LEGOLAND California Resort presents a singular and interesting exercise that provides an additional layer of enjoyable to any go to: LEGO Minifigure Buying and selling!
Very like 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 friends to work together with park workers and fellow followers, making it greater than only a option to get a memento – it’s an expertise.
See additionally: My Full Record of San Diego Household Actions
Why Commerce? The Thrill of the Hunt
What makes swapping little plastic figures so charming? For a lot of friends, particularly kids, I believe minifigure buying and selling is pushed by a number of motivations:
- The Pleasure of Accumulating: Many LEGO followers have a specific character or theme that they love. Buying and selling presents 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 sort 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, generally known as Mannequin Residents. You by no means know what different suggestions and methods they could should share.
- Will get Youngsters Strolling: While you wish to maintain your crew on the transfer it’s an additional incentive to maintain strolling.
- Upgrading and Upcycling Your Assortment: Friends can carry 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 carry determine from dwelling to commerce, you can the new-to-you minifigures a enjoyable memento (hopefully with out the added expense of shopping for LEGOs within the reward retailers). Talking of saving cash, don’t neglect to take a look at my information on discovering discounted LEGOLAND tickets.
On the finish of the day (generally actually), minifigure buying and selling fosters a way of group amongst LEGO followers throughout the park, turning a easy transaction into one thing lots of children I do know look ahead to.
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How you can Commerce: The Official LEGOLAND Method
LEGOLAND California makes the buying and selling course of easy and enjoyable. The official tips comply with three easy steps, which you’ll 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 dwelling or one from contained in the park whether or not bought or constructed.
- Discover a Minifigure to Commerce: Preserve 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 wish to commerce. With your personal determine in hand, ask them to swap. Park coverage ensures they’ll at all times 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 should be full to be traded. It wants a head, torso, fingers, and legs. This is applicable to figures you carry and people supplied by Mannequin Residents. I’ve learn some visitor reviews that recommend equipment (like hats, hair, or handheld gadgets) 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 embrace all their important elements as outlined by the park. It’s okay to make use of mixed-and-matched elements, so long as the determine is full and makes use of real LEGO items.
What About LEGO Pals Figures (Mini-Dolls)?
Wonderful query and there’s some nuance right here. Formally, LEGOLAND California’s web site says that any LEGO Minifigure might be traded, as evidenced by means of a Pals mini-doll picture for example.
Visitor experiences affirm that Pals figures are accepted at buying and selling posts and by workers. Nevertheless, a sensible problem exists: Pals mini-dolls don’t bodily connect to the studs on worker title badges, in contrast to conventional minifigures.
Due to this, you’re much less prone to see workers sporting Pals figures for commerce. Regardless of this, I’ve heard that workers will nonetheless settle for them in commerce they usually generally discover inventive methods to connect them. So, when you may not commerce a Pals determine straight off a badge, they’re usually welcome at designated buying and selling spots and are thought-about fairly well-liked by some employees.
How Typically Can You Commerce?
As a lot as you want! LEGOLAND encourages friends 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 probabilities of discovering that good determine.
Official Buying and selling Posts
LEGOLAND designates a number of particular places as “Buying and selling Posts,” which frequently function a wider collection of figures. Once more, you’ll be able to discover the official checklist on-line as it may be topic to alter.
| Buying and selling Submit Location | Space |
|---|---|
| Visitor Companies | 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 | Fort Hill |
| Creativeness Zone | Creativeness Zone |
| LEGOLAND California Lodge Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Lodge |
| LEGOLAND Fort Lodge Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Fort Lodge |
Past the Posts: All over the place Else!
Don’t restrict the search to only the official posts!
- Mannequin Citizen Badges: Almost any park worker (at rides, meals carts, retailers, strolling round) might need a minifigure on their title badge accessible for commerce. All the time be observant!
- Retail Show Instances: Many reward retailers have small show instances, usually close to the money registers, holding a number of minifigures particularly for buying and selling. It’s at all times value asking on the counter for a commerce.
