Legoland Windsor Resort opened for the 2020 season on Friday 13th March, followed by their new attraction for 2020; DUPLO Dino Coaster on Saturday 14th March. Attraction Source was in attendance over the weekend to take a look at the changes and improvements at the Resort for the upcoming season.
Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, both the theme park and resort hotels were open for business with extra measures in place to limit the virus spreading between guests. Hand sanitiser stations were positioned at strategic areas around the property, along with signage to encourage their use.
New for 2020, and aimed at younger guests, DUPLO Dino Coaster is the world’s first DUPLO themed roller coaster, featuring vibrant colours and an impressive amount of theming. The attraction had a special preview to guests wishing to pay £25 for the privilege of being one of the first to ride before the general opening at 12pm. Attracting a large queue shortly after opening, the wait time averaged at 60 minutes all day. Manufactured by MACK Rides of Germany, the short coaster provides a smooth and comfortable ride during its two laps of the circuit.
Duplo Valley has been refreshed for 2020. The land features a new puppet show – The Frog Prince, the outdoor play area Brickville has become Duplo Playtown containing a new play structure, and the Duplo Valley Airport attraction has received a brightly coloured makeover. Vibrant new entry arches greet guests as they enter the land at either entrance.
Previously named Atlantis Submarine Voyage, this immersive underwater attraction has been renamed Deep Sea Adventure and now resides in Lego City instead of Adventure Land. The ride’s nautical theme has been changed to a style which mirrors that of its counterpart at Legoland California, and features a new interior pre-show, refreshed exterior theme with a submarine, waterfall and life-size Lego sea creatures.
Initial construction has started for the new for 2021 area, expected to be The LEGO Movie World. Fences have been erected around the site and land clearing has begun. As Attraction Source reported in July last year, the area is due to feature a flying theatre attraction, two family drop towers and play equipment. A stipulation of the planning approval is that the pictured dead tree stump will need to be relocated to retain its ecological function. Closed off last season, the large expanse of decking adjacent to the lake has now been removed.
The Knight’s Kingdom castle has been fully repainted and looks as good as new. An attractive logo has been installed over the entrance to the castle courtyard. It’s nice to see Legoland take care of their classic attractions as well as invest in new ones.
A large amount of investment has also been made in to general maintenance over the winter season, with the majority of toilets being completely refurbished, improvements to Miniland, and increased upkeep of landscaping and gardening.
In February, Attraction Source was the first to reveal that Coca-Cola confirmed via the app that Coca-Cola Freestyle would be arriving at the Resort this year. The service is not quite ready yet as the units are currently under construction.
Did you visit the Resort for opening weekend? Make sure you share your thoughts over on the Attraction Source Forum.
