A disability guide to the park and resort
Thanks to our incredible experience at LEGOLAND Florida and the Pirate Island Hotel, I’ve been really excited to check out the newest LEGOLAND and resort in New York. I’ve come to have a high respect for LEGO and their attitudes toward inclusion, so I was glad to finally explore the newest installation of LEGOLAND parks. It did not disappoint!
The hotel alone would’ve been worth the trip for us, and we had a positive park experience. Still, my absolute favorite part of LEGOLAND New York is the clear intention towards better representation and inclusion. I loved that we could see all types of people represented in each part of the park. Even Miniland was diverse in both race and abilities. It was so neat to see!
Here’s everything you need to know for planning your own trip!
LEGOLAND New York park accessibility
The park itself has wide, smooth paths making it easy to navigate.
Inclusion requires much more than that. Here are some other accessibility features to make it a great trip!
Assisted Access Pass
LEGOLAND New York Resort offers an Assisted Access Pass. It’s actually a digital pass, but it needs to be activated at Guest Services upon entry to the park. Guest Services is just inside the entrance on your right. Make that your first stop to pick up your pass and answer any questions.
LEGOLAND’s digital access pass allows guests to hold their place in line without having to stand in line. You can download the app, or just use the website, to select your ride choice on your smartphone. Each virtual line has a listed wait time. Once that time frame has passed and your timer is up, you can proceed to the ride. The pass doesn’t expire. It’s your turn any time after the timer has ended. Once you scan for the ride, you can select a new option.
The pass is valid for the guest and up to five members of their party (six guests total). The guest issued the pass must ride in order for all party members to ride. You can only be in one virtual line at a time.
Ride Accessibility
The park map is a great start for mapping your accessible route, but don’t worry about what you can access. Anywhere there are stairs, there’s also a ramp nearby (even if it’s not indicated on the map). The park map also indicates accessibility information for each ride, including where a wheelchair transfer is required. While all theaters, shops, restaurants, attractions, and restrooms are easily accessible in your chair, most rides require a transfer. The only ride we were able to roll directly onto was the carousel.
While you can ride a wheelchair on the LEGO Factory Adventure, it has to be a specific wheelchair, so you’ll likely still need to transfer.
While it’s nice to be able to plan ahead, each ride also has clear signage near the entrance with accessibility information including ride access and sensory information.
Wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs can be rented from the next building over from Guest Services.
Mobility device accommodations
Before our son used a wheelchair, we used an all terrain wagon as transportation. This made sense when he no longer fit in comfortably in a stroller and he had crutches and other medical equipment that he needed to keep with him. Unfortunately, wagons aren’t allowed in many theme parks.
LEGOLAND New York is not a wagon friendly park. There are signs everywhere: no wagons allowed. They are, however, a disability friendly destination! That means you can complete a wagon accommodation request if it’s an accessibility need for you. Please don’t be the person who brings a wagon and doesn’t need it, but know that you won’t be excluded if this is your mobility device!
You can also use a stroller as a wheelchair, which means your stroller can still go in the no-stroller zones. You just need to get an identifying sticker from guest services before starting your day.
Certified Autism Center
LEGOLAND New York is a certified autism center! That means IBCCES has worked with the resort to conduct a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training. Every Model Citizen (AKA employee) has been trained in how to best serve autistic visitors and they’ve created a detailed sensory guide to help you plan the best day possible. Sensory information is also included on the accessibility guide posted at the entrance to each ride and attraction.
Adult size changing tables
YES! They’re one of those rare finds! You can find them in the First Aid in LEGO® City, First Aid in Brick Street, and the Family Care Centers.
You can find the full accessibility guide here.
LEGOLAND Hotel
Doing LEGOLAND New York without making it a LEGO themed slumber party would be a huge mistake. Why?
The fun
We checked in early so that we could watch a show, join a master builder class, play bingo, complete our in-room scavenger hunt, play in the kids’ area, build in the LEGO pits, roast s’mores at the fire pit, snap some pics with our favorite LEGO characters, and catch a story before bedtime! Phew!
It also helped to have an in-room building area, fully stocked with LEGO, to keep the other kids busy while we took care of medical routines.
The ease
You can see the park from the hotel windows. The convenience of waking up, grabbing a free hot breakfast, and walking to the park is unbeatable. The parking fee is covered with your room costs, so it’s one less thing to worry about at the end of the day.
The perks extend beyond location. LEGOLAND Hotel is an easy stay for wheelchair users. It was a good sign when we walked in and found the portable shower chair already placed in the bathroom. That was a first for us. Ever. Unless the chair is built in, we’ve always had to ask for a chair to be delivered.
From the spaciousness of the room to the placement of switches and peephole, the room is designed to create a relaxing and fun environment for all.
Pro Tips
Just a few more helpful things to know before you go!
Master Builders
This free building class takes place multiple times throughout the day in the resort. You’ll want to book your slot as soon as you check in, because the classes fill quickly! It’s a make and take!
Mr. Gold
Finding Mr. Gold could be its own day of fun at the park. Find Model Citizen wearing the gold pop badge and you can switch it in for a prize at Guest Services. The badge is dropped in a plinko style game and can win anything from a minifigure to three return tickets!
If you don’t see anyone wearing the badge, ask around to see if anyone’s seen him. Model Citizen’s will help when they can!
Minifigure Trading
There are several trading posts throughout the park. Bring an under-loved figure from home and trade it for something new at the park. You can trade as many times as you want!
LEGO Passport
Stop by the Big Store to pick up your LEGO passport. You can grab a stamp while you’re there, and collect stamps from other LEGO stores around the globe! This is a completely free activity.
Deals
There are lots of way to cut prices for a trip to LEGOLAND.
#1 Sign up for the emails. This is not a gimmick. I’m not being paid to say this. They send great deals that you will otherwise miss.
#2 Get a coupon. If your kids get the LEGO magazine (it’s free!), they often have BOGO coupons. I’ve also seen coupons at McDonald’s and Costco, but those seem to rotate and are not at all locations. You can also google “LEGOLAND coupon” and almost always find a deal.
Groupon also runs great deals – just make sure you read the fine print because their customer service can be a nightmare.
#3 Get a package deal. LEGOLAND runs lots of stay and save offers. If you stay in the hotel, you can usually take a big chunk out of your ticket price.
#4 Come prepared. Bring your own s’mores supplies, pack snacks, and eat off-site. Like any vacation, there are ways to keep costs down.
Lunch in the park makes sense so you don’t lose park time. Brickolini’s pasta was the best deal we found in the park – with family style pasta dishes (serves four) starting at 14.99.