- Excessive-Yield Spots (In accordance with Friends): Guests steadily 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 “Transferring Buying and selling Wall”: I’ve learn that there’s a big, cellular buying and selling wall that generally seems, although its schedule and placement appear unpredictable. Reviews recommend it could be operated by employees in teal shirts and infrequently “lives” or seems close to the Ninjago space or the ramp between Ninjago and The Huge Store. Asking at Visitor Companies would possibly yield clues about its look. I haven’t personally see it nor have my purchasers talked about it—so in case you do see it tell us!
Don’t Count on Buying and selling within the Water Park
Sensible constraints associated to the water surroundings 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 & Youngsters)
To profit from the minifigure buying and selling journey, I believe slightly preparation and technique go a good distance.
Earlier than You Go
- Collect Your Merchants: Look by means of you LEGO bins at dwelling for full minifigures (head, torso, fingers, legs) which can be now not favorites or are duplicates. Even “well-loved” figures or these coloured on could be accepted, as employees might retire them from circulation. They should 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 heaps.
- Determine How Many: I wouldn’t essentially exit of my method to purchase extra, however in case you might discover a handful that may be enjoyable. Possibly within the 4-6 vary. However actually, one or two is okay!
- Create a Want Record: In case you’re aiming for particular forms of figures (e.g., Star Wars, Metropolis, or particular characters), jotting down a listing may also help focus your search.
- Pack Sensible: Preserve buying and selling figures simply accessible in a small bag, container, or devoted minifigure case to in an effort to seize them shortly and transfer on to the following exercise. Plus there could be others ready in line behind you on peak days.
Coping with Incomplete Figures (The Upcycling Problem):
It’s frequent to have minifigures at dwelling which can be lacking a leg, an arm, or possibly their head. Since buying and selling requires a full determine (head, torso, fingers, legs) , what might be carried out if friends wish to carry 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 elements, friends usually can not purchase particular person elements a la carte from these bins simply to finish their present figures. The BAM expertise is designed round buying a bundle of three full customized figures for a set value.
Park Workarounds
- Purchase the BAM Bundle: Friends might buy the 3-figure BAM bundle. Then, they’ll use the elements from the new figures simply constructed to finish the figures introduced from dwelling. This nonetheless entails a purchase order, but it surely permits salvaging unique figures. The leftover new elements can type the premise of one other determine or be saved for later.
- Purchase Thriller Packs/Units: Buying Collectible Minifigure “blind luggage” or small LEGO units containing figures is one other choice to supply wanted elements throughout the park.
Greatest “Upcycle” Choice (Pre-Go to): Probably the most waste-conscious and cost-effective method is to search out the lacking elements earlier than your LEGOLAND go to. However, let’s face it, we would not have time to look or we all know the lacking elements are really lacking. You may as well look to on-line marketplaces like Bricklink the place particular, particular person used elements can usually be purchased very affordably.
In the course of the Hunt
- Be Observant: Keep watch over Mannequin Citizen title badges and examine the assorted Buying and selling Posts and retail counters talked about earlier all through the park.
- Encourage Youngsters to Ask: I do know that is simpler mentioned than carried out with little children. Bear in mind, Mannequin Residents are glad to commerce! I really like this as a method for shy children to follow interacting with adults.
- Ask for Assist: If looking for a specific determine, don’t hesitate to ask workers. They may know who has one or the place to look.
- Handle Expectations: The figures accessible for commerce are always altering primarily based on what different friends have traded in. It’s going to be a mix-and-match assortment somewhat than a curated assortment of uncommon gadgets. In my expertise, the objective is to search out figures that you discover cool or attention-grabbing.
- Search for Equipment: Whereas not required, discovering a determine with a cool hat, software, or perhaps a tiny LEGO animal might be an thrilling bonus.
Past Buying and selling: Park Collectibles
Minifigure buying and selling is a part of a broader park tradition that encompasses gathering and interacting. Preserve an eye fixed out for different enjoyable, free actions resembling…
- Pop Badges: Collectible buttons themed to rides, occasions, or achievements (like First Go to or Bravery badges) accessible from particular places or employees members. Employees usually put on these on lanyards for buying and selling too. (Curious concerning the rides? See my LEGOLAND journey information:
[Link to your LEGOLAND ride guide]) - Mr. Gold / Area Child Hunt: A every day park hunt the place a restricted variety of particular Mr. Gold or Area Child pop badges (or hidden envelopes) are carried by particular workers (usually these not dealing with meals/trash, generally safety or employees getting back from breaks) or hidden across the park. Discovering one yields a prize from Visitor Companies.
