The "Unofficial" Guide to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta: Part1

What is this place, anyway?

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a mini theme park right inside Phipps Plaza. It includes rides, a 4D theater, hands-on activities, a factory tour, and more – all featuring America’s favorite toy – LEGOs!

The Review in a Nutshell

Heaven on Earth for the builders and dreamers in your family!

We are so excited about the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center that we are bringing you the details in a multi-part series over this spring. In this post we will deliver a general overview. Stay tuned for the nitty-gritty on each section of the theme park in upcoming posts!

When To Visit

If the summer holds true to the current traffic trends, it appears as though Monday is your best day to visit for the least amount of crowds. Of course, that can always change should there be groups visiting. Tuesday seems to be a quieter day also, but as mid week approaches, then the attendance seems to grow. Should you not have the ability to visit during the week, Sunday is your best choice for visiting on the weekend.

Right at opening is not bad at all, but it quickly gets busy shortly thereafter. Should you find yourself there from morning through lunch, plan on eating an early lunch around 11:30. When we have visited, there has been a clear exodus from the attractions to the Cafe area right around 12:30pm. We found ourselves able to karaoke, build cars, and ride Merlin's Quest without so much as a line at that time. Most families with younger kiddos will usually call it quits shortly after lunch. So if you can work against the traffic patterns, you might find the experience a little less crowded. Be warned..discounted tickets are sold for entrance after 4pm and traffic does pick up then again.

How To Get The Best Deals

While walk-up tickets are available, depending on traffic, it is always best to buy Legoland Discovery Centers tickets online. You will get a 10% savings over buying tickets at the door. When you book, you must choose a date and time. While you are limited to entering at that time only, once you are in, you can stay as late as they are open.

Discounted tickets are also available for entrance after 4pm. For an adult ticket, this amount to an over 40% discount.

Coupons are starting to circulate. Within the "Big Book of Info" 2012, from Atlanta Parent Magazine, there is a coupon on page 9 for Adult admission at Child's admission price. The "Big Book of Info" can be found at Atlanta area Kroger stores.

The KNOW Before You Go

• Bring Socks..the kiddos cannot play in the soft play area, LEGO Fire Academy, without them. Should you get there and realize you forgot them (that would be me), you can purchase a pair at the front where you get your tickets. $1.35 for one size fits all. Although they were quite big, they served their purpose and stayed on my 3 year old without a problem.
• During the week you may leave and re-enter on the same day, but on the weekend you CAN NOT re-enter once you leave.
• You may visit any part of the exhibit as much as you want , other than the initial LEGO Factory tour. Should you want to try your hand at Kingdom Quest again before you leave, just head back through MINILAND and give it another go. Stay tuned for more info on the highest score in Kingdom Quest and secrets to help you try and beat it!
• You MUST have a kiddo with you to visit. LEGOLAND has begun special Adult Nights, should that rule preclude you from visiting.
• Give yourself several hours to truly enjoy all it has to offer.
• Target age range for the kiddos is 3-10, but they do have a DUPLO village with large LEGO building blocks and a wee-sized slide for younger patrons. Children under 3 do not require a purchased ticket.
• LEGOLAND is stroller friendly and they have nice family bathrooms and diaper changing areas. CAUTION- on high traffic days this might prove frustrating in smaller areas like MINILAND and in the CAFE. If visiting on the weekend, then a sling or backpack may be the best option.
• No outside food is permitted. They do have a Cafe with snack and meal choices, and there are several options directly outside LEGOLAND, such as Moe's and Johnny Rockets.
• If your kiddo has an EXTREME peanut allergy, please be aware that their cafe serves PB&J sandwiches and that sticky fingers may be playing with LEGO pieces. Not trying to be ridiculous, but we know a few families that do have such extreme allergies that they have to consider this. Should you be one, plan on visiting first thing in the morning when environments are their cleanest.
• It's hard to believe this is true for ANYTHING in Atlanta these days, but parking is FREE. Park in the parking deck at Phipps Plaza and follow the signs to LEGOLAND. It is located on the upper floor across from the movie theater. You can literally take the elevator from the parking levels straight up to it.

Necessary Details

Please visit the website or call for costs, hours, program information, and more.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta at Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta GA
404.848.9252
http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta/

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Part 2: LEGO Factory and Kingdom QUEST

Part 3: MINILAND, Merlin's Apprentice, 4D Cinema

STAY TUNED FOR PART 4!!

Atlanta