LEGOLAND California Resort provides a novel and fascinating exercise that provides an additional layer of enjoyable to any go to: LEGO Minifigure Buying and selling!
Very similar to the favored pin buying and selling discovered at Disney parks, minifigure buying and selling transforms a park go to into an interactive scavenger hunt the place the prizes are cool new LEGO characters.
This beloved custom, which started round 2010, encourages visitors to work together with park workers and fellow followers, making it greater than only a solution to get a memento – it’s an expertise.
See additionally: My Full Listing of San Diego Household Actions
Why Commerce? The Thrill of the Hunt
What makes swapping little plastic figures so charming? For a lot of visitors, particularly youngsters, I feel minifigure buying and selling is pushed by a number of motivations:
- The Pleasure of Gathering: Many LEGO followers have a specific character or theme that they love. Buying and selling provides an opportunity to search out that elusive determine wanted to finish a set or add a favourite character to their assortment.
- The Pleasure of the Search: It’s type of a park-wide treasure hunt. Scanning worker title badges and in search of out buying and selling posts provides a component of journey to the day. Personally, I discover the anticipation of discovering a “cool” determine the main draw.
- Social Interplay: Buying and selling encourages children (and adults!) to politely method and work together with LEGOLAND workers, often known as Mannequin Residents. You by no means know what different ideas and tips they could need to share.
- Will get Children Strolling: Whenever you need to maintain your crew on the transfer it’s an additional incentive to maintain strolling.
- Upgrading and Upcycling Your Assortment: Visitors can convey minifigures to the park that they now not need or want and commerce them for one thing new to them.
- A Price range-Pleasant Memento: Not solely is it enjoyable to convey determine from house to commerce, you could possibly the new-to-you minifigures a enjoyable memento (hopefully with out the added expense of shopping for LEGOs within the present outlets). Talking of saving cash, don’t overlook to take a look at my information on discovering discounted LEGOLAND tickets.
On the finish of the day (typically actually), minifigure buying and selling fosters a way of group amongst LEGO followers throughout the park, turning a easy transaction into one thing numerous children I do know stay up for.
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Tips on how to Commerce: The Official LEGOLAND Approach
LEGOLAND California makes the buying and selling course of easy and enjoyable. The official pointers comply with three easy steps, which you’ll be able to confirm on the LEGOLAND California web site:
- Carry or Construct a LEGO Minifigure: Begin with an entire LEGO minifigure. This may be one introduced from house or one from contained in the park whether or not bought or constructed.
- Discover a Minifigure to Commerce: Maintain an eye fixed out for minifigures displayed on the brick-built title badges worn by Mannequin Residents (park workers) or search for designated Buying and selling Posts positioned all through the resort.
- Ask to Commerce: Method a Mannequin Citizen with the determine you need to commerce. With your individual determine in hand, ask them to swap. Park coverage ensures they are going to all the time say sure! You’ll then hand over your determine, they usually provide the one you chose from their badge.
What Makes a Minifigure “Tradeable”?
A minifigure have to be full to be traded. It wants a head, torso, fingers, and legs. This is applicable to figures you convey and people provided by Mannequin Residents. I’ve learn some visitor stories that recommend equipment (like hats, hair, or handheld objects) are non-compulsory, however the official rule emphasizes the core elements, together with fingers and that’s been my expertise.
It’s finest to make sure that your buying and selling figures embody all their important elements as outlined by the park. It’s okay to make use of mixed-and-matched components, so long as the determine is full and makes use of real LEGO items.
What About LEGO Mates Figures (Mini-Dolls)?
Glorious query and there’s some nuance right here. Formally, LEGOLAND California’s web site says that any LEGO Minifigure may be traded, as evidenced by way of a Mates mini-doll picture for example.
Visitor experiences affirm that Mates figures are accepted at buying and selling posts and by workers. Nonetheless, a sensible situation exists: Mates mini-dolls don’t bodily connect to the studs on worker title badges, not like conventional minifigures.
Due to this, you’re much less prone to see workers carrying Mates figures for commerce. Regardless of this, I’ve heard that workers will nonetheless settle for them in commerce they usually typically discover artistic methods to connect them. So, whilst you may not commerce a Mates determine instantly off a badge, they’re typically welcome at designated buying and selling spots and are thought of fairly standard by some employees.
How Typically Can You Commerce?
As a lot as you want! LEGOLAND encourages visitors to commerce repeatedly all through their go to.
The place the Magic Occurs: Discovering Buying and selling Spots
Alternatives to commerce minifigures are plentiful all through LEGOLAND California and its related areas. Understanding the place to look will increase the possibilities of discovering that excellent determine.
Official Buying and selling Posts
LEGOLAND designates a number of particular areas as “Buying and selling Posts,” which frequently characteristic a wider choice of figures. Once more, you may discover the official checklist on-line as it may be topic to vary.
| Buying and selling Put up Location | Space |
|---|---|
| Visitor Providers | The Starting |
| SEA LIFE Aquarium Retail Store | SEA LIFE Aquarium |
| The Superior Store | THE LEGO® MOVIE™ World |
| LEGO Life Zone / Planet LEGO | Enjoyable City |
| King’s Market | Citadel Hill |
| Creativeness Zone | Creativeness Zone |
| LEGOLAND California Lodge Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Lodge |
| LEGOLAND Citadel Lodge Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Citadel Lodge |
Past the Posts: In every single place Else!
