Here's how to do Legoland Windsor on a budget
Louisa Sherlock
Associate EditorPlanning a family trip to Legoland? Then you’ll love these tried-and-tested tips to make the most of your day WITHOUT spending loads of money
When it comes to a day out with the kids, you’d be hard pushed to beat a trip to a theme park. But when you factor in tickets, parking, food and drink, the costs soon add up.
If your kids are desperate to visit Legoland Windsor, we've got you covered ...
There are lots of simple tips and tricks to help you enjoy the Lego attraction on a budget.
We’ve got the lowdown from Legoland insiders, along with tried-and-tested tips from real parents, who’ve all shared their hacks for the best day ever!
1. Be savvy with your tickets
Wondering how much a Legoland ticket is, and if you can get in for less? Buying tickets on the day cost from £66 while getting them online in advance works out from £34 per ticket. But there are loads of ways to get ticket deals at Legoland, and this can mean big savings.
Search for 2-for-1 deals on cereal boxes and snacks and other deals online. And look out for The Sun Superdays promotion, giving you 2 free tickets to the theme park. You simply have to buy 9 newspapers to qualify for the deal.
You can also pay for tickets using supermarket loyalty points, meaning you don't need to part with any cash at all.
2. Measure your kids
Before you click 'buy' on those Legoland tickets, grab a tape measure first ...
Children under 90cm get in for free, which can mean big savings if you're taking the whole family.
While your little one under 90cm can't go on the rollercoasters (check out the rides and height restrictions here), there's still loads for them to do: from exploring Miniland to having fun in Duplo Playtown and the Splash Safari.
3. Take your own food
Packing a bag with food and drink for the whole family is a real money-saver.
There are lots of picnic benches and grass areas were you can sit down to eat at Legoland. Be sure you have plenty of snacks: walking round the park is tiring work so your kids (and you!) are sure to want extra treats.
Just don't take any glass bottles – they'll be confiscated at the security point at the park entrance.
4. Go in term time
If you've got younger kids, think about going on a school day, and outside school holidays, when the price is always lower.
Legoland has an 'Adult & Preschooler' weekday ticket offer for just £29. It's valid for kids aged 4 and below and must be booked in advance.
Go with a friend and you can split the parking costs too. Win, win!
5. Beat the queues (without paying for Reserve & Ride)
Don't want to pay extra for Legoland Reserve & Ride? Arriving early means you can get on the most in-demand rides before the crowds arrive.
The park gates open at 9.30am and while you can’t get into the main park, you can head straight down to the inner gates, which are just past Miniland. When those gates open at 10am, go straight to the rides at the top of your list like Flight of the Sky Lion, The Dragon and the Lego Ninjago ride.
If there’s still no queue, ask the Legoland staff if you can to stay on for another go. (We’ve done this loads and it really works!).
Alternatively, arrive later and then stay until closing. Families tend to leave mid-afternoon so you'll have less queuing time.
6. Get the bus
You'll need to pay extra to park at Legoland Windsor. Booking in advance online will save you money.
Another option is catching the shuttle service from Windsor town centre. You'll need to pay for your bus tickets but it could work out cheaper than petrol and paying to park at the resort itself.
Here's the bus timetable, but it's worth checking with the local bus service before you travel.
7. Set a Lego shop budget
There's no avoiding the Lego shop on your way out of the theme park.
And while it's often one of the highlights of your child's day, it can work out pretty expensive.
Set a budget with your child before you step foot in the shop. This could be the pocket money they've saved up or maybe a £10 limit you've agreed to give them.
Here's what else you need to know
Make your day at Legoland even more special by following these simple tips ...
Go in reverse ... Head straight to the back of the park, to Lego Mythica World, as soon as you arrive. Most people start at the front and work back, so by going in reverse you should beat the queues.
Arriving there as close to 10am as you can means you’ll get on Flight of the Sky Lion, Fire & Ice Freefall and Hydra’s Challenge. Genius!
Download the Legoland app ... This keeps you updated on queue times so you can pick the best time to go. It will also show you when the ride is temporarily closed. But …
Always try your luck ... Even if the app shows a ride as closed, sometimes it reopens before the app is updated. If your kids are desperate to go on a particular ride, it can pay to head there anyway just in case.
On past visits we’ve got straight on Laser Raiders, Mia’s Riding Adventure and Haunted House doing this.
Have a plan ... With 55 rides and attractions to choose from, getting orgnaised in advance can help your day go smoothly. Before you arrive, look at all the attractions online and work out which ones you can go on/ want to go on. Here’s a Legoland map to help you plan your day.
Don't forget your cossie ... Legoland has a great splash park in Duplo Valley. Your kids will need their swimming costumes so make sure you pack them, and a towel.
There's no queuing to go on the Splash Safari and it’s a great place to have your packed lunch and a much-needed sit down!
Pssst …
Thinking of going to Legoland Windsor in half term? Their first ever Spring Fest is on until 5 June and features live performers, jugglers and Lego building activities for kids.
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