LEGOLAND California Resort affords a novel and fascinating exercise that provides an additional layer of enjoyable to any go to: LEGO Minifigure Trading!
Much 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 staff and fellow followers, making it greater than only a solution to get a memento – it’s an expertise.
See additionally: My Full List of San Diego Family Activities
Why Trade? The Thrill of the Hunt
What makes swapping little plastic figures so fascinating? For many friends, particularly youngsters, I believe minifigure buying and selling is pushed by a number of motivations:
- The Joy of Collecting: Many LEGO followers have a specific character or theme that they love. Trading affords an opportunity to seek out that elusive determine wanted to finish a set or add a favourite character to their assortment.
- The Excitement of the Search: It’s type of a park-wide treasure hunt. Scanning worker identify 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 most important draw.
- Social Interaction: Trading encourages children (and adults!) to politely method and work together with LEGOLAND staff, often known as Model Citizens. You by no means know what different suggestions and methods they could need to share.
- Gets Kids Walking: When you wish to preserve your crew on the transfer it’s an additional incentive to maintain strolling.
- Upgrading and Upcycling Your Collection: Guests can convey minifigures to the park that they now not need or want and commerce them for one thing new to them.
- A Budget-Friendly Souvenir: Not solely is it enjoyable to convey determine from residence 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 retailers). Speaking of saving cash, don’t neglect to take a look at my information on discovering discounted LEGOLAND tickets.
At the tip 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 plenty of children I do know sit up for.
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How to Trade: The Official LEGOLAND Way
LEGOLAND California makes the buying and selling course of easy and enjoyable. The official pointers comply with three easy steps, which you’ll confirm on the LEGOLAND California web site:
- Bring or Build a LEGO Minifigure: Start 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.
- Find a Minifigure to Trade: Keep an eye fixed out for minifigures displayed on the brick-built identify badges worn by Model Citizens (park staff) or search for designated Trading Posts positioned all through the resort.
- Ask to Trade: Approach a Model Citizen with the determine you wish to commerce. With your individual determine in hand, ask them to swap. Park coverage ensures they are going to at all times say sure! You’ll then hand over your determine, and so they 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, palms, and legs. This applies to figures you convey and people supplied by Model Citizens. I’ve learn some visitor reviews that counsel equipment (like hats, hair, or handheld gadgets) are optionally available, however the official rule emphasizes the core elements, together with palms 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 Friends Figures (Mini-Dolls)?
Excellent query and there’s some nuance right here. Officially, LEGOLAND California’s web site says that any LEGO Minifigure may be traded, as evidenced by way of a Friends mini-doll picture for example.
Guest experiences affirm that Friends figures are accepted at buying and selling posts and by staff. However, a sensible subject exists: Friends mini-dolls don’t bodily connect to the studs on worker identify badges, not like conventional minifigures.
Because of this, you’re much less more likely to see staff sporting Friends figures for commerce. Despite this, I’ve heard that staff will nonetheless settle for them in commerce and so they typically discover inventive methods to connect them. So, when you may not commerce a Friends determine straight off a badge, they’re usually welcome at designated buying and selling spots and are thought-about fairly fashionable by some employees.
How Often Can You Trade?
As a lot as you want! LEGOLAND encourages friends to commerce repeatedly all through their go to.
Where the Magic Happens: Finding Trading Spots
Opportunities to commerce minifigures are plentiful all through LEGOLAND California and its related areas. Knowing the place to look will increase the probabilities of discovering that excellent determine.
Official Trading Posts
LEGOLAND designates a number of particular places as “Trading Posts,” which frequently function a wider choice of figures. Again, you may discover the official checklist on-line as it may be topic to alter.
| Trading Post Location | Area |
|---|---|
| Guest Services | The Beginning |
| SEA LIFE Aquarium Retail Shop | SEA LIFE Aquarium |
| The Awesome Shop | THE LEGO® MOVIE™ World |
| LEGO Life Zone / Planet LEGO | Fun Town |
| King’s Market | Castle Hill |
| Imagination Zone | Imagination Zone |
| LEGOLAND California Hotel Front Desk | LEGOLAND Hotel |
| LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Front Desk | LEGOLAND Castle Hotel |
Beyond the Posts: Everywhere Else!
