ever experienced. The theming inside the turrets/enclosed areas of the queue have been removed and not replaced. Whilst most of the theming has been relocated elsewhere (either in the queue or ride) this is still greatly disappointing to see the neglect being put into former attractions. The station chandeliers were removed last year snd will probably never be replaced.
This year, the park updated part of miniland area with new models from all over the world. Whilst the new models look great and the model makers have put much effort into everything, I cannot help but feel something is really missing here as it literally feels like they’ve tried to cram as many models into one space as possible.
The areas with the updated models literally feel like they have just been slapped down on any available space and generally lack cohesion to their surroundings because they seem to only focus on a few important/prominent models rather than trying to create a setting or landscape that many previous additions achieved. The noticeable lack of animated effects is also disappointing.
Don’t get me wrong, the new models look great and refreshed, but I personally think they could have done better with this and should’ve focused on quality and not quantity.
One of the few things that makes me excited at Legoland is the brand new Haunted House attraction opening next year. Whilst it may lack the charm of early attractions it looks to be one the better additions of recent years amongst offering another much needed major/indoor attraction, considering how many rides they now close at dusk.
Whilst I will probably continue to visit the place (I know some of you will criticise me for doing so), I just can’t stand still when my childhood park is having it’s soul ripped out for generic stylings, exposed ‘back of house’ areas and quality theming replaced with vinyls. I just left with a feeling where there was noticeably less pulling power to return, even compared to a few years ago.
Thanks for reading.