alton towers vs legoland

[WonderingWhyIBother]

I'm planning to take my daughter to a theme park for 1/2 days for her 8th birthday in September. Does anyone have any advice on which would be best?

I love the idea of legoland, my daughter loves playing with lego and it will make up the bulk of her birthday presents from me and her Nana (as an aside: planning to get her the lego creator lighthouse and the harry potter game and possibly one other lego set, with lots more possibilities for Christmas presents!). However some of the reviews aren't great, including from people I know who have been there. I don't know if it would be a bit too young for her, or if the lego factor would make up for this. Also it is more travelling (we're in the north-east), plus it isn't open on her actual birthday.

As for Alton Towers I haven't been since I was a child, so have very little idea of what to expect, but I have found a couple of B&Bs nearby with very reasonably priced rooms and good reviews.

Help!

[jalopy]

I think you are better off going to Alton Towers. We went there about 3 years ago and there is something for everyone there. It's a much bigger place so be prepared for the walking.

As for Legoland, I doubt it's worth the trip if you live up North. Apart from the 'model village' of world cities, the rides are pretty much the same.

If I were to choose again for my family, it would have to be Alton Towers.

[FoJo]

depends on what sort of rides she likes! My children are now 10 & 13 and are super speed freaks. we live in newcastle and bought merlin passes this year and have been to alton towers twice this year and also thorpe park. Did legoland about 3 or 4 years ago and we all loved it, the model village is awsome and the rides were great when they were 7 & 10 ish. Our passes run out next easter and so we are planning next trip south to use them and debating on whether or not to do legoland, they both sigh wistfully and say they'd quite like to go and see all the lego stuff, but will then feel a bit deflated at the lack of 'big rides'! So I say go for legoland while she's still young enought to enjoy it (neither of mine have ever been meg lego fans) and alton towers (which is also fab) can wait for a year or 2!

[rookiemater]

If she is really into her Lego then I would recommend Legoland.

We have just come back from there with DS (5) who is really into his lego and he was fascinated by the European cities area and spent a good couple of hours there, and was more taken by them than the rides. Granted the rides are not as scarey or dramatic as Alton Towers but to me there was something magical about Legoland ( I do love a good piece of lego) and it was all nicely done ( apart from the food we made the mistake of going to the pizza and pasta buffet in the evening it was disgusting).

I don't think she would be too old for it, but she would be in a year or so whereas Alton Towers could be done right up to adulthood.

Or as a compromise what about Alton Towers and Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester. I don't know anything about it but from googling it appears to have a Miniland and some rides.

[BastardDog]

10 or under Legoland.

11+ Alton Towers

[ICantFindAFreeNickName]

I would vote for Legoland. As the above poster said she will grow out of Legoland in the next couple of years but Alton Towers is suitable for years to come.
I would not recommend the Machester Legoland Discovery Centre unless you are already in the area.