Review: The Lego Movie World at Legoland California Resort

After a 13-month delay, the all-new Lego Movie World opened at Legoland California Resort on May 27, 2021, bringing the blockbuster “The Lego Movie” and “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” to life by re-creating the Lego city of Bricksburg.

“We all know it’s been a tough year across all communities, but the great news is we are rapidly soaring toward brighter days filled with fun, laughter and excitement,” said Kurt Stocks, president and general manager at Legoland California Resort. “The launch [of The Lego Movie World] will play a key part in boosting tourism across Southern California ahead of what we expect to be a bumper summer, [and] we couldn’t be prouder … to be part of inspiring families to create lifelong memories together.”

The launch [of The Lego Movie World] will play a key part in boosting tourism across Southern California ahead of what we expect to be a bumper summer.

The colorful 2-acre land — the park's most significant investment since its opening in 1999  — features six new attractions, including three rides: Queen Watevra’s Carousel with 60 colorful Lego horses; Unikitty’s Disco Drop, a drop tower-style ride with upbeat tunes and screens that display Unikitty’s ever-changing moods; and Emmet’s Flying Adventure, a four-and-a-half-minute virtual flight onboard Emmet’s triple-decker couch over “The Lego Movie” universe. This flagship ride features a full-dome virtual screen, cutting-edge 4D technology and an exciting 180-degree turn.  

With bench seating similar to Disney’s Soarin’ Over California and the virtual roller coaster-like motion of Universal’s The Simpsons Ride, Emmet’s Flying Adventure combines the best of both popular attractions into something new.

“The sensation of flying through the lands you’ve seen through the two movies is really cool,” said Jake Gonzales, senior media relations manager for Legoland California Resort. “It's like being in an IMAX theater, but instead of the screen being in front of you, you're actually set inside it, and the screen wraps around the ride vehicle, which plays with your senses a lot as you’re dipping and falling. And then, it’s a 4D ride, so [with] the sweet smells from Cloud Cuckoo Land, the heat in Middle Zealand [and] the mist of the saltwater when you're in Pirate's Cove, you’ll actually feel those sensations.”

I took my 12-year-old twin nephews, Asher and Elijah, to the land’s opening day, and while tweens can be pretty tough critics, these two “Lego Movie” fans gave Emmet’s Flying Adventure two thumbs up. 

“I like that it’s virtual and 4D,” Elijah said. “I always like those type of rides, but the different scents and the water spray is extra cool.” 

Asher agreed that Emmet’s Flying Adventure is “different from rides that you normally see," and, he notes, even kids who didn’t see the movies will like it.

We are so proud of this land, because it isn't just another brilliant Lego-filled world, but it’s a world based on a popular film franchise that we know kids and adults absolutely adore.

The expansive new land also includes three brand-new eateries  (Benny’s Rocket Fuel, Cloud Cuckoo Crepes and Everything is Ramen!); meet-and-greets with favorite characters  in Emmet’s Super Suite (a replica of Emmet’s apartment from the movie); Benny's Playship space-themed playground structure; and, of course, an awesome dance party through the streets of Bricksburg.

Plus, Gonzales notes, fans of the movies will spot fun “easter eggs” (hidden messages, images or features) throughout Bricksburg, including a billboard advertising Emmet’s favorite television show “Where Are My Pants?” and a Lego model of Larry with his overly expensive coffee.

“We are so proud of this land, because it isn't just another brilliant Lego-filled world, but it’s a world based on a popular film franchise that we know kids and adults absolutely adore,” Stocks said. “The Lego Movie World truly has something for everyone, and we are excited to welcome guests to experience this new land, which takes them from the theater to the theme park.”

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Legoland California Resort