Don’t restrict the search to only the official posts!
- Mannequin Citizen Badges: Almost any park worker (at rides, meals carts, outlets, strolling round) may need a minifigure on their title badge out there for commerce. At all times be observant!
- Retail Show Circumstances: Many present outlets have small show instances, typically close to the money registers, holding a number of minifigures particularly for buying and selling. It’s all the time value asking on the counter for a commerce.
- Excessive-Yield Spots (In accordance with Visitors): Guests regularly report good finds on the SEA LIFE Aquarium Retail Store and the Lodge Entrance Desks. One visitor additionally talked about discovering favorites close to the Dino Dig space.
- The Elusive “Shifting Buying and selling Wall”: I’ve learn that there’s a big, cellular buying and selling wall that typically seems, although its schedule and placement appear unpredictable. Stories recommend it is likely to be operated by employees in teal shirts and sometimes “lives” or seems close to the Ninjago space or the ramp between Ninjago and The Massive Store. Asking at Visitor Providers would possibly yield clues about its look. I haven’t personally see it nor have my purchasers talked about it—so when you do see it tell us!
Don’t Count on Buying and selling within the Water Park
Sensible constraints associated to the water atmosphere imply that minifigure buying and selling isn’t actually practiced within the LEGOLAND Water Park when it’s open seasonall.
Suggestions for Terrific Buying and selling (For Dad and mom & Children)
To benefit from the minifigure buying and selling journey, I feel slightly preparation and technique go a good distance.
Earlier than You Go
- Collect Your Merchants: Look by you LEGO bins at house for full minifigures (head, torso, fingers, legs) which are now not favorites or are duplicates. Even “well-loved” figures or these coloured on is likely to be accepted, as employees could retire them from circulation. They need to be real LEGO model.
- Supply Figures (If Wanted): If the house assortment is sparse, examine thrift shops, yard gross sales , or on-line marketplaces like Bricklink for reasonable, used figures. Amazon additionally sells random tons.
- Resolve How Many: I wouldn’t essentially exit of my method to purchase extra, however when you might discover a handful that may be enjoyable. Possibly within the 4-6 vary. However actually, one or two is ok!
- Create a Want Listing: In the event you’re aiming for particular varieties of figures (e.g., Star Wars, Metropolis, or particular characters), jotting down a listing may help focus your search.
- Pack Good: Maintain buying and selling figures simply accessible in a small bag, container, or devoted minifigure case to so as to seize them shortly and transfer on to the subsequent exercise. Plus there is likely to be others ready in line behind you on peak days.
Coping with Incomplete Figures (The Upcycling Problem):
It’s widespread to have minifigures at house which are lacking a leg, an arm, or perhaps their head. Since buying and selling requires a full determine (head, torso, fingers, legs) , what may be finished if visitors need to convey these beloved-but-broken figures and make them trade-ready on the park?
The Construct-A-Mini Limitation: Whereas the Construct-A-Minifigure (BAM) stations have bins overflowing with components, visitors typically can’t purchase particular person components a la carte from these bins simply to finish their current figures. The BAM expertise is designed round buying a package deal of three full customized figures for a set worth.
Park Workarounds
- Purchase the BAM Package deal: Visitors might buy the 3-figure BAM package deal. Then, they will use the components from the new figures simply constructed to finish the figures introduced from house. This nonetheless entails a purchase order, nevertheless it permits salvaging unique figures. The leftover new components can kind the idea of one other determine or be saved for later.
- Purchase Thriller Packs/Units: Buying Collectible Minifigure “blind baggage” or small LEGO units containing figures is one other choice to supply wanted components throughout the park.
Greatest “Upcycle” Choice (Pre-Go to): Probably the most waste-conscious and cost-effective method is to search out the lacking components earlier than your LEGOLAND go to. However, let’s face it, we’d not have time to look or we all know the lacking components are actually lacking. You can even look to on-line marketplaces like Bricklink the place particular, particular person used components can typically be purchased very affordably.
Through the Hunt
- Be Observant: Regulate Mannequin Citizen title badges and examine the assorted Buying and selling Posts and retail counters talked about earlier all through the park.
- Encourage Children to Ask: I do know that is simpler stated than finished with little children. Keep in mind, Mannequin Residents are comfortable to commerce! I like this as a method for shy children to observe interacting with adults.
- Ask for Assist: If trying to find a specific determine, don’t hesitate to ask workers. They may know who has one or the place to look.
- Handle Expectations: The figures out there for commerce are continually altering based mostly on what different visitors have traded in. It’s going to be a mix-and-match assortment relatively than a curated assortment of uncommon objects. In my expertise, the purpose is to search out figures that you discover cool or fascinating.
- Search for Equipment: Whereas not required, discovering a determine with a cool hat, device, or perhaps a tiny LEGO animal may be an thrilling bonus.