These actions, alongside minifigure buying and selling, encourage friends to discover completely different park areas, interact 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 friends get pleasure from buying and selling! Share photographs of recent minifigure buddies on social media utilizing the hashtag #LEGOLANDCalifornia.
Want Figures? Shopping for & Constructing Minifigures at LEGOLAND California
Forgot to carry minifigures, or wish to begin contemporary? Don’t fear! LEGOLAND makes it simple to amass figures contained in the park.
Shopping for Pre-Packaged Figures
Thriller Packs: Many retailers promote the usual LEGO Collectible Minifigure Sequence packs. These sealed bling packages supply a shock determine. Whereas thrilling, you would possibly get duplicates or characters you don’t notably need, however these then change into good candidates for buying and selling!
Units and Extra: Retail places promote commonplace LEGO units (which embrace minifigures), in addition to minifigure keychains, magnets, and different themed merchandise.
The place to Purchase: Key spots within the park embrace the next.
- The Huge Store (The Starting): Boasts the biggest collection of LEGO units below 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 at all times open however The Huge Store is simply throughout from it.
- Themed Retailers: Wu’s Warehouse (NINJAGO World), Superior Store (THE LEGO® MOVIE™ World), King’s Market (Fort Hill), SEA LIFE Retail Store, The Dive Store (LEGO CITY®: Deep Sea Journey), Brick Brothers Buying and selling Co. (Enjoyable City).
- Lodge Present Retailers: LEGOLAND Lodge and Fort Lodge retailers promote figures and supply buying and selling.
Construct-A-Minifigure (BAM): Your Customized Crew!
Maybe essentially the most enjoyable option to get figures particularly for buying and selling is the Construct-A-Minifigure expertise. In my expertise, this could get crowded!
What It Is: These stations function bins stuffed with all kinds of minifigure elements – heads, torsos, legs, hairpieces, hats, and equipment. Friends can combine and match to create their very own distinctive characters.
Why Do It: It’s the proper option to get figures prepared for buying and selling instantly. The constructing course of itself is a enjoyable, inventive exercise, particularly for youths. It’s usually thought-about a terrific worth memento, usually providing three customized figures for a set value. This setup encourages friends to amass a number of figures, thereby facilitating extra trades all through the day. By providing this participating and value-driven choice, particularly close to the park entrance, LEGOLAND cleverly integrates retail with the buying and selling exercise, guaranteeing anybody can take part simply.
Areas & Value:
- Minifigure Market (The Starting): That is the first, location for build-your-own minifigures. The associated fee final time I used to be there was $14.99 for 3 figures.
- Brick Brothers Buying and selling Co: Similar value and inside Enjoyable City.
(Notice: Whereas LEGOLAND Florida reportedly eliminated its BAM tables, LEGOLAND California nonetheless presents the hands-on constructing expertise ). A terrific tip, I believe, is to make the most of the early entry window (usually 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM for lodge friends or sure passholders) to construct figures right here earlier than the park absolutely opens and rides get busy.
Bundle Decide-Up Service:
In case you don’t wish to carry new LEGO purchases across the park all day, LEGOLAND presents a complimentary bundle pick-up service that I’ve used previously on this second with my daughter.
Make purchases at numerous retail places and prepare to have them despatched to the Minifigure Market in The Starting for pickup on the way in which out (enable roughly 2 hours for processing time).
Friends staying on the LEGOLAND Resorts may even have packages delivered to their lodge’s entrance desk.
Last Ideas: Blissful 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 singular dimension to the park expertise. I’ve at all times favored that it encourages interplay and a little bit of pleasant negotiation.
It’s accessible to everybody and presents a implausible option to carry dwelling personalised souvenirs stuffed with reminiscences. So, on the following go to, maintain these eyes peeled, method a Mannequin Citizen with a smile, and prepare to commerce!