Don’t restrict the search to only the official posts!
- Model Citizen Badges: Nearly any park worker (at rides, meals carts, retailers, strolling round) may need a minifigure on their identify badge accessible for commerce. Always be observant!
- Retail Display Cases: Many present retailers have small show circumstances, typically close to the money registers, holding a number of minifigures particularly for buying and selling. It’s at all times price asking on the counter for a commerce.
- High-Yield Spots (According to Guests): Visitors ceaselessly report good finds on the SEA LIFE Aquarium Retail Shop and the Hotel Front Desks. One visitor additionally talked about discovering favorites close to the Dino Dig space.
- The Elusive “Moving Trading Wall”: I’ve learn that there’s a big, cellular buying and selling wall that typically seems, although its schedule and site appear unpredictable. Reports counsel 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 Big Shop. Asking at Guest Services would possibly yield clues about its look. I haven’t personally see it nor have my purchasers talked about it—so in the event you do see it tell us!
Don’t Expect Trading within the Water Park
Practical constraints associated to the water surroundings imply that minifigure buying and selling just isn’t actually practiced within the LEGOLAND Water Park when it’s open seasonall.
Tips for Terrific Trading (For Parents & Kids)
To take advantage of the minifigure buying and selling journey, I believe a bit of preparation and technique go a good distance.
Before You Go
- Gather Your Traders: Look by way of you LEGO bins at residence for full minifigures (head, torso, palms, legs) which might be now not favorites or are duplicates. Even “well-loved” figures or these coloured on is likely to be accepted, as employees might retire them from circulation. They need to be real LEGO model.
- Source Figures (If Needed): If the house assortment is sparse, examine thrift shops, yard gross sales , or on-line marketplaces like Bricklink for affordable, used figures. Amazon additionally sells random tons.
- Decide How Many: I wouldn’t essentially exit of my method to purchase extra, however in the event you may discover a handful that will be enjoyable. Maybe within the 4-6 vary. But truthfully, one or two is okay!
- Create a Wish List: If you’re aiming for particular varieties of figures (e.g., Star Wars, City, or particular characters), jotting down a listing can assist focus your search.
- Pack Smart: Keep buying and selling figures simply accessible in a small bag, container, or devoted minifigure case to to be able to seize them rapidly and transfer on to the following exercise. Plus there is likely to be others ready in line behind you on peak days.
Dealing with Incomplete Figures (The Upcycling Challenge):
It’s frequent 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, palms, legs) , what may be completed if friends wish to convey these beloved-but-broken figures and make them trade-ready on the park?
The Build-A-Mini Limitation: While the Build-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 current figures. The BAM expertise is designed round buying a package deal of three full customized figures for a set value.
Park Workarounds
- Buy the BAM Package: Guests may buy the 3-figure BAM package deal. Then, they will use the elements from the new figures simply constructed to finish the figures introduced from residence. This nonetheless entails a purchase order, but it surely permits salvaging unique figures. The leftover new elements can kind the idea of one other determine or be saved for later.
- Buy Mystery Packs/Sets: Purchasing Collectible Minifigure “blind bags” or small LEGO units containing figures is one other choice to supply wanted elements throughout the park.
Best “Upcycle” Option (Pre-Visit): The most waste-conscious and cost-effective method is to seek out the lacking elements earlier than your LEGOLAND go to. But, let’s face it, we’d not have time to look or we all know the lacking elements are really lacking. You may also look to on-line marketplaces like Bricklink the place particular, particular person used elements can typically be purchased very affordably.
During the Hunt
- Be Observant: Keep an eye fixed on Model Citizen identify badges and examine the varied Trading Posts and retail counters talked about earlier all through the park.
- Encourage Kids to Ask: I do know that is simpler stated than completed with little children. Remember, Model Citizens are glad to commerce! I really like this as a method for shy children to observe interacting with adults.
- Ask for Help: If trying to find a specific determine, don’t hesitate to ask staff. They would possibly know who has one or the place to look.
- Manage Expectations: The figures accessible for commerce are continuously 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 seek out figures that you discover cool or attention-grabbing.
- Look for Accessories: While not required, discovering a determine with a cool hat, software, or perhaps a tiny LEGO animal may be an thrilling bonus.
