Next spring, a new LEGOLAND Discovery Center will be opening on the east coast. The new location will be housed inside the revolutionary American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Johnny Campbell, new openings director for Midway North America for Merlin Entertainments, tells Parentology how the new location will differ from others, and what parents can do to make the most of their LEGOLAND trip.
What to Expect
There are going to be a few new parks opening in the North Eastern US over the next 12 months — like the LEGOLAND New York Resort theme park in Goshen, NY on July 4, 2020 — but the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center will be the first of its kind to open in the New Jersey region.
“LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey will offer a fun, highly interactive, and educational experience with a range of exciting LEGO® play areas,” Campbell says. “These will include a brick pool, master classes in the Creative Workshop from the LEGO Master Model Builder, a 4D cinema, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, a café, a LEGO retail shop, and so much more.”
According to Campbell, this location will be the ultimate indoor playground for families with children ages three to 10.
How it Differs From Other LEGOLAND Attractions
The new location promises a lot of excitement with many attractions setting it apart from other locations. Among them, the Imagination Express train ride that allows guests to travel through an interactive LEGO world full of imagination and color.
“You can wave your magic wand to collect points as you go and see how your skills match up with the other passengers at the end,” Campbell says.
Also, inside the Build Challenge Area, kids will be able to meet their favorite LEGO characters every day.
Also, Campbell says, “One of the special features that makes this attraction unique from other LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s are replicas of local iconic landmarks found in our popular MINILAND.”
The display includes interactive models of New York City and New Jersey landmarks made from more than 1.5 million bricks. “You’ll see boats and towers glow as the little land changes from day to night.”
Partnerships and Upcoming Openings
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey will join New Jersey’s SEA LIFE® Aquarium at American Dream next year, as well. “The 25,000-square-foot aquarium, set to open in spring 2020, will be themed around New York City’s (NYC) most iconic moments and landmarks and is dubbed ‘City Under the Sea.’”
In the LEGO 4D cinema, fans of the LEGO movies will experience them in a setting complete with wind, rain and snow effects. Films on tap include The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure, a 4D movie starring Emmet, Wyldstyle, Benny, MetalBeard and Unikitty, plus Legends of Chima and Nexo Knights Book of Creativity.
Insider Tips
Public transportation for easy access to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is advised. Campbell says you can bring Minifigures to trade.
Wear socks so for time spent in the soft play area.
Campbell says the Build Challenge Area is the best spot for character meet and greets with Kai and Bertie, as well as a fun area for group challenges.
Those looking to upgrade can turn their Single Day Admission pass into an Annual Pass and take advantage of opportunities to upgrade to a LEGOLAND® New York Resort day ticket as well.
Keen to visit other LEGOLAND Discovery Centers? In North America, you can find them in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, Michigan, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Jose, Westchester and Toronto.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Sources:
Johnny Campbell, New Openings Director – Midway North America for Merlin Entertainments