Past Buying and selling: Park Collectibles
Minifigure buying and selling is a part of a broader park tradition that encompasses accumulating and interacting. Maintain an eye fixed out for different enjoyable, free actions equivalent to…
- Pop Badges: Collectible buttons themed to rides, occasions, or achievements (like First Go to or Bravery badges) out there from particular areas or employees members. Workers typically put on these on lanyards for buying and selling too. (Curious in regards to the rides? See my LEGOLAND journey information:
[Link to your LEGOLAND ride guide]) - Mr. Gold / House Child Hunt: A each day park hunt the place a restricted variety of particular Mr. Gold or House Child pop badges (or hidden envelopes) are carried by particular workers (typically these not dealing with meals/trash, typically safety or employees getting back from breaks) or hidden across the park. Discovering one yields a prize from Visitor Providers.
These actions, alongside minifigure buying and selling, encourage visitors to discover completely different park areas, have interaction with workers, and add an additional layer of interactive enjoyable to their go to.
After Buying and selling
Present Off Your Haul: LEGOLAND loves seeing visitors get pleasure from buying and selling! Share images of recent minifigure associates on social media utilizing the hashtag #LEGOLANDCalifornia.
Want Figures? Shopping for & Constructing Minifigures at LEGOLAND California
Forgot to convey minifigures, or need to begin recent? Don’t fear! LEGOLAND makes it straightforward to amass figures contained in the park.
Shopping for Pre-Packaged Figures
Thriller Packs: Many outlets promote the usual LEGO Collectible Minifigure Collection packs. These sealed bling packages supply a shock determine. Whereas thrilling, you would possibly get duplicates or characters you don’t significantly need, however these then change into excellent candidates for buying and selling!
Units and Extra: Retail areas promote commonplace LEGO units (which embody minifigures), in addition to minifigure keychains, magnets, and different themed merchandise.
The place to Purchase: Key spots within the park embody the next.
- The Massive Store (The Starting): Boasts the most important choice of LEGO units underneath one roof.
- Minifigure Market (The Starting): A main spot for getting figures, together with Construct-A-Mini packs. Additionally sells bulk bricks. I really feel prefer it’s not all the time open however The Massive Store is simply throughout from it.
- Themed Outlets: Wu’s Warehouse (NINJAGO World), Superior Store (THE LEGO® MOVIE™ World), King’s Market (Citadel Hill), SEA LIFE Retail Store, The Dive Store (LEGO CITY®: Deep Sea Journey), Brick Brothers Buying and selling Co. (Enjoyable City).
- Lodge Present Outlets: LEGOLAND Lodge and Citadel Lodge outlets promote figures and supply buying and selling.
Construct-A-Minifigure (BAM): Your Customized Crew!
Maybe essentially the most enjoyable solution to get figures particularly for buying and selling is the Construct-A-Minifigure expertise. In my expertise, this may get crowded!
What It Is: These stations characteristic bins crammed with all kinds of minifigure components – heads, torsos, legs, hairpieces, hats, and equipment. Visitors can combine and match to create their very own distinctive characters.
Why Do It: It’s the right solution to get figures prepared for buying and selling straight away. The constructing course of itself is a enjoyable, artistic exercise, particularly for teenagers. It’s typically thought of an amazing worth memento, sometimes providing three customized figures for a set worth. This setup encourages visitors to amass a number of figures, thereby facilitating extra trades all through the day. By providing this participating and value-driven possibility, particularly close to the park entrance, LEGOLAND cleverly integrates retail with the buying and selling exercise, guaranteeing anybody can take part simply.
Areas & Price:
- Minifigure Market (The Starting): That is the first, location for build-your-own minifigures. The price final time I used to be there was $14.99 for 3 figures.
- Brick Brothers Buying and selling Co: Similar worth and inside Enjoyable City.
(Notice: Whereas LEGOLAND Florida reportedly eliminated its BAM tables, LEGOLAND California nonetheless provides the hands-on constructing expertise ). An awesome tip, I feel, is to make the most of the early entry window (typically 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM for lodge visitors or sure passholders) to construct figures right here earlier than the park totally opens and rides get busy.
Package deal Decide-Up Service:
In the event you don’t need to carry new LEGO purchases across the park all day, LEGOLAND provides a complimentary package deal pick-up service that I’ve used previously on this second with my daughter.
Make purchases at numerous retail areas and prepare to have them despatched to the Minifigure Market in The Starting for pickup on the best way out (permit roughly 2 hours for processing time).
Visitors staying on the LEGOLAND Lodges may even have packages delivered to their lodge’s entrance desk.
Last Ideas: Comfortable Buying and selling & Constructing Reminiscences!
LEGO Minifigure Buying and selling at LEGOLAND California is extra than simply swapping toys; it’s an interactive journey that provides a novel dimension to the park expertise. I’ve all the time favored that it encourages interplay and a little bit of pleasant negotiation.
It’s accessible to everybody and provides a implausible solution to convey house customized souvenirs crammed with reminiscences. So, on the subsequent go to, maintain these eyes peeled, method a Mannequin Citizen with a smile, and prepare to commerce!