Beyond Trading: Park Collectibles
Minifigure buying and selling is a part of a broader park tradition that encompasses gathering and interacting. Keep an eye fixed out for different enjoyable, free actions akin to…
- Pop Badges: Collectible buttons themed to rides, occasions, or achievements (like First Visit or Bravery badges) accessible from particular places or employees members. Staff typically put on these on lanyards for buying and selling too. (Curious concerning the rides? See my LEGOLAND trip information:
[Link to your LEGOLAND ride guide]) - Mr. Gold / Space Baby Hunt: A every day park hunt the place a restricted variety of particular Mr. Gold or Space Baby pop badges (or hidden envelopes) are carried by particular staff (typically these not dealing with meals/trash, typically safety or employees getting back from breaks) or hidden across the park. Finding one yields a prize from Guest Services.
These actions, alongside minifigure buying and selling, encourage friends to discover completely different park areas, interact with staff, and add an additional layer of interactive enjoyable to their go to.
After Trading
Show Off Your Haul: LEGOLAND loves seeing friends get pleasure from buying and selling! Share images of recent minifigure associates on social media utilizing the hashtag #LEGOLANDCalifornia.
Need Figures? Buying & Building Minifigures at LEGOLAND California
Forgot to convey minifigures, or wish to begin contemporary? Don’t fear! LEGOLAND makes it straightforward to amass figures contained in the park.
Buying Pre-Packaged Figures
Mystery Packs: Many retailers promote the usual LEGO Collectible Minifigure Series packs. These sealed bling packages provide a shock determine. While thrilling, you would possibly get duplicates or characters you don’t significantly need, however these then turn out to be excellent candidates for buying and selling!
Sets and More: Retail places promote customary LEGO units (which embody minifigures), in addition to minifigure keychains, magnets, and different themed merchandise.
Where to Buy: Key spots within the park embody the next.
- The Big Shop (The Beginning): Boasts the most important choice of LEGO units beneath one roof.
- Minifigure Market (The Beginning): A main spot for purchasing figures, together with Build-A-Mini packs. Also sells bulk bricks. I really feel prefer it’s not at all times open however The Big Shop is simply throughout from it.
- Themed Shops: Wu’s Warehouse (NINJAGO World), Awesome Shop (THE LEGO® MOVIE™ World), King’s Market (Castle Hill), SEA LIFE Retail Shop, The Dive Shop (LEGO CITY®: Deep Sea Adventure), Brick Brothers Trading Co. (Fun Town).
- Hotel Gift Shops: LEGOLAND Hotel and Castle Hotel retailers promote figures and provide buying and selling.
Build-A-Minifigure (BAM): Your Custom Crew!
Perhaps essentially the most enjoyable solution to get figures particularly for buying and selling is the Build-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. Guests 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 immediately. The constructing course of itself is a enjoyable, inventive exercise, particularly for teenagers. It’s typically thought-about an incredible 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 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.
Locations & Cost:
- Minifigure Market (The Beginning): This is the first, location for build-your-own minifigures. The value final time I used to be there was $14.99 for 3 figures.
- Brick Brothers Trading Co: Same value and inside Fun Town.
(Note: While LEGOLAND Florida reportedly eliminated its BAM tables, LEGOLAND California nonetheless affords the hands-on constructing expertise ). An important tip, I believe, is to make the most of the early entry window (typically 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM for lodge friends or sure passholders) to construct figures right here earlier than the park totally opens and rides get busy.
Package Pick-Up Service:
If you don’t wish to carry new LEGO purchases across the park all day, LEGOLAND affords a complimentary package deal pick-up service that I’ve used prior to now on this second with my daughter.
Make purchases at varied retail places and organize to have them despatched to the Minifigure Market in The Beginning for pickup on the best way out (permit roughly 2 hours for processing time).
Guests staying on the LEGOLAND Hotels may even have packages delivered to their lodge’s entrance desk.
Final Thoughts: Happy Trading & Building Memories!
LEGO Minifigure Trading 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 at all times preferred that it encourages interplay and a little bit of pleasant negotiation.
It’s accessible to everybody and affords a implausible solution to convey residence customized souvenirs stuffed with recollections. So, on the following go to, preserve these eyes peeled, method a Model Citizen with a smile, and prepare to commerce!