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“Again, a review to add some balance to this list which...”

written by on 10/04/2011

Again, a review to add some balance to this list which seems to seriously polarise opinion.



Firstly, yes, Legoland isn't cheap - however, please show me a modern theme park that is... that's right - you can't. We opted for annual premium passes as we don't live that far from the park and, as it's the equivalent of 2 and a half visits at full ticket price, it makes sense for us. Having been for the first time at the weekend I don't regret our decision in this regard. Either way, it's a hell of a lot cheaper than flying the family to Disney where (for those of you moaning about the queues) things are much the same except some of the rides haven't changed in 40 years or more and you'll not only pay through the nose for it, you risk sunstroke while you wait.



Anyway, I digress.



So after reading some reviews, I felt compelled to respond to some of the points made.



Firstly - Q-Bot. Right, so this is quite an expensive bit of kit at £15 a pop for the standard unit (I'm unsure what the value of the deluxe version offers above this yet it costs another £15 which makes for a pretty steep outlay for a family of 4), but it should be considered a 'must have'.



For those who feel that using a Q-Bot is queue jumping - oh please! The Q-Bot isn't the preserve of the wealthy, if you can afford to stump up for the tickets in the first place and splash out £12 on a photo of a ride and £7-£10 on food per head then you can certainly afford a Q-Bot and it will save a LOAD of timewasting in queues. Having used one once, I wouldn't hesitate to use it again, despite the cost. Not wishing to stereotype, but the individuals I saw moaning seemed to have no problem being able to afford cigarettes and tattoos. Perhaps it's a question of priorities? Anyway, I accept that such an outlay may beyond the reach of some visitors and if it is, then I'd advise going later in the day (or go early for a couple of hours, then back again late afternoon - there's plenty to see/do in Windsor that costs little or nothing). Whilst you may feel that you're not getting the full ticket value by not being there all day, you'll get more done in less time. Most families have had enough by 3-4pm and go home. This leaves a quiet park and short queues, you can easily whizz round in a few hours, enjoy all the park has to offer and be home in time to put the kids to bed (albeit a bit late).



So enough with the social commentary and back to our experience of the park. We went on a peak day, with gorgeous weather on a 'Star Wars' event day so knew the park would be packed - and so it was (in the afternoon). However, to mitigate some of the gripes I knew we'd face, we brought our own food/drink, stumped up for a Q-Bot and got there nice an early and therefore parked up about 100m from the entrance. We managed about 10 rides by using the Q-Bot to sit in a virtual queue, whilst standing in a 'real' one. As soon as the Q-Bot had been scanned for a ride, I'd reserve the next one. In short, queue for the less popular rides to fill time in between, then rock up to the more popular rides when the Q-Bot is ready and annoy those are really just annoyed at themselves for not having the foresight or good sense to get one themselves - simple.



As for park access, if you think you can rock up at 10:30am and expect to waltz in - think again. This is the same at EVERY amusement park on the planet. Do you homework don't whine when you end up waiting in a queue like everyone else who doesn't take 5 minutes to do a bit of research on the day in question.



This review may sound harsh and it is - of the visitors who don't plan ahead and then moan as a result.