It might take another couple of years until Shanghai opens its own LEGOLAND theme park, but for the time-being, brick-aholics can visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center to get their fix. Having recently undergone its first major facelift since opening in 2016, this interactive play center inside the Changfeng Joy City makes a fantastic weekend destination for families to visit. So join us as we take an exclusive look inside this LEGO heaven.
Shanghai Brick-by-Brick
To impress and inspire, LEGOLAND Discovery Center has a comprehensive model of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, built entirely out of LEGO blocks. The illumination level inside this room changes every five minutes so that families can appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of Lujiazui, People’s Square and Nanjing Xi Lu Pedestrian Street in different lights. Look closer, and you’ll find plenty of funny details embedded into the cityscape, such as the cycling monkey we saw here.
Hands-On LEGO Experiences
From assembling basic shapes to constructing a model of the Millennium Falcon, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the place to be for aspiring LEGO masters. Toddlers can explore the designated play area where larger bricks are available, while older kids can follow tutorials led by LEGO 'playmasters,' or experiment on their own at the venue’s various brick stations.
In addition, the discovery center has opened a new section titled Underwater Quest, where kids can create marine creatures out of LEGO blocks.
Fun Rides
All the entertainment features are adult-friendly. First up is a rescue ride where we embarked on a mission to rescue the LEGO Princess. To do so, we shot trolls and zombies with laser guns and unleashed the dragon who helped release the LEGO Princess from her tower. The experience seemed reminiscent of a Super Mario-Nordic epic mashup, and was surprisingly engaging.
Another entertainment feature at the Discovery Center is a horizontal paddle wheel. As the name suggests, the wheel moves when you paddle, and the faster you paddle, the higher the wheel will go. Within a modest amount of space, the wheel does move rather fast, and we enjoyed the thrill.
LEGO Jungle Gym
Inside the center is a three-level jungle gym, suitable for adults and kids to explore together. All the essential components are there: ball pit, slide and plenty of cargo nets for climbing.
4D Movie Screening
Like many success stories in the entertainment industry, LEGO has made a handful of popular television series and movies over the years. Here, the 4D cinema creates an immersive environment for the audience with light projections, rain and snow, which add an element of surprise as kids relish in episodes from LEGO Chima and Nexo Knights. Screen time starts at midday and ends at 7pm with eight showings daily.
Food & Drinks
LEGOLAND Discovery Center has a family-style canteen, offering casual lunch options such as sandwiches, pasta bakes and fruits for families. Fresh coffee and soft drinks are also available. If nothing here appeals to you, the shopping center outside offers an array of culinary choices, including Wagas, Poke Poke, a Spanish bistro and an American steakhouse.
The Birthday Room
To have the ultimate LEGO experience, consider booking a birthday party at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. A colorful room festooned with LEGO chairs and tables makes a fun place for kids to celebrate with friends and family. Birthday stars can choose between standard and lavish packages; both come with access to the facilities, a LEGO-inspired cake, coupons to the center’s comprehensive gift shop, and more complimentary services.
Mon-Fri RMB358; Sat-Sun RMB388; Public holidays RMB488.
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Standard ticket price RMB200 per person. Book your tickets in advance here. LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
