Legoland

[perpetualworrier]

DS 1 is 7 in May and I really don't want to do another party. He really wants to go to legoland (although I'm not sure he really knows what it is) and I was thinking of offering a 2 day trip inc a night in a hotel instead of a party. Cost works out much the same as last year's party and I think we would all enjoy it, as opposed to a party which seems to be for the benefit of other peoples kids IYKWIM.

Questions are: It would be the first weekend they are open this year. Is that a good idea? Will it be very busy? Will staff be up to speed etc?

He can be a bit of a wimp where rides are concerned. Will there be things he likes, but that aren't designed for much smaller children?

Any tips for a successful visit?

Thank you for all your help, as usual.

we went in Sep just before ds1 was 5.
No idea on how busy etc - hopefully others will help.
There are definitly rides that would be fine, without bing smaller child centred.
If you have tesco clubcard use points for tickets - save alot of money. Or look for a hotel deal with tickets included.

Depends on whether it is a bank holiday/school holiday or not. And what the weataher is like. Easter weekend is usually busy at theme parks as are summer school holidays so would avoid those. If you are going early in the year then you may not get full enjoyment of the water feature (bring swim trunks and a towel if weather is OK though).

The rides at Legoland are fairly tame to be honest - he should be able to enjoy most of it. The Driving school is always very popular.

I would check that he is happy with the implications of not having a party though. I know one friend who opted for Eurodisney over a party only to find that when it came to it her dd really really wanted the party.

Legoland at weekends is often busy (week days during school term time is lovely), but very hard to say how busy - you just have to take the change. Getting there at opening time helps, with a clear plan of what big rides you are doing first.

Rides wise, there is a great selection. I take toddlers and they get to go on quite a few rides, some are even tall enough to go on the small Apprentice Dragon rollercoaster.
Even small rides - like Duplo Train, an adult can sit in... so while very tame, older people can enjoy going twice round the small track.

Boating School is popular - aim to do that first. Requires an adult with child, boat can sit max of 3 people.

If booking hotel - get one of the many deals that Legoland does - www.legolandhotels.co.uk - some of the hotels are not very near though, so be careful. Hilton Bracknell is quite close and does a Kids Eat free - handy for late dinner, if you decide not to eat in the park.

Have you thought about Chessington World of Adventures, their rides are suitable for his age PLUS they have a zoo. They had a hotel open there this year so useful for a weekend stay.

Think it'll be fine early season. Although new ride probably won't be open. Have changes of clothes/waterproofs handy . Weather might be iffy though.

I find it worth checking the Legoland Website - we used to have Season Tickets and found that the Special weekends (on the website) such as Tumbletots day/Grandparents day etc were much busier than the normal.

Also suggest taking a look at Chessington as well- new hotel and also they are opening a Sea Life centre sometime early in the season which I believe will be included in the price - my 8 year old loves the rides here.