There’s no Christmas like a Lego Christmas!
Santa Claus is coming to Legoland!
It was certainly Christmas come early for my kids when I surprised them on the last day of school with the news that we were heading to Legoland Malaysia for an afternoon of fun. They were ecstatic, naturally. My kids have grown up with Legoland, as we try to make the trip across the Second Link every once in a while, and I can quite literally mark the passage of time against their favourite rides, which change as they get older and taller — and meet new height requirements!
Legoland too has evolved over time, expanding and adding new attractions and shows. Each time we come, there’s something new! There’s Legoland Hotel Malaysia of course, which the my kids absolutely adore, and the Legoland Water Park which has become quite a highlight of the whole resort, and not forgetting Star Wars Miniland!
This time round, the weather is not the most cooperative (hello monsoon season!) but in between the scattered showers, we still manage to get a turn on some of our favourite rides. As always, we head right Lego City on entering the park and Noey goes straight for Driving School. No more Junior Driving School for him, not since he turned 6!
Getting acquainted with traffic rules at Driving School. No speeding!
He also cannot miss a turn at Beetle Bounce. Both he and Mei first got a go at this in Legoland Windsor and it always gives them the giggles!
Bouncing and screaming along on Beetle Bounce!
Noey also makes a beeline for his all-time favourite ride, The Dragon. This is a high speed thrill that has him screaming but he always goes back for more!
For Mei on the other hand, a turn on the Royal Joust is a must. You have to be 4-years old to ride, and she was so chuffed to qualify this year!
My little knight-ess gives me a wave from the Royal Joust.
This time round however, Merlin’s Challenge emerges as her favourite ride. She’s been on the ride since she achieved the height requirement of 100cm this year but it was only on this visit that she truly enjoyed this high speed carousel. It goes up and down, round and round, slow initially then fast and she is laughs in delight as we spin round. She and I took 5 rides continuously on this before Mummy here waved the white flag and asked to get off!
Round and round we go on Merlin’s Challenge!
Still rather reluctant to get off and go!
In between our rides, we also managed to catch Legoland Malaysia’s newest attraction — the Lego Ninjago Live Show: The Realm of Shadows at the Lego City Stage.
Let me just say outright that it was really rather good! I was not sure what to expect before I walked in but the show turned out to be an interesting mix of puppetry and cool video mapping and lighting effects. I later learnt that the style of puppetry is a traditional Japanese art form known as Bunraku, where the puppeteers perform in full view of the audience, though dressed in black, and each character is controlled by at least two puppeteers. I was very impressed by their coordination and skill! After a while, I hardly saw them as they faded into the background and the characters took centre stage. Indeed, amy kids were mesmerised by the adventures of Kai and Nya from nearly the get-go.
Sensei Wu!
Kai and Nya, ably manipulated by the “ninja” pupeteers.
This show is a world-first — do catch it when visiting the park! Tip: It is also a great-place to escape from the elements, whether the heat or the rain as the theatre is fully-airconditioned.
As part of their Christmas Holiday Extravaganza celebrations, the park opening hours will be extended till 7pm. A great opportunity to get in those extra rides! There is also a special Holiday Extravaganza Show with the highlight being the lighting of the Lego Christmas Tree at 6.45pm daily. Keep your eyes peeled for Lego Santa who’s got the key to the lighting of the tree because he does get a little lost sometimes!
Santa is here to light the tree!
The Lego Christmas Tree twinkling in the light!
There is also an Advent Calendar draw that takes place very day everyday after the Tree Lighting ceremony right up to 31 December where you could win a surprise gift. there’s a total of more than RM50,000 worth of prizes to be won! (Not by us, alas.)
If you plan to visit, do note that it is the monsoon season in this part of the world so do remember your ponchos! While there is the risk rain, we found that we managed to do all the rides we wanted in between and during the passing showers, we took the time to check out the indoor shows and arenas. Build & Test, Lego Star Wars Miniland and the Lego Ninjago Live Show would be our recommendations! On the plus side, it wasn’t as hot as it usually is in the park.
Have a very merry Lego Christmas!
* Thanks Legoland Malaysia for the invite to the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza launch!
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