LEGOLAND California Resort presents a singular and fascinating 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 visitors to work together with park staff and fellow followers, making it greater than only a strategy to get a memento – it’s an expertise.
See additionally: My Full Checklist of San Diego Household Actions
Why Commerce? The Thrill of the Hunt
What makes swapping little plastic figures so fascinating? For a lot of visitors, particularly kids, I feel minifigure buying and selling is pushed by a number of motivations:
- The Pleasure of Gathering: Many LEGO followers have a selected 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 looking for 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 strategy and work together with LEGOLAND staff, generally known as Mannequin Residents. You by no means know what different ideas and methods they could should share.
- Will get Youngsters Strolling: Once you need to preserve your crew on the transfer it’s an additional incentive to maintain strolling.
- Upgrading and Upcycling Your Assortment: Company can deliver minifigures to the park that they now not need or want and commerce them for one thing new to them.
- A Finances-Pleasant Memento: Not solely is it enjoyable to deliver determine from residence to commerce, you might 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 overlook 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 inside the park, turning a easy transaction into one thing loads of children I do know look ahead to.
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Methods to Commerce: The Official LEGOLAND Means
LEGOLAND California makes the buying and selling course of simple and enjoyable. The official tips observe 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 residence 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 staff) or search for designated Buying and selling Posts situated 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 may 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 should be full to be traded. It wants a head, torso, fingers, and legs. This is applicable to figures you deliver and people provided by Mannequin Residents. I’ve learn some visitor experiences that counsel equipment (like hats, hair, or handheld objects) are optionally available, 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 elements, so long as the determine is full and makes use of real LEGO items.
What About LEGO Associates Figures (Mini-Dolls)?
Wonderful 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 means of a Associates mini-doll picture for instance.
Visitor experiences verify that Associates figures are accepted at buying and selling posts and by staff. Nevertheless, a sensible situation exists: Associates 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 staff carrying Associates figures for commerce. Regardless of this, I’ve heard that staff will nonetheless settle for them in commerce they usually generally discover inventive methods to connect them. So, whilst you may not commerce a Associates determine instantly off a badge, they’re typically welcome at designated buying and selling spots and are thought-about fairly fashionable by some workers.
How Usually 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 regularly characteristic a wider collection of figures. Once more, you possibly can discover the official record on-line as it may be topic to alter.
| Buying and selling Submit 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 Resort Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Resort |
| LEGOLAND Citadel Resort Entrance Desk | LEGOLAND Citadel Resort |
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, retailers, strolling round) may need a minifigure on their title badge obtainable for commerce. At all times be observant!
- Retail Show Circumstances: Many reward retailers have small show circumstances, typically close to the money registers, holding a number of minifigures particularly for buying and selling. It’s all the time price asking on the counter for a commerce.
- Excessive-Yield Spots (Based on Company): Guests incessantly report good finds on the SEA LIFE Aquarium Retail Store and the Resort 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, cell buying and selling wall that generally seems, although its schedule and placement appear unpredictable. Experiences counsel it could be operated by workers in teal shirts and infrequently “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 shoppers talked about it—so if you happen to do see it tell us!
Don’t Anticipate Buying and selling within the Water Park
Sensible constraints associated to the water atmosphere imply that minifigure buying and selling will not be 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 feel somewhat preparation and technique go a great distance.
Earlier than You Go
- Collect Your Merchants: Look by you LEGO bins at residence for full minifigures (head, torso, fingers, legs) which might be now not favorites or are duplicates. Even “well-loved” figures or these coloured on could be accepted, as workers could retire them from circulation. They should be real LEGO model.
- Supply Figures (If Wanted): If the house assortment is sparse, test 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 means to purchase extra, however if you happen to might discover a handful that will be enjoyable. Perhaps within the 4-6 vary. However actually, one or two is okay!
- Create a Want Checklist: In the event you’re aiming for particular kinds of figures (e.g., Star Wars, Metropolis, or particular characters), jotting down an inventory might help focus your search.
- Pack Sensible: Preserve buying and selling figures simply accessible in a small bag, container, or devoted minifigure case to as a way to seize them shortly and transfer on to the subsequent exercise. Plus there could be others ready in line behind you on peak days.
