LEGOLAND Discovery Centre — Attraction in Trafford

I am an avid Lego enthusiast and was eager to take my three grandsons (aged 5&6) to this experience whilst on a visit to the area. What I was expecting was an interactive experience with enthusiastic lego builders who would encourage said grandsons into building models appropriate to the various lego areas where a variety of bricks would be easily available for building a wide range of models. The actual experience was a 'car invention' area (which was the highlight of the visit) that included some bowls of lego that included a limited range of Lego pieces (large tyres, wheels, white technic lengths of same size, connectors, a few small wheels etc) with no help or instructions on how to use the pieces. Additionally there were two 'pits' full of random bricks and tiles - but again no direction. There was also a 'flower/plant building' area that was essentially a round table with 4 tiny inadequate chairs and 4 bowls of plant based lego pieces. There was also a creative animal area similar to this. A Duplo area (prescribed for under 5's) included an earthquake area which was interactive and could have been educational to older children. A ride included in the price included the 'Magicians Apprentice' which was basically a roundabout but could only take children over a certain height but needed an adult for each child under that height, which meant I would have had to queue three times with each child to ensure each of them had a go! The Ninjago play zone was a facade for a well received soft play area over several levels and included a ball pit. We also went to the interactive 4D cinema which was enjoyable but would have been better if we had been given the 3D glasses at the start rather than half way through. The climbing wall was also fun (but not lego related). I paid for 3 x children and 1 x adult tickets (at 10:40am) with the addition of a 3 x workshop at (11:00am) which amounted to £77.50 and the wristband I was issued with meant I should leave the facility at 13:00. This would have meant we would have only an hour to experience the complete facility after undertaking the workshop. Luckily as we attended on Easter Sunday when most of the Trafford Centre was shut and therefore the Legoland Discovery was extremely quiet and we were able to stay for much longer and didn't have to queue for rides etc. If we had attended any other day I dread to think about the quality of the experience!!!! With reference to the workshop - at least you get to keep what you make so good value - BUT - you don't know what you will be making and whether it will be of interest to the children. (In our case it was a seal - not their favourite tbh.) Soooooooo ...... if anyone is interested in how this experience could be improved (management please listen) Map of the area so you know what you can visit and where - could be interactive to show waiting times. Interactive screens giving easy to follow instructions for making simple models using available pieces within that area that can then be adapted and expanded. Staff who are given time to interact and support builders within specific areas - making the areas more interesting and interactive. Workshops at different levels and differing models so that users know what they are making and/or level of difficulty.? Ability to buy models made - possibly by a weight - like a pic-a-mix but for bricks?

Maybe one day I will visit again, but tbh I have a much wider range of parts available for my grandsons to build models with a wide variety of books and instructions to extend their imaginations whenever they visit (at no...

Updated Review: Visited 26th February 2022

After not visiting many places over the last two years, due to the pandemic, my son asked to return to the Lego Discovery Centre in the Trafford Centre. Expecting something new and some variation of what we had seen before, the experience had not changed, in fact it had got worse.

This is not a place for anyone who has children over the age of five! My son is seven now and after going on the introductory ride, watching the 4D movie and going on the Merlin ride, we were done for attractions aimed at his age group. There is a new VR racing game, that has replaced the police car ride which now only has Little Tikes cars for the under 5s, looks good but you have to pay an extra £5 for the pleasure.

The LEGO store at the end of the centre is also poor. Missing many of the month’s new releases (which we had to go to John Lewis to purchase), and no real exclusives to make it any more special than a visit to a Smyths.

LEGO really needs to overhaul the entire Discovery Centre, as it is dated, in need of renovation and boring for kids over the age of five. Very disappointing LEGO, very disappointing indeed.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Original review from February 2019: My 4 Year-Old son is becoming a HUGE LEGO fan and we thought that this would be a fantastic experience for him and a great way to judge if he would like going to LEGOLAND Windsor. We were not let down.

While this is situated in the Trafford Centre near Manchester and is a little restricted by size, LEGO has made the most of the same by filling it with a combination of rides, LEGO activity areas, exhibits, a 4D cinema experience and, as you might expect, a big LEGO Store.

This works well for younger LEGO fans (between 3 & 8) as it is all concentrated within a small area and they can see everything they can do. Older children my struggle however, as the rides are made for much younger children and the activities also.

It is expensive however, especially for the size of the experience. It’s £16.95 a child and £20.95, if you pay the walk up price but there are offers online or via vouchers and if you live close enough, you can get a yearlong pass. (Under 3s are free and all adults must be accompanied by a child).

My son loved his time at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and that is the point of any visit. My wife & I really enjoyed it too but be prepared to constantly be moving around as this is a full on experience.

Star...

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester is an indoor LEGO-themed attraction located in Trafford Palazzo, adjacent to the Trafford Centre. Designed primarily for families with children aged 3 to 10, it offers a variety of interactive experiences centered around the iconic LEGO bricks.

Key Attractions:

Miniland: A miniature LEGO cityscape featuring detailed replicas of local landmarks, including Blackpool Tower, Old Trafford, and the Lake District. LittleStuff

Interactive Rides: Includes the Kingdom Quest laser ride and Merlin’s Apprentice, offering engaging experiences for younger visitors.

4D Cinema: A theater showcasing short LEGO-themed films with added sensory effects like wind and water sprays.

Creative Workshops: Sessions led by Master Model Builders, teaching children how to construct various LEGO models.

DUPLO® Farm: A play area tailored for toddlers, featuring larger bricks suitable for small hands.

Soft Play Zone: An indoor playground allowing children to climb, slide, and explore in a safe environment.

Visitor Information:

Accessibility: The centre is pushchair-friendly and equipped with lifts, baby-changing facilities, and family toilets.

Dining: An on-site café offers a selection of snacks and beverages.

Retail: A LEGO store is available, featuring a wide range of LEGO sets and merchandise.

Tickets: Advance booking is recommended, with various ticket options available, including combination tickets with SEA LIFE Manchester. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Considerations:

Crowds: The attraction can become busy, especially during weekends and school holidays. Visiting during off-peak hours may provide a more relaxed experience.

Age Appropriateness: While the centre is geared towards younger children, older kids and adults may find the offerings less engaging. MadeForMums

Duration: Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the various attractions.

Overall, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester provides an engaging and interactive environment for young LEGO enthusiasts. Its combination of play areas, rides, and creative workshops offers a comprehensive experience that can inspire creativity and provide entertainment for the whole family. LEGOLAND...