Coping with Incomplete Figures (The Upcycling Problem):
It’s widespread to have minifigures at residence which might be lacking a leg, an arm, or possibly their head. Since buying and selling requires a full determine (head, torso, fingers, legs) , what may be performed if visitors need to deliver 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, visitors typically can’t purchase particular person elements a la carte from these bins simply to finish their present 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 Bundle: Company might buy the 3-figure BAM package deal. Then, they’ll use the elements from the new figures simply constructed to finish the figures introduced from residence. This nonetheless includes a purchase order, but it surely permits salvaging unique figures. The leftover new elements can kind the idea of one other determine or be stored 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 inside the park.
Finest “Upcycle” Choice (Pre-Go to): Probably the most waste-conscious and cost-effective strategy is to search out the lacking elements earlier than your LEGOLAND go to. However, let’s face it, we’d not have time to look or we all know the lacking elements are really lacking. You can too look to on-line marketplaces like Bricklink the place particular, particular person used elements can typically be purchased very affordably.
In the course of the Hunt
- Be Observant: Regulate Mannequin Citizen title badges and test the varied 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 performed with little children. Keep in mind, Mannequin Residents are glad to commerce! I like this as a means for shy children to observe interacting with adults.
- Ask for Assist: If trying to find a selected determine, don’t hesitate to ask staff. They could know who has one or the place to look.
- Handle Expectations: The figures obtainable for commerce are always altering primarily based on what different visitors have traded in. It’s going to be a mix-and-match assortment fairly than a curated assortment of uncommon objects. In my expertise, the objective is to search out figures that you discover cool or fascinating.
- Search for Equipment: Whereas not required, discovering a determine with a cool hat, software, 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 amassing and interacting. Preserve an eye fixed out for different enjoyable, free actions akin to…
- Pop Badges: Collectible buttons themed to rides, occasions, or achievements (like First Go to or Bravery badges) obtainable from particular areas or workers members. Employees typically 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 staff (typically these not dealing with meals/trash, generally safety or workers 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 totally different park areas, interact with staff, 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 photographs of latest minifigure associates on social media utilizing the hashtag #LEGOLANDCalifornia.
Want Figures? Shopping for & Constructing Minifigures at LEGOLAND California
Forgot to deliver minifigures, or need to begin contemporary? Don’t fear! LEGOLAND makes it simple to accumulate 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 excellent candidates for buying and selling!
Units and Extra: Retail areas promote normal 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 biggest collection of LEGO units underneath one roof.
- Minifigure Market (The Starting): A major spot for purchasing 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 Retailers: 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).
- Resort Reward Retailers: LEGOLAND Resort and Citadel Resort retailers promote figures and supply buying and selling.
Construct-A-Minifigure (BAM): Your Customized Crew!
Maybe probably the most enjoyable strategy to get figures particularly for buying and selling is the Construct-A-Minifigure expertise. In my expertise, this will get crowded!
What It Is: These stations characteristic bins stuffed with all kinds of minifigure elements – heads, torsos, legs, hairpieces, hats, and equipment. Company can combine and match to create their very own distinctive characters.
Why Do It: It’s the right strategy to get figures prepared for buying and selling instantly. The constructing course of itself is a enjoyable, inventive exercise, particularly for youths. It’s typically thought-about an excellent worth memento, usually providing three customized figures for a set worth. This setup encourages visitors to accumulate a number of figures, thereby facilitating extra trades all through the day. By providing this partaking and value-driven possibility, particularly close to the park entrance, LEGOLAND cleverly integrates retail with the buying and selling exercise, making certain anybody can take part simply.
Places & 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.
(Word: Whereas LEGOLAND Florida reportedly eliminated its BAM tables, LEGOLAND California nonetheless presents the hands-on constructing expertise ). An important tip, I feel, is to make the most of the early entry window (typically 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM for resort visitors or sure passholders) to construct figures right here earlier than the park totally opens and rides get busy.
Bundle Decide-Up Service:
In the event you don’t need to carry new LEGO purchases across the park all day, LEGOLAND presents a complimentary package deal pick-up service that I’ve used up to now on this second with my daughter.
Make purchases at varied 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).
Company staying on the LEGOLAND Inns may even have packages delivered to their resort’s entrance desk.
Remaining Ideas: Comfortable Buying and selling & Constructing Recollections!
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 all the time favored that it encourages interplay and a little bit of pleasant negotiation.
It’s accessible to everybody and presents a unbelievable strategy to deliver residence personalised souvenirs stuffed with recollections. So, on the subsequent go to, preserve these eyes peeled, strategy a Mannequin Citizen with a smile, and prepare to commerce!